I have a shower on the lower level of the house that is installed directly on the slab. The plumbing is cast iron and is buried under the slab.
The drain, specifically the trap, is clogged up with calcium and/or lime scale and deposits. I was able to manually scrape this crud off of the side of the pipe between the drain pan and the trap. I was also able to punch through the clog at the trap with a metal rod. The deposit breaks up relatively easily and I have the drain flowing again.
What can I use to completely remove the calcium and/or lime deposits from inside the trap? I thought of CLR, but the specs on the company website say it shouldn't be used on cast iron. I'm concerned that anything I pour in the trap will also corrode and possibly damage the cast iron pipe as well. I just want to clear the drain, not jackhammer the floor.
I've also thought about using vinegar to soften the deposits and running a pipe snake through the trap.
I appreciate any help.
The drain, specifically the trap, is clogged up with calcium and/or lime scale and deposits. I was able to manually scrape this crud off of the side of the pipe between the drain pan and the trap. I was also able to punch through the clog at the trap with a metal rod. The deposit breaks up relatively easily and I have the drain flowing again.
What can I use to completely remove the calcium and/or lime deposits from inside the trap? I thought of CLR, but the specs on the company website say it shouldn't be used on cast iron. I'm concerned that anything I pour in the trap will also corrode and possibly damage the cast iron pipe as well. I just want to clear the drain, not jackhammer the floor.
I've also thought about using vinegar to soften the deposits and running a pipe snake through the trap.
I appreciate any help.