Make Homemade Drain Cleaner
You can also create your own DIY drain cleaner using ingredients you can find around the house. One homemade solution that can be effective for slow-moving drains requires a few simple ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. Remember that volcano you made for your 4th-grade science project? You can also use it to clean your pipes.
Mix the ingredients over the clogged drain and pour it down, allowing it to sit for an hour or overnight.
The Dangers Of Using Liquid Drain Cleaners
Weve all experienced it a clogged toilet, kitchen sink, or bathtub. Nothing can be more irritating than encountering a clogged drain. Oftentimes, a homeowners first instinct is to pour a drain cleaner into the drain to clear the clog. But is that the best course of action? The answer is a definite NO!
Drain cleaners are corrosive, hazardous chemical mixtures that are very dangerous to use. They can cause extensive damage to pipes and are a health hazard. Here we will explain why you should never use drain cleaners on your homes pipes:
Why Do Cast Iron Pipes Need Specific Drain Cleaners
Many municipalities used cast iron pipes thanks to their numerous benefits but eventually found alternative options. These were largely phased out around 1980. However, many homes still have cast iron, especially when it comes to the septic tank and main sewer line laterals.
Cast iron pipes usually last 60 years. However, that varies based on usage and plumbing maintenance, especially use of chemical drain cleaners.
Cast iron plumbing tends to experience corrosion more often than other types of pipes. This means that its especially important to use a drain cleaner that wont expedite the process, considering many drain cleaners come in the form of a liquid.
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The Best Products To Use To Clean Your Drain
When natural alternatives dont work, you can always try one of the following products to safely unclog your drain:
- Unique Naturals Super Digest-It Safe Drain Opener: This product uses a bacteria concentrate to safely work through clogged drains quickly without damaging toilets, pipes, and septic tanks.
- Earthworm Family-Safe Drain Cleaner: This drain cleaner uses only water and natural enzymes to break down organic materials.
- Biokleen Bac-Out Drain Care: By combining live cultures, enzymes, and plant extracts, this product treats slow drains and prevents clogs.
- DrainOut Drain Freshener and Clog Preventer: This enzyme-based product will clear drains and is eco-friendly.
However, like any drain cleaner bought from the store, there is no guarantee that the product will work. In some cases, youll have to call in the professionals.
Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Bad For Plumbing
A clogged drain can cause a major inconvenience. Plus, if the clog is severe enough, your drain may overflow and cause significant water damage to your home. To help prevent problems associated with a clogged drain, its important to understand the best methods to remove clogs from your pipes. One popular fix for clogged drains is to use a chemical drain cleaner. While these products might help remove the clog, they can cause damage to your Kanawha Valley homes plumbing system as well. To understand the risks of using a chemical drain cleaner, check out this guide from Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston.
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Best Enzyme Drain Cleanerflo
Maintaining open and clear drains is essential in busy commercial workspaces. This Flo-Kem enzyme pipe opener is a safer alternative to heavy chemicals and is a popular choice for home use, too. The one-gallon bottle contains 250 billion bacteria to help dissolve clogs in several hours.
This product will work best if left for over 12 hours without adding water. One consumer suggested, Once you take care of your clog, start using this once a month on all your drains, sinks, toilets, and floor drains as a monthly maintenance to keep your pipes free and clear so you dont get another clog.
How Drain Cleaners Work
Drain cleaners are typically powders or liquids that contain chemicals that react with the obstructing material to dissolve it. Depending on the active ingredients in a drain cleaner, these products work to remove blockages using either one or more of the following mechanisms:
Heat
Alkaline-based or caustic drain cleaners achieve their objective by elevating the temperature of the area surrounding the blockage. The idea is to make the obstruction to break down or melt, thereby dispersing it. They typically contain ingredients such as potassium hydroxide and lye.
Acid Hydrolysis
When you combine certain acids with water, a chemical reaction known as acid hydrolysis usually ensues. Acid hydrolysis yields a potent compound that is capable of dissolving most things. Nonetheless, due to the dangerous, corrosive nature of these products, they are best left to professionals to handle.
Oxidization
Oxidization is a process that involves breaking down a substance at a fundamental level by making it release electrons from its chemical structure. This usually involves a highly oxidative substance acting on the material, such as hypochlorites, nitrates, perchlorates, and peroxides. Doing this reduces the mass of the obtrusive material, thereby encouraging it to disperse.
Enzymatic Action
Performance vs. Safety
Using the most powerful drain cleaner to unclog your toilet will be pointless if the consequences of its actions are damaged pipes and injuries.
Old Plumbing and Aluminum
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How Effective Are Commercial Drain Cleaners
Its common to grab for the closest commercial drain cleaner when your drain is plugged. And for good reason: they work, frequently eliminating even the most persistent obstructions in a short amount of time. However, have you ever considered why theyre so effective? You may be surprised by what you dont know about chemical drain cleaners, their components, and how they operate.
