The Problem with Over-the-counter Drain Cleaners

At some point in their lives, home owners are bound to face clogged drain problems. In many cases, the first thing that many home owners resort to in order to unclog those drains is to buy over-the-counter drain cleaners, which gel, liquid and powder forms. But do they really work? No, strike that. Are they even safe for both your plumbing and for your own health?

Let’s take a look at the three basic types of over-the-counter drain cleaners, and see what they’re made of.

Caustic Drain Cleaners

Caustic drain cleaners are made up of ingredients such as lye and caustic potash. As both lye and caustic potash are bases, they give the clogging substance electrons to clear it. The other chemicals that make up caustic drain cleaners then release heat, which effectively turns whatever grease that clogs the drain into an easily dissolved soap-like substance. Standing water is not a problem for these caustic drain cleaners, as they are typically heavier than water. That means they can get through to the clog even if there are inches of standing water between them.

Oxidising Drain Cleaners

If caustic drain cleaners give electrons to the clogging substance, oxidising drain cleaners do the exact opposite. Substances that make up oxidizing drain cleaners, namely, household bleach, peroxides, and nitrates, cause the organic component of the clog to lose electrons and become oxidized in the process. Like caustic drain cleaners, oxidizing drain cleaners are also heavier than water and can reach the clog through standing water.

Acid Drain Cleaners

As the name implies, acid drain cleaners contain significant amounts of hydrochloric or sulfuric acids. When put in a solution, either substance increases hydronium ions and effectively take away electrons from the clog. The hydronium ions will then produce a reaction with the material in the clog that will release heat and subsequently melt or soften any kind of buildup within your pipes.

Over-the-counter Drain Cleaners damage Pipes

One thing these three types of drain cleaners have in common is their use of a chemical reaction to add or remove electrons to or from the clogging material. While they may work in breaking down the clog, it could also cause damage to the pipes, particularly when the pipes in your home plumbing are of the older type. With the heat that they generate, over-the-counter drain cleaners could also damage the polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes that appear to be the norm in newer houses.

Health risk of over-the-counter Drain Cleaners

In all honesty, you don’t have to fully understand the composition of over-the-counter drain cleaners to know that they could be hazardous to one’s health. Contact with the skin, eyes and mucous membranes can lead to burning. Spill some on your clothing, and they’re bound to eat through it. When swallowed accidentally, you will need to rush to the emergency room because over-the-counter drain cleaners are extremely toxic.

Then again, if you insist on using over-the-counter drain cleaners even with all issues that surround them, the least you can do is read the directions carefully and heed whatever warnings are there on the label. You also need to make sure that the area you’re using the drain cleaner in is well-ventilated. To lessen the risk of burning your skin, always wear rubber gloves when using caustic drain cleaners and the like. Most importantly keep your children and pets away from the clogged drain you’re working on.

If the clog persists despite using caustic drain cleaners, oxidizing drain cleaners or acid drain cleaners, it’s probably time for you to call in the experts. We at Beez Neez Plumbing take pride in having drain clearing professionals on our team. Give us a call, and we’ll be glad to send them your way.