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 commonly found in cleaning aisles, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, discover how they actually clear blockages and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, take a look at some safer alternatives for removing debris from clogged drains without chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are primarily used for clearing plumbing obstructions. They are attractive to homeowners because they’re quick, straightforward 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 promoted as an easy and convenient solution to tackle 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 depends 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 produce heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are especially successful against hair clogs but must often be used more than once or in high concentrations to work.
• 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 blockages from the pipes while destroying bacteria. Because of this, oxidizing cleaners are the best against easy-to-break-down substances like food.
• Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which generates heat to break down and break up materials clogging the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic materials.
• Enzyme drain cleaners are products that do not have chemicals. Instead, enzyme drain cleaners break down organic material utilizing bacteria or enzymes. However, they require more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners because 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 solution.

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 generated by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can inflict damage on pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can deteriorate and crack with time. Regular use of these cleaners can result in expensive repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more likely to leak or burst.
• Chemical drain cleaner can harm humans. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can result in respiratory issues if inhaled, significant burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive complications if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be handled with a lot of care.
• Chemical drain cleaner is harmful to the environment. Putting chemicals down the drain sends toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful consequences.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

Fortunately, chemicals aren’t the only option for clearing stopped up drains. Here are several safer alternatives to consider:

• Dish soap and hot water: Flushing soapy, hot water into a slow-moving drain helps break up grease and washes away small blockages. The soap acts as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and washes out the clog. This method may necessitate several attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
• Plunger: This manual drain-clearing method sends blockages from the pipe without the need for harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help create a tight seal over the drain opening. Then, make powerful, continuous plunging motions until the water goes away.
• Drain snake: Also called 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 blockages. This method is very effective against difficult 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 gunk, delivering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs from happening. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most powerful, long-lasting answer for even the most challenging clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners provide a quick remedy 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 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 offer you tips to prevent clogs from returning. Our plumbers are prepared to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!