Thursday, November 30, 2023
HomePipeHow To Dissolve Concrete In Drain Pipe

How To Dissolve Concrete In Drain Pipe

Korkay Concrete Remove And Cement Dissolver

How to Clear Concrete From Drain Pipes
  • Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
  • Go to your orders and start the return
  • Select the return method
    • Bio degradable NON Acid formula MIX WITH WARM WATER
    • Completely dissolve the cement to produce rinsable mud
    • Removes: Concrete Morter Grout and Stucco LESS than 6 months old
    • Perfect to Prep Concrete for Etching, Staining or Epoxy application

    Similar item to consider

    • This item: Korkay Concrete Remove and Cement Dissolver – 1 gallon$63.50 Sold by VariTech Cleaning and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 6
    • Sold by QA Supply and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.Get it as soon as Thursday, Jan 5
    • Sold by CreteBeater® and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 6

    Our Concrete Removal Services

    At Lanes, we use sophisticated methods to efficiently remove solid concrete masses from drains and sewers, working efficiently to ensure your pipes are running clean again as quickly as possible.

    Our concrete removal services can help you in the following ways:

    • Using robotic cameras and manual assessments to learn the scale and cause of the concrete blockage, allowing us to determine the best possible solution
    • Utilising robotic cutting tools and ultra high-pressure jetting units to remove smaller concrete spills
    • Sending teams of manual workers equipped with breathing apparatus into larger drains to tackle larger concrete masses by hand
    • Managing potential flooding risks while the work is carried out, including diverting wastewater flows into other sewers, or using tanker over-pumping to load up and transport the sewage directly to the sewage treatment works

    We are equipped to deal with concrete blockages of any size, and will work closely with you to make sure that our work can be completed as quickly and with as little disruption to you as possible.

    What Dissolves Concrete In A Drain

    Hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid can dissolve concrete in a drain. If the pipe is made of PVC, it should not be a problem, but for concrete or terracotta pipes, the acid can cause damage. Therefore, use the acid with precaution and know how much you should use. However, it is dangerous to use the acid in its pure form since it may form fumes and have a chemical reaction.

    Don’t Miss: Lg Window Air Conditioner Drain Plug

    How To Use Concrete Dissolver

    With any of these concrete dissolving products, you have to use it on dry concrete. So, if you have been running water in the drain and have a water backup, you will have to get rid of it. The easiest way to do this is by using a shop vac. Here are the best steps in this process.

  • Use the shop vac to suck out any water or other loose debris from the drain.
  • Wait 24 hours for the concrete to dry completely.
  • Pour one cup of the concrete dissolving product in the drainpipe.
  • Wait 24 hours and pour another cup of the product in. Do not get any water in the drain.
  • After another 12 to 24 hours, use the shop vac to suck out the sludgy concrete. If there is still concrete in there, pour another cup and wait another 24 hours.
  • Get rid of any remaining sludge with the shop vac.
  • Use an auger or plumbing snake to get rid of any remaining concrete.
  • If any concrete remains, keep using one cup of the product at a time and letting it sit for 24 hours until it is mostly gone.
  • Use a pressure washer to clean any remaining residue out of the drain.
  • Is It Ok To Have Concrete In Drains

    Concrete Dissolver for Drains

    Definitely not! Despite what some will try to tell you, concrete can easily block and even crack household pipes and should always be kept out of drains. Once particles settle and solidify they stick to the walls, reduce flow and trap other matter. This can result in major blockages and costly repairs.

    Many home renovators and professional tradespeople seem to think no harm will come from a bit of cement dust or tilers grout being washed down the drain. And most likely there wont. Not that night. But over time build-ups can occur and the property owner will have a very difficult problem to rectify. One common problem is when new floors are being laid in wet areas and a self-leveler is used. Excess materials are often accidentally dropped into the floor or shower grates and cause pipe blockages over time.

    And then there are those who do know that putting concrete down drains will damage the pipes, but figure if no-ones watching they can get away with it. By the time things block up, theyll be long gone and proof or compensation will be impossible.

    Put simply, the concrete and building products which find their way into drains are the results of ignorance, laziness or complete disregard.

    Read Also: Water Coming Up From Floor Drain

    Take Appropriate Safety Precautions

    Always wear safety equipment when handling cement dissolvers like Croc Crete. Wet concrete and dissolvent causes burns, blisters, and other detrimental effects to the skin. What makes it even worse is that cement burns have no warning symptoms. It doesnt cause pain initially so individuals cant rely on discomfort to alert them. Prevention is the best practice. Cover exposed areas of the skin to avoid contact.

    Additionally, take the proper steps to prevent damage to surfaces surrounding the drain when using products like Croc Crete.

    When Drain Clearing Is Not Enough

    Sometimes drains blocked with concrete are so clogged even professional clearing fails. Build-ups of concrete or other building materials can also put so much pressure on pipes, cracks or ruptures occur. Finally, powerful jet blasters, augers or other hydraulic tools might remove the concrete but also severely damaged the pipe.

