Unblocking a clogged drain can be dirty work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the crud. Bottles of these cleaners are commonly found in cleaning closets, but are they truly safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, find out how they clear blockages and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, take a look at a few of the safer alternatives for cleaning clogged drains without having to use chemicals.
What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?
Chemical drain cleaners are mostly used for clearing plumbing clogs. They are attractive to homeowners because they’re quick and simple to use and offer good results, at least at first. These cleaners are available in liquid, gel, or powder form and break down hair, grease, food and other substances blocking the drain. They are often marketed as an easy and convenient solution to tackle persistent clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.
How Do Drain Cleaners Work?
The specific reaction that occurs within the pipes will depend on on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are some examples:
- Acidic drain cleaners have sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to produce heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are very effective against hair clogs but must often be used more than once or in high concentrations to work.
- Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which are substances that release oxygen when put into the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and cleans clogs from the pipes while killing bacteria. Consequently, oxidizing cleaners are most effective against easy-to-break-down substances like food.
- Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which produces heat to break down and clear up materials inside the drain. The caustic characteristics of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic substances.
- Enzyme drain cleaners do not use chemicals. Instead, these products break down organic material utilizing bacteria or enzymes. However, they take more time to remove blockages than chemical drain cleaners due to the fact the bacteria or enzymes require time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are most effective as a maintenance measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning fix.
Is Drain Cleaner Safe?
Even though chemical drain cleaners are reasonably effective, they do pose risks. Here are a few key issues to consider:
- Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat generated by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can inflict damage on pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack in the long run. Frequent use of these cleaners can cause expensive repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more prone to leak or burst.
- Chemical drain cleaner can injure your family members. The highly toxic ingredients in drain cleaner can result in respiratory issues if inhaled, severe burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive complications if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with a lot of care.
- Chemical drain cleaner is bad for the environment. Dumping chemicals in the drain transfers toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful impacts.
Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals
Fortunately, chemicals aren’t the only option94 for clearing stopped up drains. Here are several safer methods to try:
- Dish soap and hot water: Adding hot, soapy water to a slow drain helps break up grease and washes away simple blockages. The soap works as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and disperses the clog. This tactic may require several attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
- Plunger: This manual drain-clearing technique forces blockages from the pipe with no harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help make a tight seal around the drain opening. Then, make forceful, regular plunging motions until the water goes down the drain.
- Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this tool uses a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When inserted into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and gets rid of obstacles. This method is extremely effective against persistent clogs without damaging the pipes or posing health risks.
- Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and obstructions, providing a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs from happening. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most powerful, long-lasting solution for even the most difficult clogs.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While chemical drain cleaners present a quick cure for little clogs, they pose too many risks. Consider using safer, chemical-free alternatives to protect your pipes, your family and the environment. If your DIY attempts prove fruitless, turn to Climate Control Service Experts for professional drain cleaning services in Mobile. We’ll get your drains clear once again and suggest tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are ready to help, so call a Service Experts office near you today!