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 > is it ok to use drain cleaner

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lsukev

kenner, la

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Posted: 07/04/08 05:07pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

hey guys,
i seem to have a slow shower drain in my 2005 hr admiral. is it ok to use drano type store bought drain cleaner to try and loosen it up or will this hurt any kind of plumbing in the rv?


kevin m smith
2005 Holiday Rambler Admiral SE 34 sbd
Kevin, Kristy and Brady
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robatthelake

Vancouver Island

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Posted: 07/04/08 05:27pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Why Not , but First get one of those flexible Burr Like Strips to drag the Hair Out of the Drain! Then use some Draino or Whatever else they Have to assist in Loosening up the build up! Really Hot , or Boiling Water Poured Down the Drain will also Work about as well as anything! The Problem I feel with the Shower drain is that it is the Low Point in the system and the First Place that Crud Backs up when the Grey tank gets too full! So You have Hair going down and grease coming Up! Instant Plug!


Rob & Jean 90 Southwind John Deere/Oshkosh/Freightliner Class A Ford 460/ Toad 92 Tracker 2 wd 5sp Convert Still running Great!

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Gdetrailer

PA

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Posted: 07/04/08 05:27pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I don't think it would hurt the plumbing but I would rethink the idea. What goes IN must come OUT, not sure I would want to deal with caustic material coming out of black or grey tanks...

I have seen something called zip-it, it is a 12-24" long flexible plastic drain snake. You might find it at Lowes or Home Depot.

Another way to clear clogs is to pour VERY hot water down the drain, may need to repeat several times then try the plunger.

PapPappy

Wilmington, NC

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Posted: 07/04/08 06:14pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Gdetrailer wrote:

I don't think it would hurt the plumbing but I would rethink the idea. What goes IN must come OUT, not sure I would want to deal with caustic material coming out of black or grey tanks...

I have seen something called zip-it, it is a 12-24" long flexible plastic drain snake. You might find it at Lowes or Home Depot.

Another way to clear clogs is to pour VERY hot water down the drain, may need to repeat several times then try the plunger.


My thoughts exactly.....I think I'd use Draino as a last resort. For the most part, the piping isn't that long, so you should be able to snake it, use hot water, or even put some enzymes down the drain, when it's gonna sit for awhile....let the little buggers eat up the crud! Then flush again with HOT (boiling...but be careful!) water!

More than likely, it probably is hair, so the snake is probably your best bet! You may also want to try one of those fittings that attach to a garden hose and then pressurize the drain. BUT, be careful the water doesn't shoot back up other drains in the sinks

Just another thought...are you sure that the vent is clear? If it's plugged up, you'll get a slow drain too!


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1kennyOG

Port Credit

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Posted: 07/04/08 09:07pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

snake it with a zip it


65, 68, 02, 03

1fastdad

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Posted: 07/05/08 07:28am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have found that if you take the top off the drain most of the hair and clog will be there and you can clean it without chemicals.

Hit The Road Jack

Treasure Coast of Florida

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Posted: 07/05/08 07:45am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

lsukev wrote:

hey guys,
i seem to have a slow shower drain in my 2005 hr admiral. is it ok to use drano type store bought drain cleaner to try and loosen it up or will this hurt any kind of plumbing in the rv?


No!... 'Drano' and other brands will eat your PVC glue!

2RVers

Florida

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Posted: 07/05/08 09:39am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We use a hose with one of those sweeper nozzles (looks like the end of a firehose) put it in the drain and put a rag around it to keep the water going downward and then turn it on, the pressure cleans out everything. No chemicals etc. to damage the rubber rings in the valves. By the time the water goes into the tank its pressure has reduced so it doesn't damage the tank. Tank ABS is little more than 1/8" thick so it is easy to damage.


Rob and Jet
2000 Ford F550 with custom bed
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AlanB

Sierra Vista, AZ

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Posted: 07/05/08 09:47am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Agree with 1fastdad. Have done this many times on 3 motorhomes. Use needle nose pliers and paper towels, its an easy but messy job.


AlanB
2002 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40PKDD Cummins ISL

Mandolin Guy

West Central Georgia

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Posted: 07/05/08 11:28am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If you end up having to use Drano, flush everything with copious amounts of water. Drano is lye and it's quite potent.


David

There are three kinds of people in this world: those who can count and those who can't.

Retired Cop, 31 years


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