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 products are often found in cleaning closets, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, discover 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 mainly used for clearing plumbing clogs. They are often an attractive option for 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 substances blocking the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and effortless solution to tackle stubborn clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.

How Do Drain Cleaners Work?

The precise reaction that occurs 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 efficient 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 release oxygen when poured in the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes clogs from the pipes while eliminating bacteria. Consequently, oxidizing cleaners are the best against easy-to-break-down blockages like food.
• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which generates heat to break down and break up materials inside the drain. The caustic characteristics of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic materials.
• Enzyme drain cleaners do not use chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material using bacteria or enzymes. However, they require more time to remove blockages than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes must have time to multiply. Because of this, enzyme drain cleaners are a good choice as a preventative measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning fix.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

While chemical drain cleaners are reasonably effective, they do have risks. Here are a few key issues to consider:

• Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat created by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack over time. Repeated use of these cleaners can lead to costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are susceptible to leak or break.
• Chemical drain cleaner can hurt humans. The highly toxic ingredients in drain cleaner can trigger respiratory issues if inhaled, severe burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive concerns if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be used with a lot of care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is dangerous to the environment. Pouring chemicals down 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 option for clearing stopped up drains. Here are a few safer alternatives to consider:

• Dish soap and hot water: Adding hot, soapy water to a slow-moving drain helps break up grease and washes away minor blockages. The soap works as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and washes out the clog. This method may require several attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing technique forces blockages down the the pipe without the need for harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help create a tight seal around the drain opening. Then, make powerful, continuous plunging motions until the water drains away.
• Drain snake: Also referred to as a plumber’s auger, this tool uses 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 without damaging the pipes or posing health risks.
• Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and obstructions, offering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs from reoccuring. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most powerful, long-lasting solution for even the toughest clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners offer a quick fix for small clogs, they create too many risks. Think about using safer, chemical-free choices to protect your pipes, your loved ones and the environment. If your DIY efforts don’t work, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for professional drain cleaning services in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll get your drains clear once again and offer you tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are eager to help, so call a Service Experts office near you today!