Chemical drain cleaners

As a result, there is not an extensive history of cleaners in the US, as municipal plumbing systems were not readily available in middle-class American homes until the early 20th century.

Once corrosion occurred down to the base metal, plaques and rust would form, leading to sediment build-up that would gradually clog these drains.

While there are many methods for unclogging drains, one of the most effective solutions is using hydrochloric acid (HCl), a powerful chemical cleaner.

[2] Potential hazards include violent reactions with water and the production of explosive hydrogen vapors upon contact with most metals; chronic (delayed) and acute (immediate) health hazards if inhaled, ingested, or contacted, including severe eye, flesh and skin burns or even permanent visual loss, inflammation of respiratory membranes, and corrosive burns to all human tissue.

Oxidation of aluminum metal: 2Al + 2NaOH + 6H2O → 2Na[Al(OH)4] + 3H2 The actual breakdown of a clog occurs by reaction with the hydroxide ions (OH−) from the drain cleaner.

The hydroxide ions from the dissolution of lye in water attack the carbonyl carbons of the fat, which eventually kicks off the hydrophobic tails of the triglyceride (e.g. glyceryl trioleate) to isolate glycerol and a fatty acid salt.

The intent of this foaming action is to coat the inside of the drain pipe to dislodge more of the substances that form the clog.

[6] In one such incident, a five-year-old boy was left scarred for life after an acidic drain cleaner leaked through his bedroom ceiling as he slept.

Drain cleaners usually contain a strong base such as sodium hydroxide that decomposes hair and converts fats into water-soluble products.

Drain cleaners can also contain aluminum, which reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce bubbles of hydrogen gas that help to break up the clog.

At times, individuals may deliberately or unknowingly mix two different types of drain cleaners, which can lead to even deadlier results from poisonous fumes.