Chemical Drain Cleaner
Most common household drains can be cleared with the liquid drain cleaners or even the homemade drain cleaners, but occasionally a tougher clog will require a stronger chemical drain cleaner. Most clogs are caused by paper, sewage, fats, grease, hair, food particles, and various other items.
Some of the professional plumbers will recommend trying to use some of the hand held drain cleaners before using the chemicals. The use of the electric drain cleaner may be used before trying the chemicals. The chemical drain cleaners will contain a high concentration of sulfuric acid or lyes. These are considered fast acting as they will burn through the clog usually quickly and often very throughly. There are several concerns to be addressed before using the harsh chemicals.
The chemical drain cleaners are not considered as safe for the pipes, people or the environment. One of the strong appeals of the chemical drain cleaners is the thought that they are fast acting and cheaper then the mechanical drain cleaning equipment. But the improper use of the chemical drain cleaners can result in very unexpected reactions that can be very harmful to the person using it. Splashes, eruptions can cause skin burns and eye damage. These can damage not only people by property such as walls and floors if not very careful. The improper application of these chemicals can result in personal injury and property damage.
Most of these will cause a chemical reaction and heat will be given off. This may cause damage to PVC pipes or damage to older, corroded pipes. They may etch or corrode stainless steel, may damage aluminum fixtures and may also crack porcelain. If the clog is not removed, the chemicals may stay in the pipes, and the user by try using a different product. This combination of chemicals in the pipes may have adverse effects from heat, spattering, or eruptions. If a person unknowingly comes behind someone who has already attempted to treat the clog, and tries to re-treat the clog, a very sever reactions may occur. This could be very dangerous for the second person attempting to clear the clog. Some of the mixtures of chemicals may cause the boiling of these combinations. Even the addition of plain water in certain chemical combinations may cause a reaction of boiling or spattering. Some other reactions could cause gases to be generated which will cause a pressure buildup and possible eruptions as well.
As you can tell, use of the chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous and have unknown effects if you are not aware of the possible chemical reactions. Human tissue and personal property can be in harms way. You may need to consider calling a professional if your drain is this clogged.