What is a mechanical drain cleaner?

The mechanical drain cleaning machine, sometimes referred to as a “cable machine” or “drain auger”, is the oldest type of drain and sewer cleaning technology. In the cable machine’s earliest form, simple flat metal tape was used to clear out drain obstructions and clogs.

What are the 3 categories of drain cleaners?

Not all chemical drain cleaners are the same. The three main types of chemical drain cleaners are acidic cleaners, oxidizing cleaners, and caustic cleaners. Acidic cleaners work by using acid to break down clogs.

How do professionals clean drains?

For simple unclogging work, you can expect a professional plumber to clean your drains using a motorized drain auger (sometimes called a drain snake), which can take care of almost any size of obstruction within a drainpipe. Often, drain cleaning will start with a drain auger to remove basic drain trouble.

What is the function of drain cleaner?

A drain cleaner is a chemical product that unblocks sewer pipes or clogged wastewater drains. The term may also refer to a mechanical device such as a plumber’s snake, drain auger, toilet plunger, or similar device.

What is the pH of drain cleaner?

Basic drain cleaners are among the most alkaline substances available. Some score a 14 on the 14 point pH scale. This is more basic than bleach, which should give you an idea of just how dangerous these drain cleaning solutions can be.

Why are there two types of drain cleaners?

How Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?

  • Oxidizing drain cleaners: The nitrates in this type of cleaner break down the organic material in a clog while also releasing gas and heat to clear the clog.
  • Caustic drain cleaners: This cleaner makes use of hydroxide ions and alkaline chemicals.

What is meant by drain cleaner?

Is drain cleaner an acid or base?

Basic
A: Some drain cleaners have strong acids as their active ingredients, while others have strong bases instead. Lye is a common strong base, with a chemical formula of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). Basic drain cleaners may also contain potassium hydroxide, KOH.

Is drain cleaner acid or base?

Some drain cleaners have strong acids as their active ingredients, while others have strong bases instead. Lye is a common strong base, with a chemical formula of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). Basic drain cleaners may also contain potassium hydroxide, KOH. Acidic drain cleaners commonly contain sulfuric acid, H2SO4.

Is drain cleaner acidic or basic?