Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a clogged drain can be nasty work, so many homeowners choose chemical drain cleaners to wash away the sludge. Bottles of these cleaners are frequently found in cleaning cabinets, but are they really safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, discover how they work and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, examine some safer alternatives for cleaning clogged drains with no chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are mainly used for clearing plumbing blockages. They are often an attractive option for homeowners because they’re fast, easy 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 hindering the flow of water through the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and effortless solution to handle stubborn 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 the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are some examples:

• Acidic drain cleaners contain sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to make heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are very effective against hair clogs but must often be used repeatedly or in high concentrations to get the job done.
• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which release oxygen when dumped down the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes clogs from the pipes while killing bacteria. Because of this, 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 break up materials in the drain. The caustic nature of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic substances.
• Enzyme drain cleaners do not use chemicals. Instead, enzyme drain cleaners break down organic material with bacteria or enzymes. However, they require more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners due to the fact the bacteria or enzymes need time to multiply. As a result, enzyme drain cleaners are most effective as a maintenance measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning solution.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

Even though chemical drain cleaners are reasonably effective, they do pose risks. Here are a few key concerns:

• Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat produced by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can inflict damage on pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack over time. Frequent use of these cleaners can cause pricey repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are susceptible to leak or rupture.
• Chemical drain cleaner can harm people. The highly toxic compounds in drain cleaner can cause 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 harmful to the environment. Putting chemicals into the drain sends toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful consequences.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

The good news is, chemicals aren’t the only solution for clearing stopped up drains. Here are a few 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 serves 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 pushes blockages from the pipe without the need for harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help generate a tight seal on top of the drain opening. Then, make forceful, regular plunging motions until the water goes down the drain.
• Drain snake: Also known as a plumber’s auger, this tool features a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When inserted into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes blockages. This method is extremely effective against persistent 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 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 answer for even the most difficult clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners provide a quick fix for slight clogs, they create too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your loved ones and the environment. If your DIY efforts prove fruitless, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for professional drain cleaning services in the U.S.. We’ll get your drains flowing smoothly again and recommend tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are prepared to help, so contact a Service Experts office near you today!