How can I dissolve pipe sludge found on the drain pipe from my shower?

Answer 1

CLR or Drano

Answer 2

Do not mix Drano together with an acid based product. The mixture could cause a chemical explosion, when the acid meets the base. A woman lost her eyesight and successfully sued (about 15 years ago). The 2 manufacturers paid out bigtime, for n ot having a warning on the labelling of their product packageing.
Drano's main ingredient, is the basic chemical sodium hydroxide. There are also aluminum pieces in the Drano can mixture to react with the water and generate gas that stirs up the blocking accumulated sludge in the pie as the caustic sodium hyroxide dissoves and breaks don material such as hair. C.L.R. is mainly a strong acid, I believe that it is concentrated phosphoric acid.
Muriatic acid is another name for somewhat diluted hydrochloric acid. It is 40% HCl.
Those 2 acids will work well given a little time and a thorough water flushing, later on. Neither of them should get anywhere near Drano.
Also, muriatic acid should be saved for serious jobs. Because it can attack the steel or other metal in the pipe walls. Plastic pipes are not affected by acids nor bases.
When these product are employed. Eye protect is strongly advised. Also rubber gloves and wear cheap expendable clothes. And do not splash any of the liquids around
Dan the Answers-Man.

Answer 3

Get some of that Draino stuff thats new. The commercials show a woman using the stuff then the sink clog shoots through the pipe, into the harbor, onto a boat, and then onto a woman's dinner plate. Don't know how well it really works, but its a great commercial.

Answer 4

You could also try a non-chemical way first, since drain cleaners tend to be caustic and dangerous and often bad for your pipes. A pipe snake (mechanical) or the "drain king" (pressure-based) has worked much better for me than Drano and similar products.

Answer 5

Before you use draino or anthing like that, you need to know what kind of pipes you have (usually copper or pvc). Pipe cleaners, like Draino, are made for specific types of pipes and can eat through others. So, make sure that you find a chemical that is ok to use with your type of pipes.

Answer 6

Draino

Answer 7

Drano ..... put it in. Let it soak. Then put in hot water. Be careful that you don't splash it on yourself.

Answer 8

you can use muratic acid