Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a blocked drain can be unpleasant work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the sludge. Bottles of these chemicals are frequently found in cleaning aisles, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, see how they actually clear blockages and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, examine a few of the safer alternatives for cleaning clogged drains without chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are mostly used for clearing plumbing obstructions. They appeal to homeowners because they’re fast, 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 materials blocking the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and simple solution to handle stubborn clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.

How Do Drain Cleaners Work?

The exact reaction that happens 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 make heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are particularly efficient against hair clogs but must often be used over and over or in high concentrations to do the job.

• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which are substances that release oxygen when dumped down the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes blockages from the pipes while destroying bacteria. Consequently, oxidizing cleaners work very well against easy-to-break-down substances like food.

• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which generates heat to break down and dissolve materials inside the drain. The caustic characteristics of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic materials.

• Enzyme drain cleaners don’t use chemicals. Instead, these products break down organic material utilizing bacteria or enzymes. However, they take more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners due to the fact the bacteria or enzymes must have time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are a good choice as a precautionary measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning remedy.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

While chemical drain cleaners are fairly effective, they do have risks. Here are a few key concerns:

• Chemical drain cleaner is damaging to 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. Regular use of these cleaners can lead to costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more prone to leak or rupture.

• Chemical drain cleaner can hurt your family members. The highly toxic compounds in drain cleaner can cause 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 used with a lot of care.

• Chemical drain cleaner is dangerous to the planet. Dumping chemicals down the drain introduces toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally damaging effects.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

Luckily, chemicals aren’t the only choice for clearing clogged drains. Here are a few safer methods to try:

• Dish soap and hot water: Pouring hot, soapy water down a slow-moving drain helps break up grease and washes away slight blockages. The soap serves as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and washes out the clog. This method may necessitate a number of attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.

• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing method sends blockages down the 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 forceful, continuous plunging motions until the water drains away.

• Drain snake: Also known as a plumber’s auger, this instrument involves a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When inserted into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes obstructions. This method is extremely effective against tenacious clogs and doesn’t damage the pipes or causing any 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 from happening. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most effective, long-lasting solution for even the most challenging clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners offer a quick cure for minor clogs, they create too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free alternatives to protect your pipes, your family and the environment. If your DIY fixes don’t work, turn to Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for professional drain cleaning services in Windsor. We’ll get your drains flowing smoothly again and recommend tips to help prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are eager to help, so call a Service Experts office near you today!