plumbing solution ? 1

[12758]

Is it posible descale a domestic weterpipe which is still embeded in the wall with some sort of chemical , without having to replace said pipe . Or do I have no option but to rip it out and make a mess of the original plaster work

 

[dcasto]

Whats the material?

Why can't you "roto rooter" down from the vents?

 

[GarySCWSVI]

Not a good idea to "descale" unless you, first, plan to "descale" any other piping that the descalant would move in contact with. Second, descaling is not a good idea since it is done with chemicals that will dissolve the scale and and the same time will dissolve any metal it comes into contact with.

Gary Schreiber, CWS VI
The Purolite Co.

 

[bimr]

Basically agree with Gary although you have not provided much information on your project to make an evaluation.

If you are talking about a 1950's tract house, it should not present much of a cost to replace the pipe.

If you are talking about a historic renovation, you can probably use more elaborate measures such as hydrochloric acid to remove lime scale, if that is what your problem is.

If your plumbing code allows, you may consider using PEX tubing which snake through the walls, leaving the original piping in place.