    In these cases, homeowners will need to consider whether to reline or replace the pipes.

    A comparison table on the advantages and disadvantages of relining and replacement will help you decide which approach is right for you. Or, if youd like more information about finding a local drain specialist you can contact us.

    Don’t Miss: 4 Inch Corrugated Drain Pipe Fittings

    Benefits Of The Robotic Cutter

    In many cases, to remove concrete plumbers may try using high pressure water jetting, this can work if the concrete has not yet cured or set. However, if the concrete has set, it may be too late for that approach.

    Another method is to use a mechanical eel or auger, while this may break up small deposits of hardened concrete, large deposits may be too difficult to work through. There is also a risk of breaking the host pipe due to uncontrolled spinning activity of the cutting head.

    Special concrete dissolving solution may also be used, but needs to be used carefully and has limitations on suitability including amount of concrete, how cured the concrete is and the type of pipe its used in.

    When we use the Robotic Cutter, we are able to cut, clear and/or drill through many of the toughest obstacles whilst minimising the damage to the host pipes.

    The Robotic Cutter has a flexible hose and drilling head with an attached camera, so this incredibly strong tool can access the damage from an inspection point without needing to dig up the area.

    Using the attached camera, we can be precise in our work so that we can see how much concrete is present, how much we are cutting, and stop before causing damage to the pipe we are working in.

    What Will Dissolve Concrete

    How To Remove Concrete From Drain Pipes

    Phosphoric acid and trisodium phosphate are the main compounds used to make concrete. Phosphorus is the most abundant element in the earths crust. Its found in rocks, soil, water, and plants. States, the amount of phosphorus in soil is about 1,000 parts per million, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

    Thats about the same as a teaspoon of table salt, which has a phosphorus content of about 0.1 percent, or about one-tenth of one percent of the soils total phosphorus. The amount in water ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 percent by weight, depending on the type of water and the waters pH level.

    Plants absorb phosphorus from the air and use it to build their tissues, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves and stems.

    Recommended Reading: Cost To Unclog Washing Machine Drain

    Boiling Hot Water: Does It Work

    While it might seem an obvious remedy to remove grease and dissolve fat, opinions are divided on whether using very warm water actually works.

    If the grease clog isn’t severe, there’s a chance that boiling water might do the trick. However, there are no guarantees. There are also several risks involved here that you should be aware of before trying this method.

    First, do you have metal pipes? When you pour boiling hot water down these pipes they become extremely hot and the grease and fat start to dissolve.

    Sending The Problem Further Down The Line

    This sounds like good news, but it’s likely that all the fat and gunk will simply move further along the pipe and become lodged in a less accessible place. This will probably be more difficult, and costly, to fix!

    Secondly, if you have UPVC pipes, pouring hot water down them may melt and soften the joints, resulting in leaks.

    Finally, there’s a clear risk of scalding when carrying and pouring boiling hot water. You may be tempted to fill a pan as your kettle isn’t big enough. A large saucepan of boiling hot water is heavy and dangerous. If you do use this method, be extremely careful!

    Also, as an afterthought, consider how many times you pour boiling water down your kitchen sink anyway. Perhaps you drain pasta or rice here once or twice a week, maybe even more? If the boiling water method worked well, surely this would sort out your grease clogged drain?

    Can A Metal Detector Detect Cast Iron Pipes

    Operators of metal detectors can easily see large iron tubes because cast iron conducts electricity much more efficiently than dirt, rock or concrete. With a metal detector, you should be able to locate cast iron pipes that are buried in the ground.

    Cast iron is also a good conductor of heat, which is why it is often used as a heat sink in homes and commercial buildings. Cast iron can also be used to insulate buildings from the elements, as it can be heated by the sun or by a furnace.

    Recommended Reading: Drain Electric Hot Water Heater

    How Do You Repair A Drain Under A Concrete Slab

    Having a drain that is blocked or needs repairing is disruptive enough, but what do you do if that drain is located under a concrete slab?

    There are a few different options available, but it is always suggested that you call in the professionals to help. If you need further assistance, give Reline Solutions a call at and we can discuss your drainage needs.

    Can I Remove Concrete From Drains Myself

    How to Unclog a Drain  Tips from The Family Handyman

    Concrete in drains is a problem that inflicts both homeowners or construction workers. Concrete blockages can either build up over time, or happen very suddenly .

    It can be tempting to try a DIY removal of concrete from the drain, but sometimes you can end up doing more harm than good. In this article, we look at the problem of concrete in drains, the DIY solutions that have been floated about, and some professional alternatives to concrete unblocking that will keep your drains intact and damage-free.

    Don’t Miss: Dishwasher Drain Into Garbage Disposal

    Common Signs Of Water Leaks Under Concrete

    There are a few warning signs to look out for when it comes to water leaking from drains located under the slab foundation of your home. These include:

    • Damp sections continually showing in the slab, carpet, or flooring even during periods of little or no rain, or mains water leakages.
    • Chunks of concrete breaking away from the main slab

    Moisture from a leaking drain can permeate up into floor coverings, spoiling carpets or warping timber boards. It can also encourage mould and mildew growth inside walls, cause swelling of plasterboard, cabinets or render, and create cracks in floor tiles. In cases which have been left undiscovered or unrepaired for extended periods, water can also generate rotting in structural timber.

