Drain cleaner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Drain cleaner is a chemical used to dissolve clogs to unblock pipes, such as the drainpipes of sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers. It is generally a corrosive chemical such as a concentrated acid or caustic, or is an enzymatic substance. It is most often used after a plunger has not been sufficient to remove the clog.
Drain cleaner should only be used according to the manufacturer's specifications, as improper use may damage skin, lungs or eyes. Strongly corrosive, drain cleaners are one of the most hazardous household products available to the public.
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[edit] Types of drain cleaners
There are four major types of drain cleaners sold today.
[edit] Caustic liquid
The most common type are liquid caustic solutions containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), or potassium hydroxide in concentrations up to 40 percent. These are used to dissolve grease and hair clogs.
[edit] Caustic solid
A more concentrated caustic drain cleaner consists of solid granules of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are also used for hair and grease clogs, and often contain aluminium chips that react with the lye to generate hydrogen gas to agitate scum deposits in the blocked drainpipe.
[edit] Enzymatic cleaners
The third type are the liquid solutions containing bacteria cultures and enzymes that gradually eat away the organic material on pipes that cause slow drains. These are generally not capable of freeing completely clogged drainpipes, but are rather used as routine maintenance for proper flow.
[edit] Acid liquid
A different type are acidic liquid solutions that contain sulfuric acid, usually in concentrations around 95 percent. These are very corrosive and hazardous if misused, and often create intense heat that can cause the water in the drain to boil, creating a violent eruption from the drain. These acidic cleaners are often the only products that will effectively dissolve paper, rags, sanitary napkins, and similar blockages. Many of these products are intended for professional use by plumbers and janitors, but are legal to sell to the general public in the US, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, despite much debate during the last few decades.
[edit] Usage tip
Caustic and acidic drain cleaners should not be used in combination as they will neutralise each other which renders them ineffective, and may also liberate possibly harmful gasses.
Strong acids and strong caustics will generate heat when dissolved in water.
See Household chemicals. Popular brands of drain cleaner include Drano, Liquid Plumbr, Instant Power, Roebic, Liquid Fire, Rooto, and Hercules/Cloroben.
