Things to Be Aware of when Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical Drain cleaners are the bad boys of household cleaning products. Their main job is to eat through any material that is clogging your pipes. For this reason, drain cleaners are extremely dangerous if they come in contact with human skin. They are designed to eat through solid material. They can even produce dangerous fumes that can hurt the lungs. The usage of chemical drain cleaners should be avoided as much as possible. However, sometimes, they are necessary to unclog a stubborn pipe. If you are forced to use a chemical drain cleaner, here are a few hazards to watch out for.

Wear Rubber Gloves
When ever you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to always wear rubber gloves. This will prevent the splashing liquid from burning your skin.

Garbage Disposals
It is extremely dangerous to use drain cleaner in a garbage disposal. You should never do this because excess liquid could splash into your eyes, mouth, or skin the next time you turn on the disposal.

Don’t Use a Plunger
If you have already poured chemical drain cleaner down the pipes, you should never follow-up with a plunger. You risk splashing chemical water on your skin or in your eyes with the up and down plunging motion.

Stay Away From Drain
Once you pour cleaner down the drain, avoid peering down into the drain. The chemicals often bubble up and can expel hazardous fumes into the air. These fumes can harm your lungs.

Don’t Mix Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you are using one type of drain cleaner, do not use another chemical. If you mix and alkali cleaner and an acid cleaner, an explosion can occur. I bet you never knew drain cleaners could be so dangerous.

Totally Blocked Drain
If you are experiencing a problem with a drain that is completely blocked, do not use a chemical drain cleaner. You will only cause more problems. If the cleaner is unable to drain from the sink, you will be stuck with the problem of what to do with your new chemically treated, hazardous water.

Of course chemical drain cleaners are necessary. However, they should be used as a last resort for unclogging pipes. When these cleaners are used, it is important to be aware of the many hazards that come with them. Make sure you know what can happen, and use precautions when using chemical drain cleaners.