    Constant water seeping up into concrete foundations can seriously affect the structure of your building in the long term. To prevent major damages, repairs should be carried out sooner rather than later. However, due to the hidden nature of the problem, drain leaks are often not detected until the issue has become significant.

    Prevention: Better Than Cure

    Sure, it’s an overused saying, but it’s true: the best way to deal with clogged drains is to keep them flowing freely in the first place!

    A few adjustments to your behaviour, along with minimal investment, will stop this from becoming a problem in future.

    Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

    • Use a drain cover or sink trap to catch waste food scraps and stop them from entering the pipe. They are also handy for stopping hair from clogging your bathroom sink and shower when placed over plug holes.
    • Invest in a fat trap catcher to prevent grease or fat from entering the drain pipe.
    • Buy fat-free soaps and beauty products .
    • Install a garbage disposal system under your sink.
    • Clean grease, oil and fat from dirty dishes with kitchen roll and dispose of it responsibly.
    • Never flush anything down your toilet or dispose of any matter in the kitchen sink that doesn’t belong there. It may be prudent to teach your kids this rule.
    • Generally avoid pouring oils, fats or grease down your sink.

    If you follow these simple rules then your kitchen drain will flow freely and there’s less chance of your outside drain becoming clogged!

    You can save yourself the hassle of having to clear a grease clogged drain, and maybe even the expense of hiring a professional drain cleaner.

    Recommended Reading: Drain Snake Won’t Make Turn

    How To Dissolve Concrete

    • Using a yard hose and clean, fresh water, wet down the dry concrete sections. Plastic drop cloths should be used to protect the surrounding surroundings.
    • Put on a pair of safety goggles, a pair of eye protection, and a respirator mask. Pour five gallons of fresh water into a 5-gallon bucket made of all-plastic material.
    • When cleaning concrete or masonry, use a one-part acidic cleaning solution. The label on the container will tell you how much solution you need for each portion. In order to avoid an explosive reaction, never mix water to acid.
    • Apply a substantial quantity of the solution to the areas you wish to dissolve concrete using a stiff-bristle nylon brush dipped in the prepared solution. Remove the concrete by scrubbing the surface with a brush.
    • This method should be repeated as many times as required to get the desired outcome. Remove the drop cloths and rinse the cleansed areas with freshwater.

    Homemade Drain Cleaning Solutions

    Dissolving Concrete in a drain trap.

    When grease clogs your pipes, you need a quick solution. Many people instinctively resort to the hot water method we mentioned first, but, as we saw, it isn’t always the best option.

    And you may not want to shell out for a chemical solution that may or may not be effective, and which carries a health warning!

    So, here are some tried and tested methods of clearing blocked drains that you might like to use:

    A Homemade Cleaner

    It is possible to clear a drain blocked with grease using a homemade cleaner. Here’s a typical method that thousands of people have found helpful:

    • Pour hot water down the sink
    • Tip half a cup of baking soda down
    • Pour in half a cup of heated white vinegar
    • Put in the plug or cover the plug hole with duct tape
    • Wait for ten minutes or so and remove the plug
    • Pour down more hot water

    There are many variations on this, such as mixing the baking soda with salt or borax or even using a mixture of all three. Vinegar removes the fat from the walls of the pipe, so this is an essential part of any home remedy.

    Some people suggest leaving the mix for half an hour or even overnight for especially stubborn blockages.

    The Bent Coat Hanger Method

    If you have an old wire coat hanger you may be able to shift the blockage by poking it! Snip the hanger with wire cutters and straighten it out, then use pliers to bend one end into a hook.

    You may be able to dislodge the blockage or at least pull out some of the debris.

    A Drain Snake

    Compressed Air

    Sink Plungers

    Also Check: Clean Toilet Tank Without Draining

    Products For Destroying Roots

    You can find acid-free products that are specially manufactured for unclogging sewer systems that shouldnt be unclogged with acid-based products. Although theyre effective, theyre less potent than acid-based products. As such, theyre used together with drain snaking solutions.

    Some products are specially made for destroying tree roots in drainage pipes. Roots can be dealt with by using herbicides that target roots in combination with foaming surfactants.

    The combination of these products disintegrates the roots and discourages their regrowth. Some of these products dont have copper sulfate, making them ideal for application in areas that forbidden discharge of copper compounds into sewer systems.

    Clearing Cement And Concrete From Drainage Systems

    We would always recommend that you clean concrete and cement out of your drains while it is still wet, wherever possible. We would also advise against actions such as flushing cement down the toilet or washing it off in large quantities in your sinks or showers.

    Below, we have listed some methods that can be used to clean out, push

    away or dissolve cement in your drains.

    You May Like: Dishwasher Not Draining Garbage Disposal

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular