Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a clogged drain can be dirty work, so many homeowners choose chemical drain cleaners to wash away the gunk. Bottles of these chemicals are often found in cleaning cabinets, but are they completely safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, find out how they clear blockages and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, examine a few safer alternatives for clearing clogged drains without having to use chemicals.

What are Chemical Drain Cleaners Used For?

Chemical drain cleaners are primarily used for clearing plumbing blockages. They are often an attractive option for homeowners because they’re quick and easy 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 materials hindering the flow of water through the drain. They are often promoted as an easy and convenient solution to tackle persistent clogs and are sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers.

How Do Drain Cleaners Work?

The specific reaction that happens within the pipes varies depending on the type of drain cleaner being used. Here are some 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 efficient 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 poured down the drain. Oxidation breaks down organic matter and removes obstructions from the pipes while eliminating bacteria. As a result, oxidizing cleaners are most effective against easy-to-break-down blockages like food.
Caustic drain cleaners contain lye or potassium hydroxide, which generates heat to break down and dissolve 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 use chemicals. Instead, they break down organic material using bacteria or enzymes. However, they take longer to work than chemical drain cleaners because the bacteria or enzymes need time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are most effective as a maintenance measure rather than a rapid drain-cleaning solution.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

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

Chemical drain cleaner is damaging to pipes. The heat generated by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can harm pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can deteriorate and crack over time. Frequent use of these cleaners can cause pricey repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more prone to leak or rupture.
Chemical drain cleaner can harm humans. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can result in respiratory issues if inhaled, very bad burns if touched, blindness if rubbed into the eyes or digestive problems if ingested. Therefore, drain cleaner must be utilized with a lot of care.
Chemical drain cleaner is bad for the earth. Pouring chemicals in the drain sends toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally damaging consequences.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

Fortunately, chemicals aren’t the only option94 for clearing blocked drains. Here are a few safer methods to attempt:

Dish soap and hot water: Pouring hot, soapy water down a slow-moving drain helps break up grease and washes away simple blockages. The soap acts as a lubricant and emulsifier, while the hot water dissolves and disperses the clog. This tactic may call for a number of attempts, but it’s safe and non-toxic.
Plunger: This manual drain-clearing technique forces blockages from the pipe with no 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 strong, regular plunging motions until the water goes away.
Drain snake: Also called 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 obstacles. This method is very effective against persistent 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 obstructions, delivering a thorough cleaning that keeps future clogs at bay. Hydro-jetting requires a professional plumber’s assistance, but it’s the most powerful, long-lasting answer for even the toughest clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners provide a quick fix for minor clogs, they present too many risks. Consider switching to safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your loved ones and the environment. If your DIY attempts don't work, turn to Stevenson Service Experts for professional drain cleaning services in Dayton. We’ll get your drains clear once again and offer you tips to stop clogs from returning. Our plumbers are eager to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!