When a clogged drain interrupts your busy day you probably want to just pour drain cleaners into the drain and be done with it.\u00a0\u00a0Do-it-yourself drain cleaning is often worth a try, but is just as often a temporary or failed solution.\u00a0 Let’s consider which types are safe to use, and when it’s best to call a plumber.<\/p>\n
Even the manufacturers of chemical drain cleaners recommend using them with extreme caution.\u00a0 They can indeed harm pipes as well as your skin, lungs, and hair.\u00a0 Risks include splashing or the release of hazardous gasses.\u00a0 It’s also important not to mix these products with any others (including cleansers and ammonia) as that can result in dangerous chemical reactions.\u00a0 Plus, they’re generally not effective on solid obstructions and are harmful to septic tanks.\u00a0 Other problems include the possibility that a partially dissolved clog gets lodged further down the drain or sewer line.\u00a0 But sometimes they’re well worth a try as a quick and convenient solution.<\/p>\n
We do\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0recommend using caustic\u00a0lye (potassium hydroxide or\u00a0sodium hydroxide) based drain openers even though they’re frequently rated as “most effective.”\u00a0 Yes, they’re great at breaking down organic matter such as hair\u00a0and they even convert grease into soap!\u00a0 But they’re very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings.\u00a0 Lye drain cleaners also\u00a0release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes.\u00a0\u00a0Never<\/em>\u00a0use them for a completely blocked drain, as they may well\u00a0remain trapped long enough to do some serious damage.<\/p>\n Containing sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, these products are so hazardous that they’re not available on the consumer market.\u00a0 These products are certainly effective (and even dissolve paper along with grease and hair), but the most effective way of putting out a house fire is to bulldoze it down.\u00a0 As with lye-based products there’s a risk of personal injury and the slightest error in use turns drain cleaning into a plumbing repair.<\/p>\n Although both alkali (lye) and acid products may come as liquids, the most common type of liquid drain cleaner is based on sodium hypochlorite (bleach) plus various cleaning, caustic,\u00a0and anti-corrosion agents.\u00a0 They often contain thickening agents so that they sink in standing water.\u00a0 They’re relatively safe and often effective on hair in bathroom sinks and showers, not so much on kitchen sink drain clogs that contain grease.\u00a0 It may take a few tries, often a whole\u00a0bottle for a single clog, but available at most grocery stores\u00a0they’re certainly easy and convenient.<\/p>\n Here are a few more options for dealing with a clogged drain.<\/p>\n This type of product is actually a specific bacterial culture that releases natural enzymes that in turn are effective in breaking down grease, fats, oil, and proteins (such as hair).\u00a0 They’re eco-friendly and biodegradable, and essentially your only choice if you have a septic tank.\u00a0 They’re not as popular as other choices primarily because they’re slow working.\u00a0 You need to let it sit overnight before flushing the drain, and it may take several treatments.<\/p>\n If you don’t want to run to the grocery store you can try vinegar and baking soda.\u00a0 The basic steps are to pour boiling water into the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar.\u00a0 Plug the drain a few minutes, then pour in more boiling water or hot water.\u00a0 You can find very detailed instructions at\u00a0https:\/\/crunchybetty.com\/ A good old-fashioned plunger can also be effective on full clogs.\u00a0 You might also try an air-burst product for drain cleaning.\u00a0 They’re basically a canister of compressed gas (such as inert nitrogen or carbon dioxide) and a special release mechanism.\u00a0 But unlike a plunger they’re generally not recommended if there’s standing water.<\/p>\n If the problem continues to persist you could try doing your own drain snaking by renting or purchasing the right equipment.\u00a0 That can be strenuous and time consuming, and even professionals often leave behind enough grease and grime to soon lead to another clog.<\/p>\n We’re certainly not against do-it-yourself methods — they’re certainly worth a try.\u00a0 But we certainly recommend using\u00a0safe products and keeping a plunger handy.\u00a0 Hopefully this article has explained what’s safe to use and pour into your drains.<\/p>\nAcid<\/h3>\n
Drain Cleaning Liquids<\/h3>\n
Alternatives<\/h2>\n
Enzymatic Products<\/h3>\n
Baking Soda and Vinegar<\/h3>\n
Taking the Plunge<\/h2>\n
Drain Snaking<\/h2>\n
Our Drain Cleaners Recommendations<\/span><\/h3>\n