Hi Julius,
Carbolic acid is also known as phenol. Phenol will react with sulfuric
acid and produce heat and possible pressurisation. In short, in the
worse case scenario you would cause an explosion that will splash you
with sulfuric acid and phenol, not a pretty sight!
In practical terms though, I do not forsee much problems if you are CAREFUL.
I have a few questions to ask and comments to make before discussing a
safer (as oppose to safe) approach to your suggested methodology.
A) Why is carbolic acid in the drain?
B) What clugs the drain? (leaves?)
C) Can you use a piece of wire or metal snake or toilet unclugger to
unclug the drain? (or any other mechanical way rather than chemical
way).
D) Once your drain is unclugged, take preventive measures to avoid
future cloggage if possible.
If you choose to use sulfuric acid...
0) Put gloves and safety glasses (goggles preferred) on. Note that I
highly suspect that the mask you intend to use will only be useful as
a month/nose sheild, which is a good thing but it will not act as an
air-filter.
1) Make sure that there is good ventilation.
2) Make sure that there is room for pressurised (warm air) to escape.
3) Add the sulfuric acid gradually (making sure that there is no
pressurisation or excessive boiling occuring). What is the
concentration of the acid (or what is its source)?
4) Let the acid sit in the drain for 5 to 15 minutes.
5) Flush the drain with water to remove the acid from the drain and to
dilute the acid concentration. During this step, you want to dilute
the sulfuric acid very well so that you will not have a pool of acid
corroding pipes and that you will not send concentrated sulfuric acid
anywhere...
Again, I recommend to try to unclug mechanically if possible instead
of using sulfuric acid.
I hope this helps.
Hubbert |
