A blocked drain is a household nightmare. The unsightly water, the unpleasant smell, and the general inconvenience call for an immediate solution. Slow flowing drains and standing water in a shower are a concern, but issues relating to naturally occurring bacteria are the real drivers for people looking for the best drain cleaner for their home.
However, it’s crucial to know what you’re introducing into your plumbing system to combat clogs. With tips from Rider Drains, specialists in blocked drains services shed a light on the potent chemical drain cleaner products in the market, and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.
Chemical Drain Cleaner – The Go To Option For A Powerful Drain Cleaner
Chemical cleaners are often seen as the go-to solution for stubborn clogs, not just for drains but with grease traps and septic tanks. These products are formulated to dissolve or disintegrate the common culprits behind blocked drains such as hair, soap scum, and organic waste. They work by creating a reaction that generates heat to melt down the clog. The main categories of chemical cleaners include caustic, oxidising, and acid cleaners.
Pros Of A Chemical Cleaner
source: pinterest.com
As you’d expect, there are many positive reasons to choose a chemical cleaner when considering the best drain cleaners.
Effectiveness
They are known for their effectiveness in unclogging drains, tackling tough clogs that physical methods like plunging or drain snaking might struggle with. If you have a slow drain and don’t have the time to let milder solutions sit overnight, the best way of dealing with a kitchen sink filled with standing water or a shower drain filled with hair clogs is with a chemical cleaning solution.
Ease of Use
Typically, you only need to pour the specified amount down the clogged drain, wait for the reaction to occur, and then flush with hot water (although never boiling water.)
Availability
Chemical cleaning products are readily available in most supermarkets or hardware stores.
If you don’t have time to let a cleaning solution sit overnight to resolve slow-draining sinks and slow drains, a chemical solution, as opposed to a natural cleaner, is likely to appeal.
Cons of A Chemical Cleaner
source: pinterest.com
There are also drawbacks to this sort of drain cleaner, which is why you should be cautious as these drain cleaners damage pipes.
Pipe Damage
The chemical reaction generated can cause old metal pipes or PVC pipes to corrode or melt, leading to further plumbing issues.
Hazardous
These chemicals are dangerous to handle and can cause serious injury if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
Environmental Impact
The harsh chemicals in these products can be harmful to the environment, affecting septic systems and water sources.
Drain Cleaners: The Broad Spectrum
source: pinterest.com
The term drain cleaners encompasses a variety of products including chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical cleaners. However, when it comes to sheer power, chemical cleaners often outshine the rest. Online reviews and customer testimonials suggest big brands like Drano Max Gel and Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver are well regarded amongst the best drain cleaners in the US, and in the UK, Mr Muscle and HG products are popular.
Of course, this might be about their branding and availability as opposed to how they prevent clogs, remove soap scum and remove toilet paper from pipes.
The best product to digest organic waste for you might not be right for someone else
A brand-name product is no guarantee of clearing a clogged drain, and there are many products to consider amongst the best drain cleaners for sinks, showers, garbage disposals, soda fountain drip trays, and even outside drains.
Not everyone wants to use an enzymatic drain cleaner
If you’d prefer to avoid chemical or enzymatic drain cleaners, there are options like the drain snake, which are suitable for tougher clogs.
It is natural people think of a chemical product when they think of drain cleaners but a drain snake, plunger, and other manual solutions are just as useful when looking for a clog remover, or something that prevents clogs while removing organic waste, natural bacteria, soap scum, grease, fat, food, hair and other debris.
Pros of Drain Cleaners
source: pinterest.com
Some of the positive reasons to consider this type of drain cleaner to deal with clogged drains include:
Versatile: They can be used in various types of drains including bathroom drains, kitchen sinks, and floor drains.
Powerful: They are designed to handle tough clogs that other drain cleaners might not be able to.
Cons of Drain Cleaning Tools and Products
Temporary Solution: They may provide a quick fix but don’t address the underlying issues causing the clogs.
Potential Damage: As mentioned, harsh chemicals can damage pipes and fixtures, especially if used incorrectly or in the wrong type of plumbing system.
Chemical Pipe Cleaners – What Do They Remove?
These drain cleaners are ideal for dissolving hair clogs, grease, food particles, organic matter and other common clogging materials causing messy clogs. However, they are not advisable for use in toilet clogs due to the risk of splashback and the damage they can cause to the porcelain.
Undeniably, chemical drain cleaners are a potent solution to the messy problem of clogged drains. However, the potential damage they can inflict on your plumbing system and the environment should not be overlooked.
A drain snake might be a better clog remover if you want to avoid chemical products, but this will result in more manual work, which is why a drain snake isn’t the best drain cleaner for many households!
The best drain cleaner is the one you trust to clear out a drain pipe
Most drain cleaners are effective at clearing existing clogs from a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, drain pipes, clogged sink, clogged toilets and even a shower drain.
When unclogging drains, consider the long-term impact of your choice and explore safer alternatives where possible. Moreover, regular drain maintenance can go a long way to prevent clogs, saving you from reaching for the most powerful drain unclogger in the first place.
When it comes to power, chemical cleaners will always be the number one solution, but not everyone needs this type of clog remover, or the problems which arise from using it.
