What Chemicals Can Be Used To Unblock Drains?
Blocked drains are never pleasant because they can lead to flooding, foul smells and leaking pipework if not resolved quickly.
Whilst there are various home remedies for blocked drains, such as baking soda and vinegar or boiling water, they are usually only good for clearing minor blockages and you’ll probably need something more substantial if you have too much debris causing a blockage in your pipes.
Chemical drain cleaners can be used for clearing the drains of showers, toilets, kitchen sinks and bathroom basins. All the chemicals have some level of acidity for dissolving debris. It is up to you to determine which one is best for your needs.
When using chemical drain cleaners you should ensure you are suitably protected, i.e. gloves, goggles etc. with windows open to keep the area well ventilated, and always follow the instructions provided.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar has been a home remedy for unclogging drains for many years. But have you ever wondered how combining baking soda and vinegar can unclog drains in the first place?
Baking soda is a layman’s term for the chemical sodium bicarbonate, an antacid often used by people who want to relieve acid indigestion and heartburn in their bodies. Vinegar is an acetic acid that causes a particular chemical reaction when combined with baking soda.
The combination produces water and carbon dioxide. Inside a clogged drainage pipe, the water and carbon dioxide will loosen and break down minor debris particles and help flush them away.
Unfortunately, baking soda and vinegar may not be powerful enough to unclog large quantities of debris stuck inside a drainage system.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid can be found in numerous over-the-counter commercial drain cleaning products, and can be an effective way to break down debris and food particles stuck inside the pipework.
Hydrochloric acid can break down and dissolve grease, soap scum, food scraps, oils, hair, etc.
It is not recommended for use on metal pipes as prolonged or improper use can corrode or damage the pipework.
Caustic Soda
Caustic Soda is another popular drain cleaning chemical for unblocking drains of organic matter like hair, food, and dirt, but this does not mean it is safer to use!
It is a highly corrosive chemical that can damage your pipes and drainage system over time. If you decide to use caustic soda, we suggest purchasing a drain cleaner containing caustic soda rather than mixing yourself. The product should come with safety instructions, so you know how to use it in your drainage system correctly.
Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid might sound like an extreme chemical to dissolve a drain blockage, but it can be a very effective chemical for unclogging drains and it can melt away the most stubborn solids, oils, and grease from drain pipes within 60 minutes or less.
We would recommend other chemical cleaning solutions and home remedies before using sulfuric acid because it should only be reserved for the most extreme drain blockages.
Call a Professional
Are chemical drain cleaners still not working to unclog your drains? If so, contact a professional drain cleaning company like London Drains Direct to help you out. We have all the professional tools to clear your blocked drainage system 24/7.
While it’s possible to take on the task yourself, doing so might ultimately cost you more in the long run. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done right the first time, providing you with results that are durable and can last for many years to come.
Call us at 020 7118 0999 to get started.