Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?
Unblocking a blocked drain can be dirty work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the crud. Bottles of these chemicals are commonly found in cleaning closets, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, find out how they work and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, examine a few safer alternatives for cleaning clogged drains without chemicals.
What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?
Chemical drain cleaners are mostly used for clearing plumbing clogs. They appeal to homeowners because they’re quick, 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 materials blocking the drain. They are often promoted as an easy and effortless 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 takes place within the pipes will depend on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are several examples:
- Acidic drain cleaners include sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to create heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are very effective 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, which are substances that release oxygen when dumped in the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes obstructions from the pipes while destroying bacteria. Consequently, oxidizing cleaners are the best 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 traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic substances.
- Enzyme drain cleaners don’t use chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material with bacteria or enzymes. However, they take more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes must have time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are a good choice as a maintenance measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning fix.
Is Drain Cleaner Safe?
Although chemical drain cleaners are somewhat 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 harm pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can become weak and crack eventually. Regular use of these cleaners can cause costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are susceptible to leak or break.
- Chemical drain cleaner can injure people. The highly toxic chemicals 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 used with great care.
- Chemical drain cleaner is harmful to the environment. Dumping chemicals in the drain introduces toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful effects.
Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals
Fortunately, chemicals aren’t the only choice for clearing stopped up drains. Here are a few safer alternatives 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 require a couple attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
- Plunger: This manual drain-clearing approach forces 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 on top of the drain opening. Then, make powerful, regular plunging motions until the water drains away.
- Drain snake: Also known as a plumber’s auger, this tool features a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put down the drain, the snake physically breaks up and obstacles. This method is very effective against stubborn clogs and doesn’t damage the pipes or creating any health risks.
- Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and gunk, offering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs at bay. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most effective, long-lasting solution for even the most difficult 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 household and the environment. If your DIY attempts prove fruitless, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for professional drain cleaning services in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll get your drains flowing smoothly again and recommend tips to stop clogs from returning. Our plumbers are eager to help, so call a Service Experts office near you today!