Home Ownership Using a crystal or liquid drain cleaner sure beats calling a plumber every time your sink is stopped up. But, helpful as they are, drain cleaners can be dangerous if not handled carefully.

There are three types of commercial drain cleaners: acid-, caustic- and solvent-based. Acid-based cleaners are usually sulphuric acid. Caustics are mainly caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) in either liquid or dry crystal form. Because of differences in concentration and secondary ingredients, the performance of caustic cleaners is more variable than that of acid cleaners. Solvents are milder compounds based on pine oil.

Such substances as bleach (hypochlorite), sodium nitrate, aluminum salts, detergents, and chelating agents (organic compounds that break up solids) are often added to caustics to boost the decomposing action. Acid-based cleaners work best on all types of clogs. Of caustic cleaners, crystal-based ones are better for kitchen clogs (greasy, leftover food, for example).

Drain cleaners are a straightforward hazard. The Hazardous Products Regulations demand that drain cleaners be clearly and prominently labelled with hazard symbols and warnings.

Depending on its concentration, a drain cleaner must be labelled CAUTION, WARNING or DANGER, both in bold letters and in symbols.

Despite the obvious fact that all drain cleaners are sufficiently poisonous to cause considerable damage, POISON warnings are not required by law. Most brands put the case obscurely, warning that the substance is "harmful or fatal if swallowed"




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December 4, 2008