Wed be lying if we said professional drain cleaning solutions dont do what they claim they may clear a drain pipe of obstinate stuck particles and remove muck and leftover buildup more efficiently than water pressure alone. This comprises blockages that occur on a regular basis as a result of:
- Animal fats or cooking oils
- Drain disposal systems are clogged with animal bones or pieces.
- Foods that are too starchy or fibrous
- Clippings of hair or nails
- Products made of plastic or paper
A commercial drain cleaners job is to remove the dirt and debris from a system. But these fluids often end up damaging pipes and other components, exposing residents to potential health hazards. And because theyre designed for large-scale use in industrial or commercial applications, their disposal can pose problems as well.
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Is Caustic Soda Ok For Plastic Pipes
In the case of plastic pipes, caustic compounds have the potential to trigger a chemical reaction, which results in the production of heat and can either cause the pipe to melt or cause it to distort. If they are not utilized correctly, drain cleaners have the potential to inflict severe injuries on top of the harm they do to the pipes.
Are Liquid Drain Cleaners Harmful To Pipes
Products such as Liquid-Plumr and Drano are strong enough to break up clogs in your pipes such as hair, food, or grease, and they do work in some instances, but you should use caution when pouring them down the drain. Liquid-Plumr and Drano are chemically designed to eat away at whatever is clogging your pipes, which can result in damaging the pipes themselves.
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Ways To Prevent A Blocked Drain
They say that prevention is better than a cure, which is true when it comes to the plumbing in your home. If you follow these helpful tips, you can save yourself from costly repairs.
- Water is the only liquid that should go down your sink. Be mindful of what you put down the sink when washing and cooking.
- When you are finished with cooking oil, bag t and bin it! Do not pour leftover cooking oil down the pipes.
- You can purchase and drain guard to catch small objects before they get washed down.
- Toilet paper, human waste and water are the only things that should go down your toilet.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning by a licensed plumbing team.
It is easy to prevent a clog from happening, and there is no need for chemical cleaners that cause more harm and damage.
You can have a well-maintained sink and drainage system. Keep an eye on what goes down your sink, and if you have a blockage, try the baking soda and vinegar method and a good plunge.
Liquid Drain Cleaners: Ingredients And Problems
Liquid drain cleaners cause an intense chemical reaction. It results in heat, bubbles, protein dissolution, and fat breakdown. Most common liquid drain cleaners contain slight variations of the same formula:
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sodium chloride
The ingredients in liquid drain cleaners are harsh, and the process is very unforgiving to plumbing systems, the environment, and even your health. Here are the top four hazards caused by these harsh chemicals:
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What Drain Cleaner Will Not Harm Pipes
One of the most trusted drain cleaner brands is Drano. One of the top-rated products is a drain cleaner that is safe for both pipes and faucets. If you have a clogged drain, this is a must-have product. It is the only product that can remove clogs without damaging your pipes.
The clog-removing properties of this product make it a great choice for any type of drain cleaning. You can also use it to clean the inside of your toilet bowl and toilet seat, as well as your shower and bathtub.
What Should You Look For In A Drain Service
When it comes to selecting a drain service, there are several factors to consider. You should take into account the companys reputation, experience, and local presence. A reputable, experienced drain service will be familiar with winter weather conditions and the specific needs of your home or business. Additionally, they should be able to provide references from satisfied customers.
Finally, it is important to make sure that you choose a fully insured and licensed drain service. Doing so will help to protect you from liability in the event of any unexpected damage or injury that may occur while they are working in your home. By taking the time to research and choose a reliable, experienced drain service, you can help ensure that any issues you experience with your plumbing during the winter months are taken care of quickly and efficiently.
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Green Gobbler Dissolve Hair & Grease Clog Remover
Drain Cleaners
Green Gobbler DISSOLVE Liquid Hair & Grease Clog RemoverAs a universal clog treatment, the Green Gobbler Dissolve product works to chemically dissolve the clog, allowing it to be washed down the drain. With a substantial four-star rating, this product fluxes grease, soap scum, hair, paper, and everything organic that may be jamming up your pipes, making it easier to rinse out. In addition, it improves your sink, tub, or toilet drain rate, following in a cleaner, more pleasant expertise. Finally, the brand remarks that the formula is more reliable than using other brands based on sodium hydroxide, which is highly corrosive and acidic. All in all, this compact formula is a great, low-cost choice that is definitely worth giving a chance. As a PVC-safe drain cleaner, you cannot go astray here.
