Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Unblocking a clogged drain can be dirty work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the gunk. Bottles of these chemicals are commonly found in cleaning closets, but are they truly safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, find out how they clear blockages and learn why they’re hazardous. Then, explore 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 clogs. They appeal to 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 substances hindering the flow of water through the drain. They are often promoted 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 exact 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 make heat and gas, dissolving the clog. Acidic cleaners are particularly successful against hair clogs but must often be used repeatedly or in high concentrations to work.
Oxidizing drain cleaners contain bleach, peroxides or nitrates, which release oxygen when poured in 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 break up materials in the drain. The caustic traits of these cleaners allow them to dissolve fat, grease and other organic items.
Enzyme drain cleaners are products that do not contain chemicals. Instead, these products break down organic material using bacteria or enzymes. However, they take more time to dissolve clogs than chemical drain cleaners given that the bacteria or enzymes need time to multiply. For this reason, enzyme drain cleaners are a good choice as a precautionary measure rather than a fast drain-cleaning solution.

Is Drain Cleaner Safe?

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

Chemical drain cleaner is bad for pipes. The heat produced by caustic and acidic drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older or plastic ones, which can weaken and crack eventually. Repeated use of these cleaners can lead to costly repairs or replacements, as damaged pipes are more likely to leak or burst.
Chemical drain cleaner can injure humans. The highly toxic chemicals in drain cleaner can cause 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 extreme care.
Chemical drain cleaner is dangerous to the environment. Dumping chemicals down the drain sends toxic substances to local waterways, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and causing other environmentally harmful impacts.

Safer Alternatives to Drain Cleaner Chemicals

The good news is, chemicals aren’t the only option94 for clearing blocked drains. Here are a few safer alternatives to attempt:

Dish soap and hot water: Pouring hot, soapy water down a slow drain helps break up grease and washes away simple 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 technique forces blockages from the pipe without harmful chemicals. Fill the clogged sink or tub with an inch of water to help generate a tight seal over the drain opening. Then, make strong, regular plunging motions until the water goes away.
Drain snake: Also referred to as a plumber’s auger, this device features a flexible cable with a corkscrew on the end. When put into the drain, the snake physically breaks up and removes blockages. This method is extremely effective against difficult clogs and doesn't damage the pipes or creating any health risks.
Hydro-jetting: This professional service uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and obstructions, providing 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 option for even the most challenging clogs.

Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While chemical drain cleaners provide a quick cure for little clogs, they present too many risks. Consider using safer, chemical-free solutions to protect your pipes, your household and the environment. If your DIY fixes don't work, turn to Church Services for professional drain cleaning services in Houston. We’ll get your drains flowing smoothly again and recommend tips to stop clogs from returning. Our plumbers are ready to help, so reach out to a Service Experts office near you today!