Cleaning The Drain Pipe Using A Drain Cleaner

By Scott Rodgers

Drain cleaner is generally a corrosive chemical such as a strong acid or base, used to dissolve clogs in plumbing. It is used to release stoppages in sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers. It is often used after a plunger has not been sufficient to finish the job.

A drain cleaner should only be used according to the manufacturer's specifications, as improper use may cause chemical burns to skin, respiratory problems or damage lungs, or can cause damage to eyes.

Drain cleaners have strong corrosive properties and so are one of the most risky products sold publicly today.Thus care should be taken while using them and make sure that no two kinds of drain cleaners are mixed in the drain.

You will get four different types of drain cleaners in the market. The first and the most popular type is liquid cleaners containing sodium hydrochloride, sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide with a concentration that ranges from 3-40 percent. This kind of liquid solution is mostly used to remove the grease and hair clogs.

Another type of cleaning product contains solid granules or crystals of sodium or potassium hydroxide. It is used for clearing the hair and grease clogs. This type of liquid cleaner contains an aluminum chip which when reacts with water in the drain creates heat.

Next cleaning agent is a liquid solution containing bacteria and enzymes that slowly eat away the clogged matter on the pipes which was causing the blockage.

The fourth and final type is the liquid solutions that contain sulfuric acid, usually in concentrations around 93-95 percent. These can be very hazardous products if misused, and often create intense heat that can cause the water in the drain to boil, creating a violent eruption from the drain. On the other hand, they are the only products that will effectively dissolve paper, rags and similar blockages. Many of these products are intended for professional use by plumbers, but are seld to the general public also.

These chemical substances must be used with great care. Manufactures suggest that they should be used with gloves and goggles. Lastly, keep such products away from children. - 30517

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