Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a plugged drain can be nasty work, so many homeowners use chemical drain cleaners to wash away the crud. Bottles of these products are often found in cleaning cabinets, 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 some safer alternatives for removing debris from clogged drains with no 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 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 substances obstructing the drain. They are often promoted as an easy and convenient solution to fix persistent clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.

How Do Drain Cleaners Work?

The exact reaction that occurs 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 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, all of which release oxygen when poured into the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and cleans blockages from the pipes while eliminating bacteria. Because of this, oxidizing cleaners are most effective 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 in the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic substances.
• Enzyme drain cleaners do not have chemicals. Instead, these products 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. As a result, enzyme drain cleaners work best as a preventative measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning solution.

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 produced by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack with time. Repeated use of these cleaners can cause costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more likely to leak or burst.
• Chemical drain cleaner can injure your family members. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can trigger respiratory issues if inhaled, very bad burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive concerns if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with a lot of care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is harmful to the planet. Putting chemicals down the drain transfers 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 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 simple blockages. The soap acts as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and disperses the clog. This tactic may necessitate a number of attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing approach sends blockages from 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, consistent plunging motions until the water drains away.
• Drain snake: Also referred to as a plumber’s auger, this device uses a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and obstacles. 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 gunk, delivering 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 option for even the most difficult clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners present a quick fix for minor clogs, they pose too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free choices to protect your pipes, your household and the environment. If your DIY fixes don’t do the job, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for professional drain cleaning services in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll get your drains draining again and offer you tips to stop clogs from returning. Our plumbers are prepared to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!