Caustic soda can be easily found in many homes, so find out more about this product and the best ways to use it.
Caustic soda, the popular name for sodium hydroxide, is a substance created from the reaction between water and sodium chloride. This compound has a high degreasing and corrosive power, which is why it is commonly used to unclog pipes in most homes. But is this really a good alternative?
Before answering this question, know that this product is available in scales and in the form of solutions. In the latter case, it is less concentrated and its action less intense than in the case of soda flakes. In the domestic environment, in addition to being widely used to unclog sinks, vases and pipes, caustic soda is also widely used in the manufacture of homemade soap.
In the industrial area, caustic soda is widely used as an input in the manufacture of detergents and soap, paper and cardboard, oils and fats, ceramics, rubber, mining, in the textile sector, in sugar mills, in the chemical industry, in pharmaceutical laboratories and even in the production of drinks and food.
In the food sector, caustic soda is used in the chemical peeling of vegetables, in the softening of fruits, in the blanching of meat. Furthermore, it is used to correct the pH of some products, a function that is also applied in the pharmaceutical industry.
As a cleaning agent, caustic soda is used in general cleaning, to remove installed fatty acids, to unclog pipes, to corrode paint and varnish residues and to neutralize pollution.
Dangers of Caustic Soda
As it is a substance with a very strong composition, caustic soda must be handled with great care. This is because it is very harmful to human health and can even be fatal. Contact of this product with the skin or ingestion can cause serious problems, such as irritation, burns and gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, if you have children or animals at home, try to keep the caustic soda in places that cannot be reached.
Furthermore, as it is a powerful corrosive agent, the action of caustic soda can damage the piping, causing much greater damage and compromising the property’s infrastructure. Therefore, the best option in these cases is to look for companies specialized in unclogging.
Can I use soda to unclog pipes?
Well, the answer is yes, but this is not always a good alternative. This is because, in some cases, it can actually dissolve what is causing the pipe blockage, but in others, it will only damage the pipe. PVC pipes, for example, lose their resistance when they come into contact with caustic soda, which can crack and cause leaks.
Furthermore, when it comes into contact with fats and water, caustic soda can solidify this fat, making the clogged pipe situation even worse. Therefore, do not use this product to unclog pipes. The best option in this case, if you cannot call a professional, is to pour 1 liter of hot water into the clogged pipe, to melt the grease and then 1 liter of cold water, to flush out this residue.
To unclog toilets
Caustic soda can be used to unclog toilet bowls when the reason for the blockage is some organic material. Examples include toilet paper, food waste, biodegradable wipes and pads and excess organic material. When the obstruction is caused by objects such as a pregnancy test, toys, condoms, socks, plastic, soda should not be used, as it will not be able to solve the problem.
Therefore, if your case is one of the first options, you can follow the step-by-step instructions below. But first, make sure you are wearing rubber gloves and protective glasses to avoid direct contact with the product. After that, use a plastic container with a capacity of at least 8 liters and add 2 liters of warm water. Then, add 500 grams of caustic soda little by little and mix with a spatula until dissolved.
After the soda dissolves, pour this mixture very carefully into the toilet. Wait around 12 hours before flushing and, after cleaning the toilet, flush it 5 more times before using it. However, if this procedure does not work, do not repeat it and look for a professional or specialized company.
Source: Fossatrat Fortaleza Unblocker Usiquímica Sodabel 99
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