Can I Use Drain Cleaners for Clogged Pipes? Safer Alternatives
I remember the first time I had a clogged kitchen sink. I panicked and reached for the first drain cleaner I could find. The thing is, there’s a lot more to properly fixing a slow drain than just pouring chemicals down the drain. Using drain cleaners safely and effectively requires knowing what you’re dealing with – and knowing when, how, and even if you should use drain cleaners in the first place for clogged pipes.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at drain clogs, the types of cleaners people use to address clogs, the risks involved, other methods of clog removal, and clog prevention methods.
Understanding Drain Clogs
Before you reach for a chemical drain cleaner, you need to understand what’s causing the clog. Knowing the culprit is the first step to solving your plumbing problem.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
In bathroom drains, hair is a frequent offender. Hair can combine with soap scum to form a tenacious blockage. Speaking of bathrooms, toilet paper, especially if you use a lot at one time, can cause toilet clogs.
In kitchen sinks and kitchen drains, the main offender is often organic waste – which includes food scraps.
In one form or another, all of these materials are primary culprits in drain clogs. However, the right tools can fix the issue and make your home clog free. But before you seek out a solution, you should make sure you understand a little about your plumbing systems.
Different Types of Pipes
Not all drain pipes are created equal, and the type of pipe you have affects what drain cleaner you can use. PVC pipes are common in newer homes, while older homes may have copper, cast iron, or even galvanized steel pipes.
Each material reacts differently to drain cleaning chemicals, which is why understanding the types of materials is important. For instance, some drain cleaners which are safe for PVC pipes may damage older pipe materials.
Knowing your home’s pipe materials will help you choose a suitable solution and make plumbing repair unnecessary.
Types of Drain Cleaners
The drain cleaner market promises all kinds of drain and clog solutions. Some feature harsh chemicals, while others contain natural enzymes. Choosing the right one is important – not only in fixing the problem, but helping you avoid bigger plumbing problems.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners use strong substances to dissolve clogs. These are typically caustic, oxidizing, or acidic, and each works differently on clearing clogged drains.
Caustic Cleaners
Caustic cleaners contain chemicals like lye and potassium hydroxide. These create heat to dissolve fats, grease, and hair clogs. These types are frequently found in brands like Drano.
Typically, caustic cleaners cost between $13 – $25 and can be purchased at a wide range of stores, as well as at Amazon.
Oxidizing Cleaners
Oxidizing drain cleaners use household chemicals, like bleach, peroxides, and nitrates. They break down organic material, generating heat and gas to clear obstructions.
Liquid Plumbr is an example of a cleaner that uses oxidation.
You may purchase these types of solutions at a wide range of stores, and it retails for around $9 at Amazon.
Acidic Cleaners
Acid drain cleaners contain sulfuric or hydrochloric acid and are highly corrosive. Typically only professional plumbers handle these chemicals, so use them only as a last resort.
The reason we caution you is that acidic cleaners can cause severe damage to aluminum, porcelain, and metal if not handled correctly. Properly applied, they are very effective, but you must be very cognizant when using acidic cleaners – which is why they are typically only used by experienced professionals.
Enzymatic Drain Cleaners
Enzymatic drain cleaners use natural enzymes and bacteria to break down organic matter. These cleaners are much milder and considered safer for pipes, as well as the environment.
Brands like Green Gobbler offer enzymatic options that are more eco-friendly.
Other Options
Baking soda and vinegar create a natural fizzing action that can loosen clogs. A drain snake or pipe auger, meanwhile, physically removes obstructions – however you should be very careful when using these. DO NOT use excess force when snaking them down your drain, or you could puncture your drain pipes.
Using boiling water is another great approach, but proceed with extreme care. And never use chemical cleaners with boiling water – because the resulting chemical reactions can be dangerous.
Many homeowners find that baking soda, a pipe auger, or even boiling water are more effective and affordable than relying on liquid drain cleaner products. Also, keep in mind that these are far safer for your home and family.
Should I Use Drain Cleaners for Clogged Pipes? What to Consider Before Using
Of course you “can” use chemical drain cleaners, but often the most important question is “should” you use them? Deciding whether you should use drain cleaners for clogged pipes depends on several factors, including your home’s pipe materials and size/strength of the clog.
Pipe Material
PVC and ABS pipes are generally resistant to damage from most drain cleaners.
Copper, cast iron, and older galvanized steel pipes, however, can corrode over time. Using chemical drain solutions, especially acidic cleaners, can eat away at these materials, causing severe pipe damage – and drain and even sewer repair costs to escalate.
Severity of the Clog
Minor clogs caused by hair or soap scum might respond well to drain cleaners. However, for major blockages, chemical cleaners may not be effective.
If the chemicals do not clear the pipe, the product may end up sitting in the pipes longer than recommended and causing damage.
Also, the cleaner might only partially dissolve the clog – only to send it further down the pipe where it snags again, causing bigger plumbing repairs down the line.
That’s why, when clearing clogged drains, it is important to consider all options.
Septic Systems
If you have a septic system, be extra careful with chemical drain cleaners. Harsh chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, which can disrupt its function.
Enzymatic drain cleaners are often a better choice for septic systems. They help to keep your system in great condition.
Using the right water softener and cleaners safe for your septic system will prolong its life and prevent costly damage.
