Danger and Usage considerations Drain cleaner

the acid in drain openers reacts aluminium oxide on surface of pipes.

danger arises chemical drain cleaners potential injure eyes, lungs, , skin; , damage clothing , household materials such wood, paint, aluminum, , fiberglass. chemical drain cleaners should used according manufacturer s instructions, other use may cause injury. corrosive , acid drain cleaners among hazardous household products available public. chemical drain cleaners can cause strong reactions—sometimes explosively—with other chemicals may have been used previously, can result in serious injury in vicinity.

moreover, because acidic or basic drain cleaners washed down drain, contributes pollution in water supply. heat generation can soften plastic pvc pipes, , pressure buildup gas generation can cause older pipes burst.

often times, individuals may unknowingly mix 2 different types of drain cleaners, can lead deadly results. example, consider mixing of acidic , basic drain cleaner:

•sulfuric acid + sodium hydroxide (base) ---> sodium sulfate (salt) + water

h2so4 + 2 naoh → na2so4 + 2h2o

the neutralization reaction of acid , base may seem harmless, in reality reaction extremely exothermic , can cause pipes violently explode. consider example of mixing, time between acid drain cleaner , bleach:

•hydrochloric acid + bleach ---> water + table salt + chlorine gas

2hcl + naclo → h2o + nacl + cl2

this reaction generates chlorine gas, commonly known poisonous.