All drains in your house and business connect to the same piping system. Maintaining a clean, functioning drain line prevents build-up that can lead to serious blockages.
It also saves money by preventing future plumbing problems, and lowering water bills. A professional drain cleaning service uses more advanced tools to remove bigger obstructions and address issues that could develop into a full clog. Contact Drain Cleaning Perth now!
Chemical drain cleaners use a combination of enzymes and bacteria to digest and dissolve organic waste that would otherwise build up in your pipes and drain lines. This includes hair, soap scum, grease, food particles and other organic materials that can cause blockages.
Most liquid drain cleaners are relatively inexpensive and readily available at retail stores. They also work fairly quickly to clear out minor clogs. However, they may not be effective for a more substantial blockage, and repeated use can damage your pipes over time.
Harsh Chemicals
The most common chemical drain cleaners use a strong acid that works through a chemical reaction to eliminate the clog. They often include sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) and sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. These chemicals are harmful to your pipes and can corrode them over time, causing holes or cracks. They can also be harmful to your health if inhaled or come into contact with your skin.
These types of chemical drain cleaners are usually only suitable for stubborn blockages that don’t respond to other methods. They also generate a lot of heat through their chemical reactions, which can melt or warp plastic pipes and can even damage metal ones over time.
Oxidizing drain cleaners, which contain nitrates and peroxides, are generally safer than acids but still work through a chemical reaction to remove clogs. They oxidize the molecules that make up the clog, taking away their electrons and essentially dissolving it. However, these cleaners aren’t as effective for large clogs and can take a while to work.
Another option is to use natural drain cleaners that use bacteria or enzymes to break down the clog rather than harsh chemicals. These cleaners are a little slower than chemical cleaners, but they are safer for your pipes and the environment. They can also be more effective for a wider range of clogs, including those caused by hair, dirt, food scraps and grease.
For example, the product Green Gobbler uses a combination of bacteria and enzymes to digest and dissolve organic material that would otherwise clog your drains. It has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and can be used for showers, toilets, sinks and other drains in your home.
Oxidizing Drain Cleaners
Oxidizing drain cleaners contain peroxide and bleach, which break down organic materials such as hair or soap scum. They are safe for pipes when used as directed, but they may not be effective on tough clogs that include metal or tree roots. These products are also dangerous to breathe and can damage your pipes if left in contact with them for too long. They generate heat during a chemical reaction, which can melt plastic pipes and warp or melt metal ones. They can also cause serious skin burns if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
Caustic drain cleaners are made of substances such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and caustic potash. These are bases that work by giving electrons to the clogged material and creating a chemical reaction. They can also dissolve grease and turn it into a liquid form that can be washed away. Caustic cleaners are effective on most blockages, but they can be harmful to your pipes if used too frequently or if the pipe is not made of PVC plastic.
Another type of chemical drain cleaner is sulfuric acid. This is the strongest of the commercial products and works by creating hydronium ions that attract electrons from the clogged material. This reaction breaks down the clog and creates steam that can melt or dissolve blockages. This type of cleaner is very effective on grease and oil clogs, but it can be damaging to your pipes if used too frequently or in contact with metal.
There are many alternatives to commercial chemical drain cleaners that can be effective if used correctly. One method is to use hot and cold water. Start by pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with cold water to flush the pipe. Another option is to try using a drain snake or plunger. These tools can be more difficult to use, but they can be more effective on tough clogs that are not caused by hair or food debris.
A biological drain cleaner uses bacteria cultures to break down organic material such as hair or food particles. This type of cleaner is much safer for your pipes than chemical cleaners, but it may take longer to work.
Acidic Drain Cleaners
A special type of chemical drain cleaner is used by professional plumbers. These products are typically strong acids such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, which break down organic materials and cause a chemical reaction with water to create heat. This thermal reaction liquefies grease, paper, and other materials that build up in the pipes. Although these types of chemical cleaners can be found in many stores, they should only be used by licensed plumbers as they are hazardous to the environment and can damage plumbing pipes if misused.
Caustic drain cleaners, such as sodium hydroxide (the main ingredient in Drano), are highly effective at dissolving blockages and are the most common commercially available chemical drain openers. These cleaners react with water to form a soap-like substance that dissolves and removes buildup from the walls of the pipe. They are ideal for clogged sinks or slow-moving drains, such as showers or bathtubs. When used as directed, caustic chemical cleaners are safe for pipes made from most materials, including plastic and metal. However, they can corrode older, cast-iron pipes and should not be used on stainless steel or galvanized pipes.
Oxidizing drain cleaners are a second type of commercially available chemical drain cleaners. These chemicals release oxygen when they come into contact with water and other organic materials, such as hair or food waste. They are effective against clogs caused by bacteria or other microscopic organisms and for loosening and breaking down small bits of food stuck in the drain. They are less effective for removing hair or other large solids.
Finally, acid-based chemical drain cleaners are designed to break down the proteins in fats and oils, which can cause clogs by creating a thickening effect in the pipes. These products are typically effective against stubborn clogs such as those caused by toilet paper, hair, or soap scum. However, they are not recommended for use on septic systems and can kill the helpful bacteria inside the tank.
Chemical drain cleaners are effective when used correctly, but they can be dangerous if misused or mixed with other household chemicals. Always follow the directions on the product label, and be sure to wear gloves and goggles when working with these chemicals. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area, and open a window or run a fan when using liquid drain cleaners to help prevent exposure to harmful fumes. Repeated exposure to harsh chemical fumes can be damaging to your respiratory system over time.
Drain Snakes
Drain snakes are mechanical tools that power through and dislodge blockages without the need for harsh chemical cleaners. Also called plumber’s augers, these long, flexible steel cable tools can hook and cut up even the most stubborn hair clumps, congealed grease, and other debris that clogs pipes. You can buy them in home improvement stores, or ask your local plumbing service for assistance. The process is relatively simple: insert the end of the snake into your sink or toilet drain, and crank the handle to push it down the pipe until you feel resistance or reach a blockage.
Once you hit the clog, start rotating the snake’s head to chop up and dislodge it. Then, if the clog remains, use water to help break it up. During the process, you should periodically withdraw the snake and clear away any debris it has collected.
If you’re unsure whether your clog is too stubborn for a snake, try running a diluted mixture of hot water and baking soda down the drain to dissolve lighter organic gunk. This is a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners, but it may not work for serious blockages or on older pipes that are more likely to be damaged by chemicals.
It’s always a good idea to hire a professional plumber for serious blockages, or for any other plumbing services you need at your home. Not only will they be able to diagnose the problem quickly, but they’ll have the right tools and experience to handle even the most stubborn drain blockages without damaging your pipes or the environment. And remember, if you’re ever in need of plumbing services, you can get multiple quotes to save money on your next plumbing project without sacrificing quality or reliability. Just make sure to compare the benefits of each company to find the best fit for you and your home!
