It is important to understand that the vast majority of chemical drain cleaners use sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide as a main ingredient. These types of chemical are highly corrosive to metals and organic material. These types of chemicals are known as bases, meaning they give electrons to the substance and the hydroxide ions will create a reaction that helps to clear the clog. The alkaline chemicals in turn will release heat and manage to turn hardened grease into a soapy substance which can then slide down the drain. Due to the fact that drain cleaners are heavier than water, they are able to sink through any water that is attached to a clog.
Other cleaners in the market will contain nitrates, bleach and peroxides. These types of chemicals will cause the organic material to lose their electrons and become oxidized.
Understanding The Process Of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Due to the fact that the vast majority of these cleaners in the market will produce some form of heat they can eat away at older metal pipes and soften the properties of PVC piping.
While these dangerous properties can harm your home’s plumbing they can also be dangerous to your health. If you are not wearing gloves or a mask while using them they can harm your skin and breathing.
In addition, these chemical cleaners can create much larger problems for your entire plumbing system. While clogged drains can be a simple problem such as too much grease being drained into the system or it can be a much larger problem such as a broken pipe or backed-up sewer line.
Chemical-Free Ways Of Unclogging A Drain
Believe it or not if you are looking to unclog a drain you only need two household items, baking soda and vinegar.
The first step is to pour boiling water down the drain, followed with cold water. That combination alone may be all you need for a simple clog. If that does not work, use a half of cup of baking soda and follow through with a half a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit overnight and flush with hot water in the morning.
It may be hard to believe, but that is all you need many times. One simple step to take out the majority of clogged drains in your home. Please keep in mind, that if the problem continues it may be something serious and it would be in your best interest to contact a local plumber.
DryFix provides complete plumbing services to all residents of San Diego County. Contact us for Fast, reliable & professional plumbing services!
