Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a blocked drain can be nasty work, so many homeowners resort to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the sludge. Bottles of these chemicals are often found in cleaning closets, but are they really safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, see how they work and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, take a look at a few safer alternatives for removing debris from clogged drains without having to use chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are mainly used for clearing plumbing clogs. They appeal to 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 debris obstructing the drain. They are often advertised as an easy and effortless solution to fix 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 depends on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are several examples:

• Acidic drain cleaners contain sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid. This reacts with organic materials to make heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are especially efficient against hair clogs but must often be used repeatedly 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 cleans blockages from the pipes while killing bacteria. As a result, oxidizing cleaners are the best against easy-to-break-down substances like food.
• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which creates heat to break down and dissolve materials in the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic materials.
• Enzyme drain cleaners don’t contain chemicals. Instead, these products break down organic material using bacteria or enzymes. However, they require more time to work than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes require time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are most effective as a preventative measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning remedy.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

While chemical drain cleaners are reasonably effective, they do pose risks. Here are a few key considerations:

• Chemical drain cleaner is not good for pipes. The heat produced by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can deteriorate and crack eventually. Regular use of these cleaners can lead to expensive repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are susceptible to leak or burst.
• Chemical drain cleaner can hurt your family members. 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 problems if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with extreme 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 impacts.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

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

• Dish soap and hot water: Flushing soapy, hot water into a sluggish drain helps break up grease and washes away small blockages. The soap acts as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and carries away the clog. This tactic may necessitate several attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing approach sends blockages from 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 goes away.
• Drain snake: Also referred to as a plumber’s auger, this device involves a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When inserted into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and gets rid of obstructions. This method is extremely effective against tenacious clogs without doing any damage to the pipes or causing any 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 solution for even the most challenging clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners offer a quick cure for slight clogs, they present too many risks. Consider using safer, chemical-free alternatives to protect your pipes, your loved ones and the environment. If your DIY attempts 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 help prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are ready to help, so contact a Service Experts office near you today!