How to remove tar from around drain pipe
#1
08-23-19, 10:50 AM
How to remove tar from around drain pipe
Hello,
We are remodeling our bathroom and went to install a new tub and the drain and overflow don't match the new tub we bought. So we need to replace the drain and overflow junction so it fits with new tub. Our issue is the existing fixture (drain and overflow is pipe) covered in black tar substance and we have no idea how to remove it. Anyone encountered this before? Any tips are appreciated.
Our house was built in 1978 and we are in San Antonio TX
We are remodeling our bathroom and went to install a new tub and the drain and overflow don't match the new tub we bought. So we need to replace the drain and overflow junction so it fits with new tub. Our issue is the existing fixture (drain and overflow is pipe) covered in black tar substance and we have no idea how to remove it. Anyone encountered this before? Any tips are appreciated.
Our house was built in 1978 and we are in San Antonio TX
#5
08-23-19, 12:05 PM
Mineral spirits, gasoline and such will dissolve tar BUT it would take a lot and that would mean a lot of fumes in an enclosed space 
I suspect chipping maybe sanding/grinding it off would be your best bet, maybe use a solvent to tidy it up once you've removed most of it.
I suspect chipping maybe sanding/grinding it off would be your best bet, maybe use a solvent to tidy it up once you've removed most of it.
#6
08-25-19, 04:53 PM
Ick. Agreed that mineral spirits will soften the tar so it can be scraped off... but it sounds like there's a lot of it. Can you cut back to a clean piece of pipe? I'm wondering if the tar was added to seal a leak, that maybe should be fixed for good.
