Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a plugged drain can be nasty work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the gunk. Bottles of these cleaners are frequently 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, examine a few of the safer alternatives for clearing clogged drains without chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are mostly used for clearing plumbing blockages. They are often an attractive option for homeowners because they’re practical, 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 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 specific reaction that takes place within the pipes will depend 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 produce heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are very effective against hair clogs but must often be used more than once or in high concentrations to do the job.
• Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, all of which release oxygen when put down the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and cleans clogs from the pipes while eliminating bacteria. As a result, 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 clear up materials clogging the drain. The caustic nature of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic materials.
• Enzyme drain cleaners don’t contain chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material utilizing bacteria or enzymes. However, they take longer to work than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes require time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners work best as a preventative measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning remedy.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

Even though chemical drain cleaners are fairly effective, they do present risks. Here are a few key issues to consider:

• Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat generated by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can harm pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack with time. Regular use of these cleaners can cause costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more prone to leak or burst.
• Chemical drain cleaner can harm your family members. The highly toxic ingredients in drain cleaner can result in respiratory issues if inhaled, very bad burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive complications if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with great care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is harmful to the environment. Pouring chemicals down the drain transfers toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally damaging effects.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

The good news is, chemicals aren’t the only solution for clearing blocked drains. Here are several safer alternatives to consider:

• Dish soap and hot water: Adding hot, soapy water to a slow drain helps break up grease and washes away minor blockages. The soap serves as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and carries away the clog. This method may necessitate a number of attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing method pushes blockages from the pipe with no harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help produce a tight seal on top of the drain opening. Then, make strong, continuous plunging motions until the water goes down the drain.
• Drain snake: Also called a plumber’s auger, this instrument involves a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes obstructions. This method is highly effective against difficult clogs without doing any damage to the pipes or creating any health risks.
• Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and buildup, providing a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs from happening. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most efficient, long-lasting answer for even the toughest clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners present a quick fix for minor clogs, they create too many risks. Consider using safer, chemical-free alternatives to protect your pipes, your household 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 suggest tips to help prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are ready to help, so contact a Service Experts office near you today!