Risks of Using Drain Cleaners
As we’ve noted, drain cleaners seem like a quick solution, but they can present risks if misused. Let’s look closer at some of those risks.
Damage to Pipes
Repeated use of chemical drain cleaners can corrode and weaken pipes, leading to leaks and costly repairs. The heat generated by some cleaners can even soften or warp PVC pipes.
The risks of corrosion with consistent chemical use are worth noting. Consider switching to drain cleaning chemicals or solutions that are PVC- and ABS-friendly to prevent chemical damage.
Health and Safety Hazards
Drain cleaners can cause skin and eye burns, and inhaling their fumes can damage your lungs. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling these products. Why? Consider that materials like caustic soda dissolve fat and organic material – including your eyes and skin.
Proper protection is not negotiable.
Also be sure to always keep drain cleaners away from children and pets. Store your drain cleaning chemicals out of reach and in a secure location.
Environmental Impact
The harsh chemicals in drain cleaners can harm the environment. Because once the liquid cleaners make it into the sewer system, they don’t magically disappear – they actually continue to cause issues.
If these chemicals get into your sewer lines, they could cause a leak in your home or on your property – which will require professional attention. The results of sewer repair may also have long-term environmental consequences that cause future water heaters to fail or result in faucet repairs.
By following best practices you can do your part to avoid these outcomes. And using fewer drain cleaning chemicals will also help reduce your environmental impact.
Safe Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you’re worried about the risks of using drain clearing chemical solutions, know that several safer alternatives can help clear clogs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
The fizzing action helps break down grease and grime naturally. Repeat if needed for stubborn clogs.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is very effective for dissolving soap scum and grease clogs.
NOTE: Avoid this method if you have PVC pipes. Boiling water is usually most effective with metal pipes, however.
Hot water can be especially helpful for kitchen sink clogs that are caused by grease buildup.
Plunging
A good old-fashioned plunger can often dislodge simple clogs.
To use the plunger: First, make sure there’s enough water in the sink or toilet to create a seal. Then use firm, steady strokes to create suction. When the clog is cleared, it will suck the remaining water out of the sink, tub, or toilet bowl.
Drain Snake or Pipe Auger
A drain snake is a flexible tool that can reach down into the drain to break up or pull out clogs. Snakes and augers are effective at removing hair, toilet paper, and other solid obstructions.
Be cautious when using a snake or auger around porcelain to prevent chipping or cracking – damage that could cost thousands to fix. Also do not force a snake or auger into a drain, especially if you have metal pipes, as this instrument may puncture the pipe. Read on for more detailed instructions.
Step-by-Step: Clearing a Clogged Sink with a Drain Snake
A drain snake or pipe auger can be the best option if all else fails. This method can be effective on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or shower drains.
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need a drain snake, gloves, and a bucket. Consider old cleaning towels for cleanup.
- Protect the area: Place a bucket under the sink’s P-trap to catch any spills and put on your gloves.
- Insert the drain snake: Carefully feed the end of the snake into the drain opening. If it is the bathroom sink, be extra careful.
- Break up the clog: Gently rotate the handle as you push the snake further into the pipe, continuing to push in more of the drain snake. Eventually it should grab some waste materials causing the obstruction.
- Remove the clog: Pull the snake back out slowly. Scrape off any debris into the bucket or onto old towels and repeat if necessary until you remove all organic waste that’s clogging up the pipe and obstructing the flow.
- Flush the drain: Once the clog is clear, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris to give the drains that squeaky clean feel.
Snakes and augers are available for purchase at a wide range of home improvement stores and online.
Preventing Future Clogs
Preventing clogs is far easier than fixing them. Here are some strategies to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Use Drain Guards
Install drain guards or screens in your sinks and showers to catch hair and debris before they enter the pipes. There are different drain guards you can buy in today’s market, and this simple habit drastically reduces clogs.
Guards are also inexpensive and will help you achieve a clog-free plumbing system.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Grease solidifies as it cools and can build up in your pipes, causing major blockages. That’s why you should always dispose of grease in a container that you can throw away.
Many people do not consider that grease can also affect the garbage disposal. It is one of the leading causes of blocked garbage disposals and kitchen drain clogs.
Flush Appropriately
Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Other items, like feminine hygiene products and baby wipes, can cause serious clogs.
Never put any sanitary or paper products, other than toilet paper, in your toilet to keep your plumbing system clog free.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping an eye on your plumbing system can help you avoid clogs and emergencies. You can even achieve your own maintenance by flushing your drains with hot water and baking soda every few weeks to prevent potential buildups.
Call a professional drain cleaning company for a more thorough inspection.
These steps can help you stay risk free. A professional can also advise you on water heaters, water softeners, and the overall health of your home’s plumbing.
Conclusion
So, when you think: Can I use drain cleaners for clogged pipes? Know that the answer is: Sometimes – but proceed with caution. You also need to know when the problem is best left to a professional plumber.
If you’re ever uncertain, the best advice is to call a professional. It may sound inconvenient, but a professional plumber will help solve your problems quickly – and keep you from creating bigger, more expensive problems in the process.
If you’re stuck with a clog that you cannot fix, know that the friendly, experienced professionals at Conditioned Air Systems are ready to help. Our master plumbers have seen it all, and will gladly solve your drain concerns, while leaving you with peace of mind in your entire plumbing system. Contact us today and let us help.
