Any suggestions on the best way to un-plug my ice box drain? Is it safe to use any of the current chemical clog busters? I didn't have a snake available, but I guess I could give that a try next weekend...
Plugged Drain
- Thread starter Kirk M.
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Just how big is your ice box drain?
Unless your ice box is very unusual, it is not hard. Most ice box or refer have a very small tube for drain. They sure don't need any chemicals to clear it, nor a snake. Usually just a long wire, like a coax cable for your TV. Coax cable is great because it is somewhat flexible and would bend slightly, and it is coated. Don't use a straightened coat hanger, since it may be sharp and poke a hole on the side of the tubing.
Unless your ice box is very unusual, it is not hard. Most ice box or refer have a very small tube for drain. They sure don't need any chemicals to clear it, nor a snake. Usually just a long wire, like a coax cable for your TV. Coax cable is great because it is somewhat flexible and would bend slightly, and it is coated. Don't use a straightened coat hanger, since it may be sharp and poke a hole on the side of the tubing.
Same Happened to Me.
All I usually do is take a small plunger (which I keep on board for many different purposes) and give it a good plunge. The only buildup should be a dried scale. At other times, I have put a high pressure nozzle on the hose and put it into the drain hole. A blast of that also clears it out. Then use a wet vac to clean up all of the water and slime that was released.
All I usually do is take a small plunger (which I keep on board for many different purposes) and give it a good plunge. The only buildup should be a dried scale. At other times, I have put a high pressure nozzle on the hose and put it into the drain hole. A blast of that also clears it out. Then use a wet vac to clean up all of the water and slime that was released.
Annual treatment
I sprinkle baking soda in all six drains, followed by vineger to fizz it up, then scaling hot water to wash it all into the bilge. It's pretty exciting to watch, and keeps my pipes clear.
I sprinkle baking soda in all six drains, followed by vineger to fizz it up, then scaling hot water to wash it all into the bilge. It's pretty exciting to watch, and keeps my pipes clear.
Avoid any chemical drain cleaners...
Chemicals are made to go through hard pipes, not hoses. And, some may produce toxic gasses. Baking soda and vinegar is a great drain opener...but be careful with it. Too much in a confined space (hose with a clog at one end and a plug in the other so the pressure will move the clog instead of just escaping) can blow out a hose connection before it blows out the clog. Whatever you do, do NOT mix vinegar with bleach...that produces a gas that's even more lethal than bleach/amonia.
Chemicals are made to go through hard pipes, not hoses. And, some may produce toxic gasses. Baking soda and vinegar is a great drain opener...but be careful with it. Too much in a confined space (hose with a clog at one end and a plug in the other so the pressure will move the clog instead of just escaping) can blow out a hose connection before it blows out the clog. Whatever you do, do NOT mix vinegar with bleach...that produces a gas that's even more lethal than bleach/amonia.
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