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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Stainless Steel Corrosion Question
I added some diluted muriatic acid to my sink because a stupid plumber dumped tile cement/grout (CaCO3) and I wanted to unblock the clog in the PVC pipe (2 inch dia) below. The steel rim that fits the sink drain and cups it into the PVC pipe below has a stainless steel surface and it is all black and murky brown. Is there any compound I can use to polish off (remove) the FeCl2 (ugly murky black-brown deterioration of the steel by the acid) precipitate and bring the shiny steely gloss back to the stainless steel rim?
Thanks,
Dipak V. Desai- Houston, Texas, US
2003
The part you are describing is typically chrome-plated brass. Iron chlorides are water soluble, so you have something else. It may be time to have a good plumber replace the sink or at least the drain.
To all D-I-Yers: Commercial drain opener products, both acidic and caustic types, contain inhibitors to protect metal surfaces.
Ken Vlach [deceased]- Goleta, California
![contributor of the year](../portraits/ken_vlach_award_thumb.jpg)
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
2003
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