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Bath oil clogging drains...

5 replies

Millionprammiles · 26/02/2015 16:13

Does anyone have a foolproof method for clearing grease from drains?

We have to use a bath oil for dd as she has eczema, the oil I think is clogging up the drains as there's an awful smell every time (but only when) we drain the bath. The same thing happened at our last home so I think its the oil rather than the plumbing.

Have tried the usual Mr Muscle drain unblocker stuff but it doesn't seem to help much. Its the smell that's an issue rather than blockages.

Saw some scary looking stuff with hazard symbols but not sure if can use it in baths or not....caustic soda? Sulphuric acid??? Any help appreciated.

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PigletJohn · 26/02/2015 16:41

Washing Soda Crystals.

Pack the waste trap and the overflow with them at night, add just enough hot water to moisten them but not to wash them away. Next morning add just a kettle of hot water to wash them into the waste pipe. About once a week is enough for most people, but if you are tipping oil in, maybe more often. Use kitchen roll to wipe the grease off the bath, and bin it.

If you think there is already a backlog of grease in the drains, dissolve a bag of crystals in a bucket of very hot water and pour it slowly down the plughole.

It is not not not not the same as Caustic Soda, an ingredient of drain unblocker, which attacks grease, but also skin and eyeballs.

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Millionprammiles · 26/02/2015 20:22

Piglet - thanks v much. I had a vague idea soda crystals did something but wasn't sure what to do, will try that.

I bought caustic soda but frankly am too scared to open it and will just lock it away in a cupboard somewhere.

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PigletJohn · 26/02/2015 20:26

you may as well get rid of the caustic by pouring it down the drain according to the instructions. Rinse well with water before anybody can get near it and before you use any other chemical.

If you ever get a plumber to a blockage you must warn him what chemicals you have used as he may get splashed or burned.

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PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 26/02/2015 20:34

Ooh, I was about to give the same advice about soda crystals. Same advice as the expert

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Millionprammiles · 26/02/2015 21:46

I think I might return the c soda and exchange for s crystals. Not feeling particularly brave. Dp has pointed out that c soda is used by mafioso to get rid of dead bodies!

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