Can bleach unclog drains - pouring

Can bleach unclog drains? It'south a unproblematic question, but the answer is a bit more elusive. Here's the truth straight up, with no punches pulled.

About of us know already how corrosive bleach is. Anyone who has done the laundry enough times has read the warnings on a bottle of Clorox® bleach. Merely it does clean extremely well, which is why nosotros go along to use it when washing our clothes.

Then, here's what nosotros need to know about bleach and if it can — and more important, if it should be used to — unclog drains.

Tabular array of Contents

  • What is Bleach?
  • Can Bleach Unclog Drains?
  • Instructions for Unclogging a Drain with Bleach
  • Decision: Can Bleach Unclog Drains?
  • Call 1-Tom-Plumber

What is Bleach?

Bleach is a cleaning solution fabricated out of water and the chlorine-based compound sodium hypochlorite. Information technology's likewise referred to equally chlorine bleach for that reason. The bleach used in a pond pool ("chlorine") is much stronger than the bleach used to wash our clothes.

When used on clothing, it is strong enough to remove the colors from your garments. That is why it's ordinarily used in the laundry process to remove stains.

Can Bleach Unclog Drains?

Possibly. Not only can bleach remove stains, it might also help you lot unclog your drain.

Simply it needs to be used with extreme circumspection and only when you lot've run out of other options. Information technology'southward possible that using bleach will practise more harm than good (similar to chemic bleed cleaners similar Drano®, they're simply too harsh on your pipes and often ineffective).

Having said that, it can likewise be extremely constructive at dissolving hair. And hair in your bleed is mayhap the single most common reason for a clogged bleed.

Your hair (from brushing, cut, or shaving) builds up in your drain over time. Eventually, it causes a total or partial clog. If you retrieve your high school chemistry, y'all might know that bleach is a base. This allows information technology to deliquesce human hair, which is an acrid.

Instructions for Unclogging a Drain with Bleach

Here's what we recommend if desire to try unclogging your drain with bleach.

Circumspection: Wear goggles and waterproof gloves whenever working with bleach. Exist careful to not splash bleach onto you or your hands. If this happens, wash immediately and thoroughly with fresh h2o.

  1. Purchase a gallon of liquid bleach
  2. Remove any excess h2o from your sink or bathtub (from wherever your drain is located)
  3. Cascade i cup of bleach into a cup, and then into your drain (this volition reduce splashing)
  4. Expect 10 minutes, then run hot water for v minutes to encounter if it has unclogged
  5. When done, wash out your sink or tub with enough of fresh h2o

PRO TIP: Don't forcefulness this solution to piece of work: if it doesn't piece of work the outset time, try using this natural drain-clearing solution instead. A solution of vinegar and baking soda is much safer, healthier, and probably more effective.

Conclusion: Tin Bleach Unclog Drains?

Every bit yous can tell, professional person plumbers aren't likewise nifty on recommending bleach as a home remedy for your clogged drains. Nosotros much prefer using prophylactic, natural solutions — and proven DIY plumbing solutions — that are more than effective and less damaging to you and your pipes.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

If y'all need help cleaning or unclogging any bleed in your home or office, don't hesitate to contact u.s.a. or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). Nosotros will immediately respond to and handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground h2o lines and sewer main lines.