The dangers of chemical drain cleaners
While chemical drain solutions are commonly used to tackle clogged drains, they pose significant risks that homeowners should carefully consider.
Numerous drain cleaners contain substances like sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite, which may corrode metal and PVC pipes over time. Chemical reactions initiated by these cleaners to clear away blockages can also cause damage to the inside of your pipes, eventually leading to leaks or complete pipe deterioration.
The aggressive vapours of chemical drain cleaners are notorious as they can cause damage on contact with skin and eyes. Inhaling fumes from these cleaners can severely irritate the respiratory system, potentially requiring urgent contact with a poison helpline due to skin and eye irritation. If ingested by children pets, these potent cleaners can cause serious internal burns, necessitating urgent medical care.
The environment, which encompasses the natural habitats around your residence, encounters far-reaching consequences when harsh chemicals go down your drains. Harsh chemical drain substances get released into the water supply, becoming a local poison risk and potentially harming wildlife while disturbing aquatic ecosystems. Local wastewater treatment plants and your septic tank systems can also get damaged by these cleaners.
Faced with stubborn clogs, which can be quite a nuisance, many homeowners unfortunately resort to using drain cleaners as a swift solution. Non-toxic alternatives that are safe for both plumbing and the environment include tools like drain snakes, hot water, or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
For serious blockages, a professional drain expert is the optimal solution. However, the hazards associated with commercial drain cleaners far outweigh the benefits, especially when their repeated use amplifies the inherent risks.
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy shortcut, but they can seriously damage your plumbing and cause injuries. Avoid using these hazardous products and keep your drains clear with regular maintenance and safer, natural alternatives when possible.
How chemical drain cleaners work
Chemical drain cleaners use corrosive compounds to break down and dissolve blockages, allowing water to flow smoothly through pipes. The potent ingredients found in these formulations can adeptly handle blockages comprised of grease, soap residue, hair, food remnants, and additional organic clogs.
Chemical drain cleaners come in several main types:
- Alkaline drain cleaners, which include caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), work by dissolving clogs via a chemical reaction known as saponification.
- Acidic cleaners like acid drain solutions use sulfuric acid to burn through organic matter. These acidic drain cleaners help clear mineral deposits.
- Oxidising cleaners induce chemical reactions with substances like sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or potassium permanganate, decomposing the clog.
Alongside other products, such as Drano liquid components like nitrates, phosphates, and sodium bisulfate, can induce further chemical reactions inside the drain cleaning mix. Households with septic systems need to carefully evaluate the use of these drain openers, as they can disrupt the system’s balance by breaking down clogs through various chemical reactions.
Despite their effectiveness against blockages, the reactions caused by chemical cleaners can damage pipes, release toxic fumes, and negatively impact the environment. Moreover, mechanical drain clearing techniques or natural cleaners offer safer alternatives that are advisable in various situations.
Health and environmental risks of chemical drain cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners present health and environmental risks that must not be overlooked. Extreme caution must be exercised when using drain cleaners to avoid damaging pipes with corrosive substances.
In terms of personal wellbeing, chemical drain cleaners have corrosive components that can cause severe burns when coming into contact with your skin and eyes.
Inhaling the highly toxic vapours from these cleaners poses significant dangers, potentially leading to acute respiratory irritation resulting in coughing, choking, or severe breathing difficulties.
Ingesting even the smallest quantities of chemical drain cleaner demands immediate health care attention, as such an act risks serious injury to internal organs. Such aggressive drain cleaner can wreak havoc on the esophagus stomach areas, burning through delicate tissues and inflicting serious harm. Should accidental ingestion happen, making an immediate call to a tollfree poison help service, such as poison control, for urgent intervention is crucial.
Improper disposal of chemical drain cleaners also wreaks havoc on the environment, beyond causing personal injuries. These chemicals can journey through municipal sewer systems, contaminate waterways, and ultimately endanger lakes, rivers, and other crucial water sources. Such pollutants are hazardous to fish and other marine life.
The chemicals also end up disrupting wastewater treatment processes.
What’s more, mixing different chemical drain cleaners together can produce extremely dangerous toxic gases like chlorine and sulphur dioxide. In such dangerous situations, immediate poison help must be sought to mitigate severe health risks from inhaling toxic gas. Combining products should always be avoided.
Even though drain cleaners unclog pipes quickly, they jeopardize safety and environmental health, hence the need for safer alternatives. Safer methods to clear your drains, such as using a drain snake, boiling water, or baking soda and vinegar, are often just as effective. For severe obstructions, enlisting a professional plumber remains the best way to address the issue.
Safer alternative drain cleaning methods
To address clogged drains, homeowners have much more eco-friendly options at their disposal which are also safer compared to chemical drain cleaners.
Boiling water
Pouring boiling water down the drain can effectively dislodge grease blockages and facilitate water flow within your plumbing system. Let 1-2 litres of water come to a rolling boil, then slowly pour it down the drain.
Continue pouring boiling water until clogs from paper products and other debris are entirely cleared. This method works best for your sink and smaller drains.
Baking soda and vinegar
Blending a half cup of baking soda with a half cup of vinegar produces a dynamic reaction that can let sit in your drains to decompose organic matter. Pour the baking soda down your sink first, followed by the vinegar, then let it sit to kickstart the cleaning reaction. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes then rinse with hot water.
Plunger
Fill the basin with standing water enough to cover the drain opening.
After plunging, check that the drain is clear and waste is flowing freely.
Drain snake
Using a drain snake entails manually inserting a flexible metal coil into the pipes to capture and remove debris. Plastic drain snakes can used by homeowners, while rented motorised or hand-crank augers work effectively for deeper clogs.
Enzyme cleaners
Enzyme-based cleaners employ bacteria and enzymes to break down organic material in pipes, recognized as a safe alternative. Apply as per product instructions for maintenance.
For significant blockages, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber for a safe and proper resolution. Avoid the urge to use chemical drain cleaners and try these safer methods first.
When to call a professional plumber
There are several situations where it’s best to call in a professional plumber rather than attempting to fix the issue yourself:
Recurring clogs
If your drains or pipes become repeatedly clogged, despite using cleaning techniques, it’s crucial to seek professional help to diagnose the underlying problem. A professional inspection can reveal deeper blockages, mineral buildup, or sewer line issues.
Complete clog removal
DIY methods like plunger use, drain snakes, and boiling water may have limited effect on stubborn blockages deep within pipes. Plumbers have specialised drain openers and tools to clear out even the toughest obstructions in your plumbing system.
Pipe damage or leaks
Over the long term, the consistent use of chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, leading to a slew of plumbing issues. Trained technicians can assess chemical damage by checking for leaks or wear in your pipeline network and undertake necessary repairs.
Main sewer line clogs
Main sewer line clogs may require professional hydrojetting equipment for thorough clearance.
Garbage disposal installation or repair
If your garbage disposal needs maintenance, is leaking, jammed, or broken, a professional can handle the situation safely.
At Kellyville Plumbing, we offer a selection of experienced licensed plumbers, each adept at expertly managing all your plumbing requirements across the Sydney metropolitan area. Our trained professionals can unclog any drain, identify underlying problems, and provide long-term solutions. To avoid risks and frustrations, rely on the expert solutions provided by Kellyville Plumbing for any commercial or residential plumbing challenge.
For prompt and reliable emergency plumbing services in Sydney, contact us today at 1300 349 338 or [email protected]
