Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?
Unblocking a clogged drain can be unpleasant work, so many homeowners resort to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the gunk. Bottles of these cleaners are often found in cleaning aisles, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, see how they function and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, examine some safer alternatives for removing debris from clogged drains without having to use chemicals.
What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?
Chemical drain cleaners are primarily used for clearing plumbing blockages. They are often an attractive option for homeowners because they’re quick, simple to use and offer effective results—at least at first. These cleaners are available in liquid, gel or powder form and break down hair, grease, food and other materials obstructing the drain. They are often marketed as an easy and effortless solution to fix stubborn clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.
How Do Drain Cleaners Work?
The specific reaction that happens within the pipes varies depending on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are several examples:
• Acidic drain cleaners contain sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to produce heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are especially efficient against hair clogs but must often be used over and over or in high concentrations to work.
• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, all of which release oxygen when poured in the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes blockages from the pipes while eliminating bacteria. Because of this, oxidizing cleaners are the best against easy-to-break-down blockages like food.
• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which produces heat to break down and break up materials clogging the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic items.
• Enzyme drain cleaners are products that do not have chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material with bacteria or enzymes. However, they take longer to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners due to the fact the bacteria or enzymes must have time to multiply. Because of this, enzyme drain cleaners work best as a preventative measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning fix.
Is Drain Cleaner Safe?
While chemical drain cleaners are reasonably effective, they do pose risks. Here are a few key issues to consider:
• Chemical drain cleaner is damaging to pipes. The heat created by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can harm pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can deteriorate and crack over time. Regular use of these cleaners can lead to expensive repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more likely to leak or break.
• Chemical drain cleaner can harm your family members. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can trigger respiratory issues if inhaled, significant burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive problems if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with a lot of care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is dangerous to the earth. Dumping chemicals down the drain introduces toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally damaging consequences.
Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals
The good news is, chemicals aren’t the only solution for clearing clogged drains. Here are a few safer alternatives to consider:
• Dish soap and hot water: Pouring hot, soapy water down a sluggish drain helps break up grease and washes away small blockages. The soap works as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and disperses the clog. This tactic may necessitate a couple attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing method sends blockages out of the pipe without 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 powerful, continuous plunging motions until the water drains away.
• Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this device uses a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When inserted into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes obstacles. This method is highly effective against stubborn clogs without doing any damage to the pipes or creating any health risks.
• Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and buildup, delivering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs from happening. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most effective, long-lasting option for even the most challenging clogs.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While chemical drain cleaners present a quick fix for small clogs, they pose too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your family and the environment. If your DIY efforts prove fruitless, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for professional drain cleaning services in Canada. We’ll get your drains clear once again and offer you tips to help prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are ready to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!
