Clogs in your sink and bathtub drains don't just happen overnight. More often than not, they're the result of a buildup of hair, dirt and other debris. The blockage will be noticeable thanks to the decrease in overall performance from your fixture, such as slow drainage. To fix this issue, you likely gravitate toward household drain cleaners, but are they as helpful as you expect, or are they harmful?
The Good and Bad of Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are certainly a quick and easy answer to getting rid of blockages. They're relatively cheap and are touted to start working right away to break down the waste and clear out the drain. This sounds like a great solution for homeowners to consider, as its cost-effective and quick-acting nature can bring a number of benefits.
However, there are a number of issues that come as a result of utilizing drain cleaners. Many commercial drain cleaners have high toxicity levels, especially if they are off-brand and inexpensive. Fumes will hang around long after the chemical is used, irritating your nose and eyes and possibly impacting your health. If you have kids or pets, it's especially critical to keep these chemicals out of their reach.
Not only are drain cleaners toxic, but they can damage your pipes and might not even work as well as they're expected to. The main chemicals in many cleaners are hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. These elements can erode your pipes as they sit in them and remove blockages. The cleaner may also wear away the enamel and finishes within your kitchen and bathroom. On top of this, drain cleaners might not be able to break up hair and mineral buildups, as these are typically lodged too deeply in the drain.
Alternatives to Try
There are a number of healthier, safer alternatives that you can use to unclog your drain.
It's obvious that drain cleaners aren't as helpful as they might appear. Fortunately, there are a number of healthier, safer alternatives you can use to unclog your drain. The easiest way to dislodge a blockage is to use a plunger or a plumbing snake. Both of these tools are relatively cheap and should be kept on-hand to battle virtually any type of clog. Plungers use pressure to push the obstruction through. If that still doesn't work, use the snake to break up the debris or pull it out. This might not be the best choice for those that are squeamish, but it's certainly one of the most effective.
If you're not getting anywhere with the plunger or the snake, you can make some homemade, non-toxic drain cleaners from items that you likely have in your home right now. You'll need 2 cups of baking soda, 4 cups of boiling water, and 1 cup of vinegar. First, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Wait a few minutes to let the baking soda dissolve gunk in the pipes (baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, so mixing them too quickly effectively neutralizes both). Next, pour the remaining baking soda and vinegar, then plug the drain immediately. You'll likely hear sizzling and see bubbles, which means that it's breaking down your obstruction. Once the bubbles have died down, pour the remaining boiling water down the drain to flush the clog out. The process may need to be repeated if necessary, but it's a great alternative to have in your arsenal.
Clogs can affect a large number of appliances, but think twice before you grab a drain cleaner to fix it. Commercial drain cleaners can be harmful on a number of levels and may not be as effective as you need them to be. With simple plumbing tools and homemade cleaners, you can easily unblock your drain without all the toxic chemicals.