Drain cleaner
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Drain cleaner is generally a corrosive chemical such as a strong acid or base or an enzymatic substance, used to dissolve clogs in plumbing. It is used to release stoppages in sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers. It is often used after a plunger has not been sufficient to finish the job.
Drain cleaner should only be used according to the manufacturer's specifications, as improper use may cause chemical burns to skin, cause respiratory problems or damage lungs, or cause damage to eyes. With very strong corrosive properties, drain cleaners are one of the most hazardous household products sold to the public today. Care needs to be taken as well to ensure that different types of drain cleaners are not mixed in the drain.
There are four different types of drain cleaners sold on the market today. The first, and most common type are liquid solutions containing sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide (lye), or potassium hydroxide in concentrations from 3-40 percent. These are used to dissolve grease and hair clogs. The second type consists of solid granules or crystals of sodium or potassium hydroxide. These are also used for hair and grease clogs, and often contain aluminium chips that react with the lye to generate hydrogen gas and agitate the water-cum-deposits in the stopped-up drain. The third type are the liquid solutions containing bacteria cultures and enzymes that gradually eat away the buildup on pipes that cause slow drains. These are not intended to be used on completely clogged drains.
The fourth and final type are the liquid solutions that contain sulfuric acid, usually in concentrations around 93-95 percent. These can be very hazardous products if misused, and often create intense heat that can cause the water in the drain to boil, creating a violent eruption from the drain. On the other hand, they are the only products that will effectively dissolve paper, rags, sanitary napkins, and similar blockages. Many of these products are intended for professional use by plumbers and janitors, but they are legal to sell to the general public. Whether or not they should be has been the subject of much debate during the last few decades. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently decided not to ban these products for general use by the public. Proponents of the ban argued that it was necessary to protect the public from harm, while opponents said it is just a ploy by the plumbing industry to make more money from increased maintenance calls, and would overly burden a responsible homeowner. Now that they will remain legal, consumers should understand that these products are extremely hazardous and should be treated with respect.
All products should always be used with caution, following all directions.
Popular brands of drain cleaner include Drano, Liquid Plumbr, Instant Power, Roebic, Liquid Fire, Rooto, and Hercules/Cloroben.
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