Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Drain cleaner

A drain cleaner is a chemical product that is used to unblock sewer pipes. It also helps to prevent clogs from forming in the drains. Getting a drain cleaner is the same as saying goodbye to clogs in the drain every day you wake up. Most people are used to plumbers such that they are unable to take care of simple clogs in their kitchen sinks. But if one cannot use a stick, a drain snake, a plunger, drain cleaners would just be what you need. A drain cleaner removes soft obstruction by trapping hairs and other smaller, invisible dirt that cannot be held physically, marking them for removal.
Drain cleaners are classified into two broad categories; a chemical and device drain cleaner. Both the drain cleaners serve their purpose appropriately based on the above principle. Here are appropriate drain cleaners for home use.

Chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners fall under the chemical category. It comes in solid or liquid form. The chemical reaction that takes place when unclogging the drain is just great. Drain cleaners are actually the solution to unclogging of drains. Types of chemical drain cleaners include alkaline drain cleaners, oxidizing and acidic drain cleaners. Alkaline drain cleaners are basic and heavier than water. They contain substances such as potash and lye. The basic chemicals produce heat that melts down any dirt such as grease. On melting the grease, it becomes soapy such that it is easily dissolved. The alkaline drain cleaners are able to penetrate up to where the clogs stand. Oxidizing drain cleaners contain substances such as household bleaches, nitrates and peroxides. A combination of these chemicals causes clogs to lose electrons. As a result the clogs become oxidized. The acidic drain cleaner is strong and contains sulphuric acid. This drain cleaner has a strong reactions on the pipes in the drain. Its acidic nature may cause an eruption in the drain which becomes more dangerous. The cleaner dissolves the pipes and the dirt altogether. The reaction between the water and the acidic substances is very explosive. You should pay attention when using an acidic drain cleaner!

Hand held drain augers

These drain cleaners are easy and flexible to use. They unclog a drain up to 8 meters. You simply have to use your hand to rotate the drum anchored to the cable. A mechanical force is then generated letting the auger move down to the drain. This device best removes clogs in the kitchen sink drain. The drain cleaners are readily available in shops and the price is just amazing. It is the best tool to use when unclogging a sink drain.

Air burst drain cleaners

Like the word suggests, air burst drain cleaners are driven by accelerated air to remove the clogs. This tool uses the accelerated carbon dioxide and other gases that create a force on standing water that can dislodge clogs that accumulate around the drain area. When choosing an appropriate drain cleaner for home use, it is important that you look at its advantages and disadvantages. There are some drain cleaners that you might not find so appropriate to use in your home. The following pros and cons will enable you settle for the best drain cleaner for your home.

Pros

  • Drain cleaners are easy and simple to use. They come with a guide and all the instructions to follow. However it is important that you read the instructions carefully and take caution.
  • Drain cleaners are affordable, for instance hand held augers. Buying a drain cleaner will save you the cost of hiring a plumber each time your drain clogs.
  • The results are realized within a short period of time. For acidic drain cleaners the results are realized within a few seconds. The reaction is so first.
  • Hand held augers are readily available in the hardware.
  • With the use of accelerated air and gases, the air burst drain cleaner removes clogs immediately
  • Air burst drain cleaners reach for the deepest clogs; therefore they remove the all clogs completely and unblock the closed air spaces in the drain.

Cons

  • Acidic drain cleaners are dangerous to use. Its explosive nature might cause extreme damages to the pipes. Physical damage is very high. Be careful, your eyes might be affected by the fume and vapor.
  • Chemical drain cleaners are not effective when it comes to removing the deepest clogs in the drain.
  • Hand held augers are limited to removing clogs up to 8 meters.
From the pros, drain cleaners actually do a good job when it comes to removing clogs than conventional plumbers. When precautions are taken, drain cleaners could be something that has been missing in your home. The disturbing clogs in your home will never be something to worry about.