Drain Tools
- Chemical Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners work best on slow, partially clogged drains and to keep drains free of build-up. Follow directions on the containers. If you have recurring, slow drainage, use enzyme-based cleaners twice a month, and buy strainers to fit over drains so that hair and other debris do not add to the problem.
Don't use chemicals for a total blockage, because powerful chemicals, if left too long in some kinds of pipes, can damage them. Worse, if you have to open up a trap, you'll have to deal with the drain cleaner that spills.
Many drain-cleaning contractors charge stiff fees for sending their snakes though pipes with standing drain chemicals in them. The chemicals make their snake cables brittle and prone to breaking prematurely.
Safety
When you work with chemical drain cleaners, wear rubber gloves, long sleeves and safety goggles. Carefully read instructions on chemical-cleaner containers. Generally, use alkali cleaners (they contain lye) on drains. NEVER follow with an acid-based cleaner if the alkali-based one has failed.
Safety-related resources on the Web:
Index of Occupational Safety and Health Resources (http://turva.me.tut.fi/~oshweb/)
National Safety Council (http://www.national-safety-council.ie/)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html)
Other safety Web sites