Caustic Soda + Blocked Bath Pipe

[chrissa1]

The water is running away very slowly from my bath, I've checked the receptacle thing up the wall outside and that is clear.
I bought some soda and am wondering if I put it down the plughole in crystal form and run the hot water tap or do I dilute it first?

Does it need boiling water from the kettle also? Thanks.

[sandyRoe]

I think you should be careful with caustic soda. What about trying something like this?

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/20315/Free-Flow-Bathroom-Drain-Cleaner?src=gfeed&gclid=CO-I1JHykrUCFePHtAodWiUA6Q

[douglas9401]

If it's caustic soda crystals you have chrissa, the first thing you have to do is get safety glasses or a visor and a pair of rubber coated gloves. You don't want that stuff spalashing on your body.
Then
Put the crystals into the drain and pour very hot water directly onto them trying to avoid splashback.

Be very careful.

[ladybirder]

Are you sure it's not bunged up with hair? Have a poke around and see.

[chrissa1]

When I say Caustic Soda, the name on the packet is just Soda. It does say it clears drains Sandyroe

By the way, when you kindly answered my question about my glasses making my nose sore, you were right. I got new pads and problem solved. Cheers,

[chrissa1]

Oh right Douglas. Will do.

It's not hair ladybirder, we've checked.

[Hopkirk]

NO.

Read the instructions on the bottle carefully!

You must not add water to the soda, you must add soda to cold water then mix it and pour it down the drain.

Do not breathe the fumes.

It is dangerous stuff, so the advice to wear gloves and goggles is good.

[sandyRoe]

Glad to have been of help, Chrissa.

[chrissa1]

OOh err. Thanks. I'll take care.

[cherryelm]

I usually just put a handful of soda crystals in the plug hole and pour on a kettle full of boiling water that usually does the trick. Soda crystals are completely different to caustic soda and they can be used for loads of things around the house. Good old fashioned product!

[Hopkirk]

..or get something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Toilet-Plunger-Drain-Blockage-Cleaner-Sucker-Sink-Shower-Bath-Buster-/271135884616?pt=UK_DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item3f20f54548

[Hopkirk]

If you use caustic, read this first.

http://thegreentouch.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/2-using-caustic-soda-safety-precautions.html

[pinkyboyid]

Instead, I would try using using a reasonable length of Curtain Wire with a small curtain hook fitted on the end, the type used for net curtains. Always worked ok for me for unblocking bath/waste pipes!

[marje]

When my bathroom sink gets blocked but I use a full bottle of drain unblocking liquid, 59p I think it was, from Home Bargains. Clears it in 30 mins.

[rikilee]

I had this problem chrissa and tried everything,turned out the answer was simple,it was hair but it was under the plughole,i just poke tweesers into each of the six little holes and pull it out,simples!!!

[The Builder]

Chrissa, can you take the bath panel off and get under the bath?
You'll find a "trap" screwed onto the waste (plughole). It's where all the hair and gunk will be. It just needs unscrewing and cleaning out.

[chrissa1]

Thank all.

I thought the general consensus on here was that "drain unpluggers" were not worth the money. I'll give the curtain wire a go and then try the soda and boiling water.

I'm not savvy enough to take the bath panel off the builder. Lol.

Thanks again.

[chrissa1]

I have just tried your idea pinkyboyid and a great big gobbit of hair came through the hole!!!
I then went further and unscrewed the plughole and lo and behold, cleared the whole thing. I ran the hot water tap and after about 30 seconds there was a Buuuurrrrp and voila, a clear pipe. Yaaay.

Thanks all.

[chrissa1]

So much for, "It's not hair ladybirder, we've checked." Duh!!

[pinkyboyid]

Fantastic result, glad to have assisted!.

[Sir Alec]

I put 2 tbs bicarbonate of soda down the plughole followed by slowly pouring half a bottle of white spirit vinegar, waiting for the frothing to stop between pourings. Leave it for 15 mins then rinse with hot water. Gets rid of any 'blocked drain' smells too.