Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?
Unblocking a plugged drain can be dirty work, so many homeowners resort to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the gunk. Bottles of these cleaners are frequently found in cleaning closets, but are they truly safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, find out how they work and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, explore a few safer alternatives for removing debris from clogged drains without having to use chemicals.
What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?
Chemical drain cleaners are mainly used for clearing plumbing blockages. They appeal to homeowners because they’re fast, straightforward 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 materials obstructing the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and simple solution to handle persistent clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.
How Do Drain Cleaners Work?
The exact reaction that takes place within the pipes will depend on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are some examples:
• Acidic drain cleaners include sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to make heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are particularly successful against hair clogs but must often be used repeatedly or in high concentrations to do the job.
• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which are substances that 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 work very well against easy-to-break-down blockages like food.
• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which creates heat to break down and dissolve materials inside the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic substances.
• Enzyme drain cleaners don’t use chemicals. Instead, enzyme drain cleaners break down organic material using bacteria or enzymes. However, they take longer to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes require time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners work best as a preventative measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning solution.
Is Drain Cleaner Safe?
While chemical drain cleaners are fairly effective, they do have risks. Here are a few key considerations:
• Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat generated by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can deteriorate and crack over time. Repeated use of these cleaners can cause costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are susceptible to leak or break.
• Chemical drain cleaner can injure humans. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can result in respiratory issues if inhaled, significant burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive concerns if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be used with extreme care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is bad for the environment. Pouring chemicals in the drain sends toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally detrimental impacts.
Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals
The good news is, chemicals aren’t the only choice for clearing blocked drains. Here are a number of safer methods to attempt:
• Dish soap and hot water: Flushing soapy, hot water into a slow-moving drain helps break up grease and washes away small blockages. The soap serves as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and disperses the clog. This method may call for a number of attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing method pushes blockages down the the pipe with no harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help make a tight seal over the drain opening. Then, make forceful, continuous plunging motions until the water goes away.
• Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this tool involves a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and obstructions. This method is extremely effective against persistent clogs and doesn’t damage the pipes or posing health risks.
• Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and buildup, offering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs at bay. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most powerful, long-lasting remedy for even the most difficult clogs.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services
While chemical drain cleaners provide a quick fix for minor clogs, they pose too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your loved ones and the environment. If your DIY efforts don’t do the job, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for professional drain cleaning services in Canada. We’ll get your drains flowing smoothly again and offer you tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are prepared to help, so call a Service Experts office near you today!
