How Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?

Chemical Drain Cleaners Work

When a drain becomes completely or partially blocked, most people turn to chemical cleaners to get the job done. These products are widely available at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers and claim to clear even the most stubborn clogs in minutes. However, before you run out and buy a bottle of your own, take some time to learn more about how these cleaners work and what they may do to your pipes.

The liquid, gel, foam or crystal variety of consumer-available chemical drain cleaners all have one thing in common: they contain strong acids. These chemicals are so powerful that, at the very least, they will destroy any material they come into contact with, including metal, plastic and rubber. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that these cleaners must be poured down the drain with extreme caution and only after thoroughly reading the label and following all directions to the letter.

These chemical drain cleaning often advertise themselves as “fast acting,” but their effectiveness is limited. They work well for tub/shower drains that become clogged with hair and toilet drains that get clogged with paper, food waste and other debris. They don’t, however, work for kitchen sinks without garbage disposals that are clogged with grease or for any solid objects that have become stuck in the pipe.

How Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?

There are also long-term costs to consider. Chemical drain cleaners, whether caustic or acidic, eat away at the surfaces of pipes, causing corrosion and pitting. This can lead to leaks that threaten the integrity of your home’s plumbing and cause flooding, water damage and mold.

In addition, the acids in chemical drain cleaners can eat away at certain metals, resulting in corrosion and eventual pipe failure. This type of damage is usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance and can be very expensive to repair.

Another downside of using chemical drain cleaners is that they can wreak havoc on your skin, throat and eyes when coming into contact with them. This is because they often release noxious fumes that are difficult to breathe, according to Healthline. These fumes can also cause a range of respiratory issues, from irritation of the nasal passages to bronchitis and pneumonia.

Finally, chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous to pets and children if they come into contact with them. They may also corrode or discolor plastic and enamel pipes, so using them in your home could result in costly repairs down the line.

If your drain is completely clogged, the best option is to call in a professional plumber. However, if you simply need to remove a small amount of debris from your pipes, consider using a drain snake rather than pouring a chemical drain cleaner down the pipe. This device consists of a coiled piece of metal wire that you can slip into the pipe to break up and pull out the debris. The snake is also easy to use and won’t damage your pipes if used correctly.