Drain cleaner is a chemical used to dissolve clogs to unblock pipes, such as the drainpipes of sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers. It is generally a corrosive chemical such as a concentrated acid or caustic, or is an enzymatic substance. It is most often used after a plunger has not been sufficient to remove the clog. A clog is shoe with a rigid, often wooden, sole, and upper , see clog (shoe). ... A plumber wrench for working on pipes and fittings A complex arrangement of rigid steel piping, stop valves regulate flow to various parts of the building. ... For other uses, see Sink (disambiguation). ... A bathtub A bathtub (AmE) or bath (BrE) is a plumbing fixture used for bathing. ... For other uses, see Toilet (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that Steam shower be merged into this article or section. ... For the coffee plunger, see French press. ...

Drain cleaner should only be used according to the manufacturer's specifications, as improper use may damage skin, lungs or eyes. Strongly corrosive, drain cleaners are one of the most hazardous household products available to the public. Beyond overall skin structure, refer below to: See-also. ... The heart and lungs (from an older edition of Grays Anatomy) The lung is an organ belonging to the respiratory system and interfacing to the circulatory system of air-breathing vertebrates. ... For other uses, see Eye (disambiguation). ...

Types of drain cleaners

There are five major types of drain cleaners sold today.

Caustic liquid

The most common type are liquid caustic solutions containing sodium hypochlorite NaClO(bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), or potassium hydroxide in concentrations up to 40 percent. These are used to dissolve grease and hair clogs. Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. A solution of sodium hypochlorite is frequently used as a disinfectant and as a bleaching agent; indeed, often it is simply called bleach, though other chemicals are sometimes given that name as well. ... Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye, caustic soda and sodium hydrate, is a caustic metallic base. ... The chemical compound potassium hydroxide, (KOH) sometimes known as caustic potash, potassa, potash lye, and potassium hydrate, is a metallic base. ...

Caustic solid

A more concentrated caustic drain cleaner consists of solid granules of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are also used for hair and grease clogs. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye, caustic soda and sodium hydrate, is a caustic metallic base. ... The chemical compound potassium hydroxide, (KOH) sometimes known as caustic potash, potassa, potash lye, and potassium hydrate, is a metallic base. ...

Enzymatic cleaners

The third type are the liquid solutions containing bacteria cultures and enzymes that gradually eat away the organic material on pipes that cause slow drains. These are generally not capable of freeing completely clogged drainpipes, but are rather used as routine maintenance for proper flow.

Acid liquid

A different type are acidic liquid solutions that contain sulfuric acid, usually in concentrations around 95 percent. These are very corrosive and hazardous if misused, and often create intense heat that can cause the water in the drain to boil, creating a violent eruption from the drain. These acidic cleaners are often the only products that will effectively dissolve paper, rags, sanitary napkins, and similar blockages. Many of these products are intended for professional use by plumbers and janitors, but are legal to sell to the general public in the US, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, despite much debate during the last few decades. R-phrases S-phrases , , , Flash point Non-flammable Related Compounds Related strong acids Selenic acid Hydrochloric acid Nitric acid Related compounds Hydrogen sulfide Sulfurous acid Peroxymonosulfuric acid Sulfur trioxide Oleum Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ... The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government created in 1972 through the Consumer Safety Act to protect “against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products”. As of 2006 its acting chairman is Nancy Nord, a Republican. ...

Air burst cleaners

The fifth type of drain cleaner uses forcibly accelerated CO2 (carbon dioxide), air or other gas to physically dislodge clogs. Accelerated gas may instantly clear the clog, in contrast to chemical solutions that may take minutes or hours to work. Carbon dioxide is an atmospheric gas composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. ... Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. ...

Usage tip

Caustic and acidic drain cleaners should not be used in combination as they will neutralise each other which renders them ineffective, and may also liberate possibly harmful gasses.

Strong acids and strong caustics will generate heat when dissolved in water.

See Household chemicals. Popular brands of drain cleaner include Drano, Floweasy, Kleer Drain, Instant Power, Liquid Fire, Liquid Plumr, Roebic, Rooto, and Hercules/Cloroben. Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Drāno (also spelled Draino if the ā (a-macron) character is not available) is a drain cleaner product by S. C. Johnson & Son. ... Liquid-Plumr is a drain opener produced by the Clorox Corporation. ...

External links

• how to unclog a drain