The vast majority of blocked drains are caused by jammed up debris like hair, food particles and other unwanted materials. Here we know how to uses caustic soda.

1. Unblock a Drain
Using Caustic Soda

2. Introduction
• Although fairly common, a blocked drain is enough to drive most
people to their wit’s end. An obvious recourse in such cases is to call on
the plumber and while that’s a sensible option, there are certain things
that you can do yourself to unblock a drain.
• The vast majority of blocked drains are caused by jammed up debris
like hair, food particles and other unwanted materials.
• Natural drain cleaners are often ineffective at removing this debris
completely, which means chemical-based cleaners are your best
option.
• Here we look at one such cleaning agent, caustic soda, and how to use
it to unblock drains in your house

3. What is caustic soda?
• The chemical name of caustic soda is
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and it’s also
known as lye. The name caustic soda
is derived from the material’s origins
as a sodium hydrate and it’s called
caustic because, well, it’s highly
corrosive in nature.
• It’s the last bit that is of most interest
when we talk of unclogging blocked
drains.

4. How to use caustic soda for cleaning &
unclogging drains?
• Take a large bucket and dilute 3 cups (750 ml) of caustic soda in 3 litres of cold water.
• Use a wooden spoon or stirrer to mix the soda and the water.
• Do not use these containers and utensils for any cooking-related purpose later on.
Also, avoid using your hands to stir the mixture.
• As you mix up the two, you should see a bit of fizz and some amount of heat.
• Now pour this solution straight drown the blocked drain and let it sit undisturbed for
30 minutes.
• Now boil 4 litres of water and use it to flush the drain.
• If the block persists, you can repeat this procedure a couple of times.

5. Considerations when using caustic soda
• Although highly effective, using caustic soda to clear blocked drains is not without
its share of challenges. The biggest risk it poses is to your health and safety.
• Caustic soda’s corrosive nature, while a boon when trying to get rid of difficult
blockages, can lead to vision impairment.
• At the very least, direct contact can create a burning sensation and swelling in the
eyes and the skin.
• The consequences of ingesting it are far more serious. From chemical burns to
gastrointestinal ulceration and even death, caustic soda’s effects on health can be
devastating.
• If you have decided to use caustic soda to clear a blocked drain, do so after wearing
full protective equipment. When you are done using the caustic soda, secure it
properly and store it out of the reach of children.

6. • 4 Ways to Prevent Blocked Drains
• How to Unblock a Drain
• The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning
• All about the London Thames Tideway Tunnel Project
Other Tips & Advice

7. Contact Us
www.bdsdrainage.co.uk
enquiries@bdsdrainage.co.uk
08081 689 112, 02036 757 174, 074646 316 51