Drain Cleaners

Perfect for quickly removing grime, grease, hair and more from drains and pipes, drain cleaners are the weapon of choice for those looking to keep their plumbing working like new. No matter the type of drain blockage you're dealing with, you're bound to find the right product for you. Drain cleaners tend to have hazard pictograms on the packaging. Visit our UK REACH page for more information and expertise. Here at Cromwell, we stock a range of drain cleaners from brand Zep Commercial®

What are drain cleaners?

Drain cleaners are a liquid solution that's poured down a sink or drain to unclog and clean pipes.

They typically work by adding electrons to the unwelcome material that's stuck in the pipes. This makes the material 'burn' thanks to the resulting chemical reaction, which in turn makes the grease thinner and much easier to simply wash away.

Why drain cleaners?

Drain cleaners are, by far, the quickest and easiest method of unclogging a drainpipe. Other methods can be difficult, and time consuming.

Drain cleaners are a simple yet effective solution, requiring a mere fraction of the time and effort that manual pipe cleaning would take. Simply pour the solution down the blocked drain, let it sit for 5-30 minutes (depending on the severity of the blockage) then rinse away the blockage with water.

When are drain cleaners used?

Drain cleaners are regularly used on both industrial and domestic drains. Depending on the type of drain cleaner you buy, they can help remove:

• Grime
• Dirt
• Hair
• Food
• Grease
• Other blockages

If you're looking for the right drain cleaner for your usage but aren't sure about the best option for you, feel free to ask our experts for specialised advice.

Drain cleaner types

• Enzymatic   -   This type of drain cleaner possesses an enzyme producing bacteria that breaks down clogs naturally. These type of drain cleaners are best used monthly on soft clogs, but aren't so good at dispelling grime and grease or more stubborn clogs. They are however, eco-friendly and suited for use in septic tanks.

• Caustic   -   This type of drain cleaner consists of alkaline chemicals which works by converting the stubborn blockage into a soap like substance which can then be washed away and dissolved with water. Whilst they are less toxic than acidic cleaners, it's still advised to wear a respirator and gloves when handling it.

• Acidic   -   As the name suggests, this type of drain cleaner is generally comprised of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. These are extremely poweful and can clear drains in typically fifteen minutes or less. However, they aren't suited for use on older pipes and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, lungs and skin so protective gear must be worn when handling it.

Considerations when choosing drain cleaners

• Speciality - Some drain cleaners excel at removing grease, grime, and food - perfect for commercial or kitchen usage. Other drain cleaners are better at removing hair, which is better for use in hotels and domestic baths, showers, and sinks.

Drain cleaners jargon buster

To help you to make an informed purchasing decision, we've outlined some key terms to ensure you find the right drain cleaner for your needs.

What is the difference between clear, grey and black water?

Clear or clean water is defined as pure water from source, such as springs, wells, rain and city water. Grey water refers to used water in a domestic setting, such as shower or bath water, laundry water or sink water that hasn;t been treated with any harsh chemicals. Black water is contaminated water that has contained either waste or harmful chemicals, such as in toilets.

FAQs

How long does drain cleaner take to work?

Drain cleaners typically work within 5-15 minutes on typical blockages. Tougher, more compacted blockages can take up to 30 minutes to fully loosen the blockage.