Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners are products specifically formulated to clear blockages in drains or improve slow running drains in homes, businesses, and industries.  Drain cleaners are normally added directly and undiluted into drains through bathroom or kitchen sinks, shower or tub drains, or floor drains.

What Types Of Drain Cleaners Are Out There?
Drain cleaners are available in liquid and powder form.  Three main types of liquid products are available. Those based on hypochlorite are the most prominent liquid form on the market, and contain combinations of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.  Some liquids are caustic products that are solutions of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.  Some liquid drain cleaners are acids, typically solutions of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, but this formulation is primarily sold to institutional consumers.

Typical powder products available are either caustics, mostly solid sodium hydroxide sometimes containing additives for special features, or biological enzyme- or bacteria-based formulas containing enzymes or biologically-active cultures.

Going Inside The Bottle
Most drain cleaners contain caustic ingredients that can be corrosive to the skin and eyes.  These ingredients are needed in order to make the product efficacious against the tough blockages that are frequently found in drains.  As a result, manufacturers take extreme care to provide adequate and clear use directions and warnings on the label. Less harsh formulations, such as those often advocated in alternative products lists, are not effective against that clogs in household drains.  When used according to label directions, drain cleaners play a vital role in helping consumers avoid costly plumbers’ bills.