Most drain cleaners, aside from being unfriendly to our environment, are not too friendly on your pipes either. In this article we will look at which drain cleaners are safe to use and which ones are not. The drain cleaners that you do not want to use can cause problems in your plumbing, pipes, and surrounding areas.
You should steer clear of any drain cleaners that contain acids. Sulfuric acid is one of the most common acids used in drain cleaners. Stay away from these types of drain cleaners even if the bottle says that they are safe for your pipes.
Pipes
Drain Cleaners remove the blockage in your pipes by disintegrating it, which gives off heat as a byproduct and can damage pipes. Drain cleaners can even soften PVC pipes and cause damage in pipes that are already corroded.
Surrounding Areas
Drain Cleaner can corrode your plumbing and the surrounding areas if it splashes onto the surface. Minimizing splash can be difficult because of how thick drain cleaners can be.
Toxic Fumes
Besides being corrosive and bad for your pipes and plumbing, drain cleaners give off toxic fumes, and if drain cleaner is mixed with anything containing bleach it may create chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is fatal to both humans and other animals.
Pets & Children
Liquid drain cleaners can also pose a threat to both your children and pets. Even in small amounts, drain cleaner is highly poisonous. Make sure that any surface that comes in contact with the drain cleaner is cleaned thoroughly.
Alternatives
Use drain cleaners that contain Sodium Hydroxide (LYE) as an alternative to those containing the harmful acids mentioned above. LYE is non acidic, and it will remove clogs that are composed of organic matter. Since Sodium Hydroxide (LYE) only attacks organic matter it will not harm your pipes since they are not. Special caution should be used when handling drain cleaners containing LYE, they are harmful to skin and/or any other body parts they contact.
Another option is to use a plumbing snake to remove your clogs. Since this does not use chemicals it will not harm your pipes if used properly. However, if you do not feel comfortable using a plumbing snake, it is best to call a plumber and have them remove the clog for you. Remember that hiring a plumber will be cheaper than replacing corroded pipes.
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This can really conserve the environment especially now we have climatic crises