Submitted by kalesalaad5 t3_100233k in explainlikeimfive
Peace_Hopeful t1_j2fsg45 wrote
Reply to comment by Some_Unusual_Name in [ELI5] Why do plumbers hate Drano? by kalesalaad5
What's bad about pouring in boiling water?
legendofthegreendude t1_j2fwhmt wrote
Not a plumber but have done some basic construction work on sites and in houses. A lot of modern plumbing uses PVC pipe or some plastic equivalent. Pouring boiling water into a drain that's clogged shut can trap that water and transfer the heat to the pipe leading it to deform or the joints to come loose.
What I would personally be more worried about is if it's a slower leak. Your drainage pipes have lots of fat and such in them. The hot water will melt or dislodge chunks of it that will reform into a larger problem farther down the pipe.
Ironfishmonger t1_j2fvwi3 wrote
Sodium Hydroxide gives off a lot of heat when dissolved in water. By giving it a head start with pre-boiled water you risk it splattering and that stuff does not like human skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
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