Drain Cleaner
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Clogged drains can lead to build-up and cause damage to plumbing over time. Fortunately, there are cleaning supplies like drain cleaner that can help break up clogs and remove debris that slow water flow through the pipes. There are many different types of drain pipe cleaners available depending on the specific issue. For example, gel cleaners are great for removing standing water in your bathroom, whereas garbage disposals may require a cleaner tailored toward kitchen use.
What Is Drain Cleaner?
As the name suggests, drain cleaner is used for clearing out debris from clogged or slow-moving drains. Pipes can get clogged from a variety of different things such as soap, organic matter and grease. Depending on the type of clog, you’ll need to choose the right cleaner to thoroughly clear up your drain.
What Types of Drain Cleaners Are Available?
Chemical drain cleaners come in different varieties and are applicable to a wide variety of situations. Small clogs in your bathroom or kitchen will typically come right out with a caustic or oxidizing liquid drain cleaner; however, heavy-duty tasks may call for an acidic drain liquid. Learn more about these different types of cleaners and their applications below.
Caustic Drain Cleaner for Kitchen Use
Caustic drain cleaners contain ingredients that produce heat through chemical reactions to help make food residue thinner and easier to dissolve. Many of these cleaners contain lye and are extremely useful for kitchen sinks and grease traps. In fact, this type of drain cleaner is often used in tandem with strong all-purpose cleaners and degreasers to deep clean kitchens that see extensive use, like those in restaurants and the service industry.
Oxidizing Drain Cleaners Are Effective Against Organic Matter
Most people are already familiar with oxidizing drain cleaners, such as Drano. They contain ingredients like bleach and nitrates and work by combining water to produce heat and dissolve organic material, like hair and soap build-up. Since these liquid drain cleaners are effective against organic matter, they are ideal for cleaning up shower drains, toilets and bathroom sinks. Oxidizing drain liquids are also some of the easiest to find in stores.
Acidic Drain Cleaner for Heavy-Duty Projects
Acidic liquid drain cleaners are the harshest liquid cleaners available and should only be used for heavy-duty tasks. They often contain harmful ingredients like sulphuric or hydrochloric acid that can cause damage to indoor plumbing with repeated uses. Acidic drain cleaners are most often used by plumbing professionals to take care of tasks that cannot normally be handled by everyday cleaners.