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 sludge. Bottles of these cleaners are frequently found in cleaning aisles, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, discover how they work and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, take a look at 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 are attractive to homeowners because they’re fast, easy 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 debris obstructing the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and convenient 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 varies depending on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are a few examples:

• Acidic drain cleaners contain 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 get the job done.
• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which are substances that release oxygen when put down the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes clogs from the pipes while killing bacteria. Consequently, oxidizing cleaners are most effective 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 traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic items.
• Enzyme drain cleaners don’t have chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material with bacteria or enzymes. However, they take more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners due to the fact the bacteria or enzymes need time to multiply. Because of this, enzyme drain cleaners are a good choice as a preventative measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning remedy.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

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

• Chemical drain cleaner is not good for pipes. The heat created by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can become weak and crack with time. Frequent use of these cleaners can result in expensive repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more likely to leak or rupture.
• Chemical drain cleaner can harm your family members. The highly toxic compounds in drain cleaner can trigger 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 great care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is dangerous to the environment. Dumping chemicals in the drain transfers toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful impacts.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

Thankfully, chemicals aren’t the only solution for clearing blocked drains. Here are several safer possibilities 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 acts as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and washes out the clog. This strategy may necessitate several attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing technique pushes blockages from the pipe without 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 forceful, regular plunging motions until the water goes down the drain.
• Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this instrument uses a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put down the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes obstructions. This method is highly effective against persistent clogs without doing any damage to the pipes or posing health risks.
• Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and buildup, delivering 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 remedy for even the toughest clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners offer a quick fix for minor clogs, they pose too many risks. Think about using safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your household and the environment. If your DIY efforts prove fruitless, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for professional drain cleaning services in Fort Lauderdale. We’ll get your drains draining again and suggest tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are eager to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!