Black sludge in drainpipe.....?
#1
08-10-10, 01:17 PM
Black sludge in drainpipe.....?
My kitchen sink/laundry rm sink have been sluggish and have really slowed down in draining. Both share the same drain line. I put Liquid Plumber gel down it twice and no change. I checked the cleanout in the basement and see the pipe is caked with a black sludge. Its almost like thick oily grease. What is this sludge, what causes it, and what will clean it out? Any help would be greately appreciated! Thanks!
#2
08-10-10, 01:23 PM
Super Moderator
Soap, hair, grease, etc etc etc. Try something that is an enzyme type cleaner. You need to use it when there will be no use of the drains.
ZEP Drain Care is one...
Also...boiling hot water sometimes helps..but normally only when the buildup is close to the sink.
ZEP Drain Care is one...
Also...boiling hot water sometimes helps..but normally only when the buildup is close to the sink.
#3
08-10-10, 01:29 PM
Originally Posted by Gunguy45
Soap, hair, grease, etc etc etc. Try something that is an enzyme type cleaner. You need to use it when there will be no use of the drains.
ZEP Drain Care is one...
Also...boiling hot water sometimes helps..but normally only when the buildup is close to the sink.
ZEP Drain Care is one...
Also...boiling hot water sometimes helps..but normally only when the buildup is close to the sink.
#4
08-10-10, 01:47 PM
Super Moderator
Looking at my container of ZEP...yes...
I takes a few weeks for results to be apparent...just letting you know.
I takes a few weeks for results to be apparent...just letting you know.
#5
08-10-10, 02:53 PM
To further Vic's comments, you are using an enzymatic cleaner. Don't try to chase it with a harsh chemical. It will kill all the enzymes in your septic tank and you will have to start over. Do you have a garbage disposal? If so, consider sending it to the dump. It can only exacerbate the problem by putting too much protein in the drain for the enzymes to eat, and it will hang on to the sides of couplings, etc. on it's way to the tank.
