Using Muriatic Acid to Clean Drains

Muriatic acid is very effective for cleaning drains, although it should probably only be used as a last resort. The fact that it’s acid, more specifically, a sort of hydrochloric acid solution, means that it needs to be used with very great care. When you use muriatic acid for cleaning a drain, protect yourself by wearing heavy gloves and safety goggles to prevent the acid accidentally splashing into your eyes.

Step 1 - How It Works

Muriatic acid is the solution of last resort for cleaning drains when they’re clogged. You wouldn’t turn to it until you’d tried several other alternatives, including the usual commercial products. It’s exceptionally strong and causes a chemical reaction with the items that are blocking the sink. The reaction creates heat, and that is what breaks up the blockage. It works fairly quickly, so expect a solution much more quickly than with other items you might try.

It can’t be stated too strongly that muriatic acid is dangerous and needs to be used with safety equipment and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2 - When To Use

Start out by using gentler solutions to clean out your drains if they’re clogged. These will remove small clogs and also clean the drain. If that doesn’t work, move to something strong to see if it will do the job. Only when all the others have failed and you’ve determined that the clog is a very bad one should you move to muriatic acid.

Step 3 - Preparation

You need to use muriatic acid in a well-ventilated room. Ensure that the windows are open, even if it’s cold outside. The acid fumes can burn your throat if the room isn’t properly ventilated. Put on the gloves and the safety goggles before opening up the acid. You should also wear long sleeves to protect your skin for any splashes by the acid.

Step 4 - Using the Acid

Measure out ½ cup of the acid into a glass measuring cup. Don’t use plastic for this. Pour it into the drain and leave for about 10 minutes. During this time the acid will work on the clog, heating it up and breaking it up. After the 10 minutes have elapsed, turn on the cold faucet and let the water run down the drain. The muriatic acid should have cleared the clog, and your drain will be clean.

Step 5 - Problems

In the event that the muriatic acid doesn’t work, you can try repeating the procedure. Once more, put the acid down the sink and wait for 10 minutes before flushing with cold water. A second application should shift virtually every clog in a drain. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to have the drains rodded. You can either do this yourself or employ a professional. Don’t try using muriatic acid more than twice on a clog or you could damage the pipes themselves.