Unknown substance in drain line

[DTB]

I discovered this white granulated chemical smelling substance in a residential sewer line. It was completely filling the 4 inch pipe and approximately 12 inches long. The drain machine (snake) would not penetrate it and had to dig up and disassemble the line. Can anyone tell me what this substance might be?

Thanks!

 

[havasu]

bump please

 

[plumb_bob_square_pants]

Could someone have emptied out their water softener? Or someone has a very high calcium count in their stools? Take to a lab and get it tested. Would like to know what it is my self.

 

[Caduceus]

That looks like a chunk of a combination of things that I've seen in sewers before. Some grease and organic products mixed with detergents (presumably powdered). Drop some in a bucket of water and spray a hose at it and see if it starts to make suds. It has hard spots and parts that crumble apart easily.

 

[johnjh2o]

It could be that there was tile work done recently and they washed out their grout bucket in the sink or tub.

 

[DTB]

Thanks for the responses guys, all good ideas!
I checked into testing and was quoted pricing of $2,000.00 which is more than the client would like to pay.
Preformed the bucket and hose test and no suds
It doesn't look like tile grout, does not have the sand aggregate, also thought about drywall mud but it doesn't look quite like that either.
There hasn't been any work at the home in several years.
I'm stumped!

 

[plumb_bob_square_pants]

Could drugs be an issue? Have you tasted it? What kind of chemical does it smell like?

 

[DTB]

Looks like, smells like, taste like, good thing I didn't step in it!
Takes me back to my youth

All kidding aside, it smells a bit like chlorine.

 

[phishfood]

Looks like, smells like, taste like, good thing I didn't step in it!
Takes me back to my youth

All kidding aside, it smells a bit like chlorine.

R. Pryor. That was/is a funny guy!

 

[havasu]

Looks like a clump of granular drain cleaning substance to me.

 

[DTB]

That was a great clue Havasu and I thought that maybe you nailed it but I ask today and granular or any drain cleaner has never been used.

Unfortunately the mystery remains.

 

[SHR]

Looks like a clump of granular drain cleaning substance to me.

Always useful stuff...for increasing my bank account when it never works and I charge for clearing a hazardous drain!

 

[SHR]

That was a great clue Havasu and I thought that maybe you nailed it but I ask today and granular or any drain cleaner has never been used.

Unfortunately the mystery remains.

I think someone's lying to you...