How to neutralize acid - Plumbing Zone

OldSchool · 02-08-2010, 09:39 AM

Ever been on a job were somebody used a acid base drain opener.
Acid can be neutralize by adding baking soda.

Hopes this helps anyone.

Bollinger plumber · 02-08-2010, 09:42 AM

Learned that trick years ago the hard way. The plumber got some acid on his knee taking a kitchen trap apart. he had me run to the grocery store and get some. I now carry a box on the truck.

**SlickRick** · 02-08-2010, 09:52 AM

Vinegar also.

UnclogNH · 02-08-2010, 11:59 AM

I use baking soda also

Plus if HO tells me they used the more heavy duty acids. I tell them sorry I can't help you till all acid has been removed and neutralized. Had a guy call me used acid he got from the city DPW asked if I would camera his line No Way.

service guy · 02-08-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickrick

Vinegar also.

Vinegar is acidic, so it wouldn't help acid. It would only help if they used an alkaline base. pH up or pH down.

TheMaster · 02-08-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by service guy

Vinegar is acidic, so it wouldn't help acid. It would only help if they used an alkaline base. pH up or pH down.

Actually if you get some strong acids on you vinegar can be used to wash it off. I said the same thing you did service guy when they 1st told me that. I'm not sure of the scenario in which you would use it but its true that it can be used in some situations. Vinegar is just a weak acetic acid.

**SlickRick** · 02-08-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by service guy

Vinegar is acidic, so it wouldn't help acid. It would only help if they used an alkaline base. pH up or pH down.

The only times I have used vinegar was when I was in contact with a cleaner like Thrift ( sodium hydroxide) it being a alkaline based chemical must be why it works. But add it to your arsonal, because it will stop it in it's tracks. I have had to use it several times. I will add the baking soda to my trucks.

TheMaster · 02-08-2010, 12:32 PM

I had a chemical engineer explain why they would use a weaker acid to wash a stronger acid off but it was a few years ago and I have forgotten why. I do remember questioning that...because using logic you wouldn't use an acid to wash an acid.....seems like it would burn even more. Theres alot of chemical plants here that make some bad stuff,so I not sure of the exact scenario he was giving me.

breid1903 · 02-08-2010, 01:00 PM

we pour acid into the water. use a weak acid to keep it from having a reaction on you. if i remember right. we kept a light acid around in chemistry class. use it first then water. you think water will work. and it probably will unless your boot or shoe is full, then you can have a reaction in your boot. use it if it's all you have. soda pop, coffee, beer, whatever. get your clothes off. breid..................

TheMaster · 02-08-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breid1903

we pour acid into the water. use a weak acid to keep it from having a reaction on you. if i remember right. we kept a light acid around in chemistry class. use it first then water. you think water will work. and it probably will unless your boot or shoe is full, then you can have a reaction in your boot. use it if it's all you have. soda pop, coffee, beer, whatever. get your clothes off. breid..................

Exactly what I was looking for. If you add the water after the acid is on you it makes it worse.....1st you wash with a milder acid. Thanks,thats what the chemist was sayin.

You are suppose to add the acid to the water not the water to the acid,and once its on your skin thats what you would be doing by washing it off with plain water. The stronger the acid the worse it will be if you use water 1st.

02-08-2010, 09:39 AM	#1
OldSchool SharkBite Certified Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 3,654 My Photos	How to neutralize acid Ever been on a job were somebody used a acid base drain opener. Acid can be neutralize by adding baking soda. Hopes this helps anyone.

02-08-2010, 09:42 AM	#2
Bollinger plumber Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sedgewickville Missouri Posts: 1,326 My Photos	Learned that trick years ago the hard way. The plumber got some acid on his knee taking a kitchen trap apart. he had me run to the grocery store and get some. I now carry a box on the truck. __________________ http://alsdrainservice.services.offi...m/default.aspx Only two devining forces have died for you. One is Jesus Christ and the other is the American soldier. One died for your soul the other died for your freedom.

02-08-2010, 09:52 AM	#3
SlickRick Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gilmer, Texas Posts: 5,770 My Photos	Vinegar also. __________________ "I believe human-beings and fist can co-exist peacefully....." GW

02-08-2010, 11:59 AM	#4
UnclogNH Drain Cleaning Specialist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Hampshire, In a town time forgot. Posts: 2,037 My Photos	I use baking soda also Plus if HO tells me they used the more heavy duty acids. I tell them sorry I can't help you till all acid has been removed and neutralized. Had a guy call me used acid he got from the city DPW asked if I would camera his line No Way. __________________ Charging less does not mean more call volume it just means you have to work harder to reach your goals.

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02-08-2010, 12:32 PM	#8
TheMaster Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6,437 My Photos	I had a chemical engineer explain why they would use a weaker acid to wash a stronger acid off but it was a few years ago and I have forgotten why. I do remember questioning that...because using logic you wouldn't use an acid to wash an acid.....seems like it would burn even more. Theres alot of chemical plants here that make some bad stuff,so I not sure of the exact scenario he was giving me.

02-08-2010, 01:00 PM	#9
breid1903 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: fulton, indiana Posts: 600 My Photos	we pour acid into the water. use a weak acid to keep it from having a reaction on you. if i remember right. we kept a light acid around in chemistry class. use it first then water. you think water will work. and it probably will unless your boot or shoe is full, then you can have a reaction in your boot. use it if it's all you have. soda pop, coffee, beer, whatever. get your clothes off. breid..................

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