Frozen Drain Pipes Or Sewer Pipes Can Lead To Property Damage And Expensive Repairs
When temperatures drop, the water inside the pipes of a home can freeze and cause blockages. This often occurs in unheated areas like an attic, crawl space, garage, or an outside wall. Frozen drain pipes can lead to expensive repairs due to the buildup of ice and water pressure within the pipes. Water can expand up to 10%, which puts enough pressure on the pipes to cause them to burst. Burst pipes can lead to flooding, as well as costly water damage.
Another consequence of frozen drain pipes is sewage backups. When sewer lines freeze, the blockage prevents wastewater from draining out of the home. This can lead to water and sewage backups in the pipes, as well as an unpleasant stench throughout the house. The buildup of waste can also cause property damage and the need for costly repairs.
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When In Doubt Call A Professional
So, whats the final verdict on commercial drain cleaners: Is drain cleaner dangerous? While effective at removing clogs and debris, products like these bring other risks, which can put your pipes, health, and the environment in danger. So, although handy in a pinch, you should never use commercial products regularly to maintain your pipes. If possible, try safer alternatives, such as non-toxic mixtures and acidic sodas, or contact an expert.
A drain cleaner may not be enough to remove a severe blockage. In that case, you may want to learn more about What Is CCTV Sewer And Pipe Inspection, And How Does It Work?
How Do You Keep A Drain Clean Without Damaging Pipes
If you want to maintain the pipes free of blockages, make it a daily habit to pour thirty seconds worth of boiling water down the drain. For reasons of safety, it is important to keep drain cleaners and any other potentially harmful chemicals out of the reach and sight of youngsters. Immediately clean up any drain cleaner that has been spilled.
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What Makes Most Drain Cleaners So Potentially Damaging
The majority of store cleaners you find on the shelf work using potentially dangerous chemical reactions. For example, cleaners made of lye, sodium nitrate, bleach, salt, and aluminum can not only damage plumbing but are also highly toxic and dangerous to humans.
So, scientifically speaking, what happens when you use these products to clean your drains? Here are three stages in the cleaning process:
- Lye reacts with aluminum to create boiling temperatures
- Hot lye causes the speedy decomposition of matter
- Soap and aluminum form bubbles to clear the clog
If youre already googling plumbers near me, we suggest you dont even try these dangerous cleaning products or agents. Chances are your clog is severe enough to warrant professional assistance. Plus, these reactions are only somewhat controlled, which means that they can cause serious issues for your pipes, especially if you use them repeatedly for an extended period of time.
What Do Plumbers Use To Clean Drains
- A manual drain snake is a tiny boring instrument that rotates slowly while it is physically pushed through a tough blockage.
- It is also known as a plumbers snake or a drain auger.
- Other names for this item include a plumbers snake and a drain auger.
- A hook in the shape of a corkscrew serves as the devices last point of attachment, and it is used to clear obstructions in a toilet or drain.
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Hot Water And Dish Soap
Heat up a gallon or so of water on the stove. While the water is heating up, squirt some dish soap into the sink or toilet. Shampoo can also be used instead of dish soap. Then, take the very hot, but not boiling, water and carefully pour it in. Wait several minutes and then try flushing the toilet or turning on the sink. You should find that the soap and water softened the clog, allowing it to pass. If not, you may have to repeat the process again.
How Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Really Work
Chemical drain cleaners work by producing heat that powers through clogs in the drain.
The 3 different types of chemical drain cleaners include:
All the above drain cleaners are designed to complete an electron-transfer process-meaning the chemicals in the drain cleaner either take away or give electrons to organic substances . And from this electron transition, heat is produced. That heat then breaks down the clog until it can flush away.
One important downfall to how chemical drain cleaner works, however, is that when the chemicals breakdown FOG clogs the clog material just moves down the drain. And, over time, this creates a build up elsewhere in the drain line that can usually be cleared but requires professional services that are expensive if done properly.
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Top 13 List Of Best Drain Cleaner For Pvc Pipes Is Given Below
Finding the best budget drain cleaner for pvc pipes is no question important for them to get fit. To put occurring to you locate the right one, we analyzed the best-selling products on Amazon and additional online retailers. We took into consideration several factors, which augment ease of use, durability, weight capacity, and how much freshen is nearby in your home.
Weve consulted top experts who have in-and-out knowledge very nearly the 400ke. We pick a high-quality product, which comes as soon as amazing features you havent heard of before! After filtering more than 100+ products to offer us this list of winning ones were confident that our customers will be satisfied subsequently it as well
We know that you desire a product to last, and our list of products is updated regularly hence we can always contract quality. We also accept individual needs into account in the same way as making decisions virtually what will be included in this years edition its anything tailored towards meeting your specific interests!
To find a supplier that can meet the expense of you gone high-quality drain cleaner for pvc pipes for your product, we have the perfect solution. Our list of products is regularly updated as a result as to feature solitary what matters most and be tailored towards meeting individual requirements just allow us know how much guidance or feedback upon these points would be helpful!
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