Using Drano for Disassembled Toilet Parts Cleaning

[citabria131]

Hello,

I was looking to see if anyone has experience using Drano (or open to other suggestions) to clean a disassembled toiled? I have a Groco HF taken apart and am trying to clean the sewage residue off the inside of the pipes and other crevices that are hard to reach. I was hoping to put them in some solution that could dissolve/remove the residue just by soaking.

I have looked around and only have found suggestions on NOT using it for an installed system (general consensus seems to be that Drano shouldn't be used due to it attacking seals, and could cause dangerous fumes). But for just soaking the parts (without rubber seals, etc) where it would be thoroughly washed off before reassembly, I am wondering if anyone has any input? Appreciate anything you might have, thanks.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive base which can deteriorate just about anything other than some plastics. That’s kind of like using a sledgehammer to bang a nail. Hot water would probably be more effective and be safer

 

[dmax]

Plus one on that - Drano as a last resort - if you have some mineral deposits you can't get out, use Muriatic acid (hydrochloric), 10 - 15% available in big box stores.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Plus one on that - Drano as a last resort - if you have some mineral deposits you can't get out, use Muriatic acid (hydrochloric), 10 - 15% available in big box stores.

A much better alternative plus it’s cheap and useful for many other cleanup jobs like removing rust

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

You can find muriatic (hydrochloric) acid in any decent hardware store. READ and
FOLLOW ALL safe handling and use instructions!

--Peggie

 

[Rick Webb]

Read the label when you find it at the store the concentrations vary widely between manufacturers. I have also found it at the same big box stores in the lumber section with the cement stuff at one price and in the pool section at a different price.

If you know someone with a pool you could just borrow a cup.

I usually cut it with equal parts water in the first go around then go with a higher concentration if needed. Wear eye and hand protection, long sleeves and use outside in a VERY well ventilated area.

30% vinegar is also available and has a wider number of uses. Works great on shower doors and shower heads if you get build up. You may get more use of a gallon of the vinegar than the muriatic acid.

 

[citabria131]

Hi all, thanks for the feedback! Appreciate all the info and glad to have a great community of helpful individuals!

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

You may get more use of a gallon of the vinegar than the muriatic acid.

Weekly 1-2 cup doses of distilled white vinegar will prevent mineral buildup in hoses, but it's way too labor intensive (vinegar must be replaced hourly--something few people never bother to learn, so they claim vinegar won't work) to remve a buildupA 12-15% dilution of most commercially available muriatic acids flushed all the way to the tank, followed after 45-60 minutes with plenty of clean FRESH water will dissolve buildup in hoses. A SERIOUS buildup--the kind that can reduce the diameter of 1.5" hose to <1/2"--may require more than one treatment.

--Peggie