Should You Use Chemical Clog Solutions?

If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged drain, you know what kind of hassle busting out all your tools to fix it can be – or in the worst case, finding a plumber in the middle of the night to fix it for you. It’s enough to make you wish that there was a chemical solution that could clear out your pipes without requiring any hard work on your part.

But, is that the right choice? The answer is that it depends on the situation. If you have a clogged drain, there are two main types of chemicals that can help: acid and alkali. Acid is generally used to remove organic matter from pipes, while alkali can be used for removing grease and other materials that are less likely to burn skin or corrode metal surfaces.

Acidic Drain Cleaners and You

Acidic drain cleaners are designed to dissolve organic matter that has built up in your pipes. This type of cleaner typically contains sodium hydroxide, which is also known as caustic soda or lye. When combined with water, the caustic soda creates an extremely strong alkaline solution that can soften even the toughest clogs.

But, that same solution when used by a non-plumber can also cause severe burns to the skin and damage the pipes themselves, even if they are designed for pipe usage. So, what to do? When it comes to DIY plumbing projects, it’s best to leave the heavy-duty cleaning to the professionals. But, there are other options.

Removing the Clog by Hand

In a pinch, you can attempt to remove the clog from your sink by hand. There are two ways to go about this: You can use a drain snake, which is a long flexible wire with a hook on the end that you run down into the drain. The hook catches on debris and pulls it up through the pipe. Or, you can use an auger—a metal rod with handles at either end and small holes along its length—to push the clog further down into the pipes so that water flows freely again.

This method is only recommended if you are cleaning out a very small clog that appears to be stuck on something and isn’t moving. To do this, first remove any items in the sink that might get damaged when using harsh chemicals like large sponges or brushes. Use some warm water and dish soap to scrub off any food particles that have built up on the drain opening itself.

If you don’t have access to a plunger or an auger, you can also try pouring boiling water down the drain. The steam from the hot water will loosen up any clogs and help them pass through more easily.

Conclusion for Chemical Clog Remover

If you’re looking for a chemical clog remover, there are many options available. You can use drain cleaner or a specialty product like Drano, depending on the severity of your clog and what type of pipes you have.

If you need a drain cleaner, make sure to read the label carefully and choose one that’s appropriate for your pipe material. If you have PVC pipes or metallic pipes, don’t use any of the products above because they contain caustic chemicals that will damage them. Instead, find a qualified plumbing expert like ours at Conyers Plumbing.