I’ve got a clogged sink, and have been reading the labels on a bunch of different products lately. I’d always assumed that they were a strong acid of sorts, which would dissolve whatever sort of material was built up in the pipes. But I’ve noticed that a lot of these products specify that they’re non-corrosive, so I’m not sure what other sort of mechanism may be at play here.
The chemicals almost never work and they will make the plumber mad they have to deal with such toxic stuff.
I usually start with a plunger (we have one for the sink, and another for the toilet) If that doesn’t work then it’s better to just snake it. They sell little snakes and manual ones.
Lye definitely works, it’s just chemistry
the hydrofluoric ones absolutely do work if snaking doesn’t.
Right right except the chemicals have worked very well for me a dozen times. Never failed, in fact!
Clearly it depends on the situation.