Perhaps you’re about at your wits end with the clogged toilet in your home. You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to help. So, you decide to browse through the chemical drain cleaner options at your local home improvement store, and you come across Liquid Fire.
It sounds promising, so you decide to look it up. However, after reading a few reviews, you’re not sure. Is it safe to use in a toilet, or will it do more harm than good? We did the hard part for you and collected information, so continue reading to learn more!
What Is Liquid Fire?
Liquid Fire is an acidic drain cleaner known for its powerful cleaning abilities. Professionals typically use it since it is a dangerous compound, but despite the warning label, it’s available to the general public.
It contains a high percentage of sulfuric acid, which is an incredibly corrosive ingredient that eats through most things, including paper, sanitary napkins, cloth, grease, hair, and soap scum.
Is Liquid Fire Safe To Use?
Liquid Fire is a commercial-grade cleaner that is highly effective. However, because of its powerful content, using it can be dangerous. It can result in severe pain, redness, burns, and blistering if you get it on your skin or in your eyes. Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive, which will wreak havoc on your skin and mucous membranes.
So, if you decide to use it to get rid of a drain clog, make sure you wear the proper gear. If you get it on your skin, flush the area thoroughly with water and seek medical attention as necessary.
While it isn’t the safest option out there, it is highly effective. That said, you can only use it in specific scenarios.
Can I Use Liquid Fire In A Toilet?
The manufacturers of Liquid Fire state that it is approved for use in toilets. However, there are certain exceptions. The compounds in the mixture can eat away at specific materials, so you need to know what your toilet and plumbing are made of.
Otherwise, you might end up having a costly repair on your hands to reverse the damage the cleaner caused. The label on the bottle outlines specific directions for use in a toilet and where it is and isn’t safe to use. For the most part, Liquid Fire is safe for use on PVC and most types of plastics.
If your toilet contains any metal components or you have certain types of metal plumbing, avoid Liquid Fire. The concoction will eat through the metal, causing severe damage.
So, make sure you read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a tee. It’s best to steer clear of the concoction altogether if you’re unsure of the plumbing materials in your home or are dubious about using it.
How Do You Use Liquid Fire On A Toilet?
The manufacturer of Liquid Fire prints explicit directions and warnings on the side of each product. Make sure you read this carefully before using Liquid Fire in any scenario. Again, avoid using this product if you have metal plumbing or components in your toilet.
Scoop the water out of the toilet before using the cleaner – pouring Liquid Fire into standing water can cause a vigorous reaction, splashing sulphuric acid all over. Avoid pouring the mixture directly into the toilet bowl, as it can crack and damage the toilet. Instead, pour the mixture into a small disposable cup and pour it into the hole underneath the rubber flapper in the back half of the toilet.
If the mixture doesn’t do the trick for your clogged toilet the first time, don’t use it again. Additionally, don’t use it if you’ve already used other brands of drain cleaner in your toilet. Mixing various cleaners can cause a violent reaction between the chemical contents in each.
Does Liquid Fire Actually Work?
The reviews on Liquid Fire products are primarily good. However, the negative reviews from folks who had bad experiences with the products are worth noting.
Some folks rave over the product, saying it will get rid of clogs in any scenario, whether it’s in the toilet, sink, or bathtub. Several reviews mention they have a septic tank and use Liquid Fire without any adverse effects.
On the other hand, other reviewers warn against using this product. A few reviewers mentioned using the product to remove a clog, thinking they had all PVC plumbing, only to find out the plumbing in their basement was cast iron. They ended up with broken plumbing which led to astronomical repair costs.
Reviews specific to toilet clogs were mixed. Some folks said they had great luck with Liquid Fire, while others were disappointed in the cleaner.
So, Should I Use Liquid Fire To Unclog My Toilet?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. However, given the extensive warning label and finite use instructions, you might want to steer clear of this product. Unless you’re confident you know what your entire plumbing system and toilet are made of, it might be best to choose an alternative option.
While Liquid Fire boasts a high success rate for blazing through clogs, it doesn’t always work. If you try it without success, you may want to seek a different method. In some cases, the clog might be too tough to take care of independently, so seeking professional assistance is best.
After all, we’d prefer to pay a plumber to safely take care of the drain instead of accidentally wreaking our plumbing system and paying a plumber hundreds (or thousands) to repair the damage.
How Can I Unclog My Toilet Without Using Liquid Fire?
- Liquid Fire provides professional results cleaning drain pipes in sinks, tubs, shower stalls, plus...
- As you Pour Liquid Fire into clogged or slow running drain, it reacts instantly creating heat
- Provides free running drain in freezing weather by chemically creating heat instantly
- It works faster and more effectively than most other popular cleaners and is more economical
If the prospect of using Liquid Fire sounds a bit too intense for your liking, consider tackling the clog with a different method. Here are a few potential fixes to your problem (that don’t involve dangerous chemicals):
- Use a plunger: A plunger is a go-to method for clearing various clogs. Make sure you position the cup of the plunger over the hole in the toilet, ensuring it covers the entire hole. Plunge a few times vigorously to create suction, then remove the plunger and check if it drains.
- Try dish soap: Dish soap might help clear the clog, as it offers lubrication that can help the clog along. Use about half a cup of dish soap to try and clear the clog.
- Try hot water: If dish soap doesn’t do the trick, try adding hot water (not boiling). Pour the water into the toilet from the waist level. The force of the water may help dislodge the clog.
- Use baking soda: Baking soda and vinegar are excellent cleaning combinations. Pour one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into your toilet, then allow it to fizz for about half an hour. The reaction may help dislodge the clog.
- Use a toilet snake: You can also try using a toilet snake, which is a drain snake specifically designed for toilets. Using it is the same as using a regular drain snake, but it features a specific design, so you won’t damage your toilet bowl.
- Call a plumber: If all else fails, you can always call a plumber. This is usually your best bet if nothing else seems to work. Instead of using caustic chemicals (which can harm your toilet, plumbing, and septic tank – if you have one), enlist the help of a professional.