In article ,
Larry Gagnon wrote:

Am I correct in understanding that TSP, also called Sugar Soap (the stuff
used by many to wash walls before painting) is essentially mostly lye?

Nope. TSP is Tri-sodium phosphate. "TSP substitute" is apparently
often composed largely of sodium carbonate ("washing soda" or "soda ash").

I believe that both of these chemicals will attack aluminum, but that
the reactions are a lot slower than is the case with lye (sodium
hydroxide).

--
Dave Platt AE6EO
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Am I correct in understanding that TSP, also called Sugar Soap....
Nope. TSP is Tri-sodium phosphate...

So what is in Draino?
--
--Myron A. Calhoun.
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Am I correct in understanding that TSP, also called Sugar Soap....
Nope. TSP is Tri-sodium phosphate...

So what is in Draino?

The Draino brand drain-unclogger I have seen is a mixture of lye
pellets, and granulated aluminum. When dumped into a drain and
watered, the lye and aluminum react, generating hydrogen gas, quite a
bit of heat, and often some steam. The heat helps break up the gunk
clogging the drain.

"Red Devil" brand drain-unclogger is just lye, without the aluminum.
If I recall correctly it even comes with instructions for making lye
soap, using lye and fat.

--
Dave Platt AE6EO
Hosting the Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior
I do _not_ wish to receive unsolicited commercial email, and I will
boycott any company which has the gall to send me such ads!