What if you left liquid plumber in the drain overnight? What will happen? Will it fix the clog? What kind of damage could it do to your plumbing system over time? In this post, we’ll take a look at what happens if you leave liquid plumber in too long in the drain.
We’ll also look at how it can affect your plumbing and provide some tips for using liquid plumber safely and effectively.
So, whether you’re a first-time Liquid Plumber user or you’ve been using it for years, make sure to read on.
Liquid plumber ingredients
Liquid plumber is a drain cleaner that is made up of chemical compounds that are designed to break down and remove blockages in pipes.
The active ingredient in Liquid plumber is sodium hydroxide, which is also known as lye or caustic soda. It also contains sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
The two ingredients help to break down organic matter and grease, which can then be flushed away with water.
Liquid plumber also contains surfactants, which help to increase the wetting action of the solution, and emulsifiers, which help to keep the ingredients of the solution suspended in water.
How does Liquid plumber work?
Liquid plumber is a powerful chemical that is used to unclog drains and pipes. It works by breaking down the molecules of the clog, thereby dissolving it.
It is available in both gel and liquid form, and usually contains a mixture of bleach and sodium hydroxide.
How to use Liquid plumber
Step 1: Identify the problem area or drain
The first step before using Liquid plumber is to identify the problem area.
This can be done by lifting up the drain cover and looking for a blockage, or by pouring a small amount of water down the drain to see if it drains properly.
Once you have found the problem area, determine how much liquid plumber you will need to use.
The exact amount will vary depending on the product you are using and the size of the blockage, so be sure to read the directions carefully.
Step 2: Pour liquid plumber into the drain
Pour Liquid Plumber slowly into the clogged or slow-running drain taking care not to splash it on yourself or anything else.
For standing water, use half a cup. For very slow or clogged drains, use one cup. Proceed to Step 3 immediately after pouring Liquid Plumber into the drain.
Step 3: Wait for the liquid plumber to work
Now simply wait 7-15 minutes for the product to do its job. Wait about 7 minutes for a standing water clog and about 15 minutes for a slow flow drain.
Difficult clogs can be left overnight for the drain cleaner to work effectively. However, this should be avoided if you have rubber pipes.
Step 4: Flush the drain with hot water
After that time has elapsed, go ahead and flush hot water down the affected drain to rinse everything away.
You should notice an immediate difference in terms of speed and drainage capability. If not, get in touch with a plumber to look into the problem.
What happens if you leave Liquid plumber in too long or overnight?
The answer to this question is heavily debated. Some people argue that if you leave liquid plumber in too long, it can corrode your plumbing pipes.
The chemicals in the plumber can eat away at the metal in your pipes and cause leaks or even a complete pipe rupture.
However, the producers of Liquid plumber argue that their product is laboratory tested and confirmed that it is safe for all household plumbing.
This means that it does not affect your drain or plumbing system even when left in for too long.
So it’s important to always read the manufacturer’s instructions and to follow them exactly.
See also: Can you leave Drano overnight?
Is liquid plumber safe for pipes (pvc pipes) or it can damage pipes?
Yes, Liquid plumber is safe for pipes including PVC pipes. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner that will not corrode or damage your pipes.
However, you are advised against using Liquid plumber on rubber pipes since it can damage them.
Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and only use as directed because overuse can cause problems such as clogs and backup.
Also, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumber if you are not sure about a particular drain cleaner.
Is liquid plumber safe for septic systems?
Yes, Liquid plumber is safe for septic systems. In fact, it can actually help to keep your septic system functioning properly.
Liquid plumber contains enzymes that break down waste and help to keep your drains clear.
It is also specifically designed not to harm beneficial bacteria in your septic systems that are needed for the proper decomposition of waste.
Does liquid plumber work on toilets and bathtubs?
Liquid plumber cleaner can work on bathtub drains but not toilets.
It is not designed to remove toilet clogs since they are chemical-based rather than mechanical. By this, we mean that you are better off using a plunger or auger to unclog your toilet instead of a substance like Liquid plumber.
Can Liquid plumber make a clog worse?
There is a chance that using Liquid plumber can actually make the clog worse.
This is because the chemicals in the liquid plumber can turn the liquid in the drain into solid making it larger and more difficult to remove.
In some cases, it may be necessary to call a professional to clear the clog.
Conclusion
So, what happens if you leave Liquid plumber in too long in the drain? In most cases, nothing will happen since liquid plumber does not contain acids like most drain cleaners.
In fact, the manufacturer recommends leaving it overnight in the drain before flushing when you have a stubborn clog.
However, just like other drain cleaners, avoid using too much since it is a powerful cleaner that should only be used when necessary.
Remember, if you have a clog and can’t fix it on your own, call a professional. They will have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
