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Peter Parry
 
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Default Clearing blocked toilet with caustic soda

On Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:01:11 +0100, Timothy Murphy
wrote:

The label on the container warns me to follow the instructions carefully,
but unfortunately the instructions are missing.


Are you sure they are not on a multi layer label? Packs of Sodium
Hydroxide often have the instructions behind the label on the rear -
you have to peel it off to get at them.

Can I safely pour some down the toilet?


Only with care. You must add caustic soda to water (not water to
caustic soda) because when it dissolves it generates considerable
heat. If you simply pour the crystals in the pan the heat generated
locally around the pile of crystals can crack the ceramic pan. You
need to mix it a separate vessel or take great care to stir as you
are adding the crystals.

Bear in mind that Sodium Hydroxide is really quite dangerous and
that alkali burns, especially to the eyes, are far more dangerous
than acid burns.


--
Peter Parry.
http://www.wpp.ltd.uk/