Chemical drain cleaners

rdf:langString Chemical drain cleaners

rdf:langString Chemical drain cleaners are mixtures of chemicals that are used to unclog drains that are blocked by hair, food, or other organic materials. In addition to chemical drain cleaners, other mechanical drain cleaners are often employed. Chemical drain cleaners are available through hardware stores, although some may be intended for use by licensed plumbers. Drain cleaners can be solids or liquid. Both are mixtures. These cleaners contain chemicals that dissolve at least some of the material causing the clog. Typically, the active ingredient in solid cleaning agents is sodium hydroxide (lye). The reaction of the powdered lye with water is exothermic (heat releasing), which facilitates the unclogging. Liquid drain cleaners also contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Because solid lye is hygroscopic, it is crucial that the solid granules of the cleaner are placed directly in proximity to the clog. Otherwise, the lye itself will absorb water and be less effective. In addition to chemical action, drain cleaners break up clogs by mechanical action of bubbles formed from the reaction of aluminium powder with lye. The aluminum granules that are included in the solid caustic drain cleaner release hydrogen gas. Because the release of hydrogen gas is overall an exothermic reaction, the extra heat released helps to break down the greases, oils, etc. that form the clog.