Pouring bleach down the drain is dangerous since it reacts with substances in your pipes, release toxic fumes when mixed with other household cleaners, clog or damage your drains and pipes, and kill the good bacteria of your septic system.
Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system. There are environmentally friendly bleaches and home solutions you can use to clean your pipes. Pouring bleach down them will do much more harm than good.
While certain cleaners may not be compatible with PVC piping, bleach is usually safe to use in most applications, as long as it's used properly.
On its own, bleach is corrosive when poured down the drain but that process is accelerated when mixed with other chemical cleaners, thanks to a chemical reaction that creates heat. Like many chemicals found in your home, bleach can be corrosive to your pipes.
Although you can use 1/5 to 3/4 of a cup of bleach to clean and deodorize drains, followed by a good flushing of hot water, it will not clear a clog. Bleach is amazing at sanitizing and killing germs, but it won't eat through hair and soap scum that's trapped in the pipes and causing a clog.
Frequently asked questions. Can you put bleach in a toilet bowl? Yes, Clorox® Bleach is safe to add to the water in the toilet bowl. Always flush the toilet first before scrubbing, and then again when toilet cleaning is finished.
Cream of tartar helps break up particles in the pipes leading from your sink, thus providing an easy clean-up process that doesn't require any harsh chemicals or expensive tools. Simply mix ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar together. Pour the mixture into the bathroom sink drain.
Preventative Maintenance
Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.
No. Bleach is a very powerful and toxic substance, so you need to take particular caution in what you apply it to – pouring bleach down a drain does not constitute a proper use. Bleach has the potential to react with other substances in plumbing and pipework, and could end up causing further clogging of the system.
as a disinfectant in pharmaceutical, bioprocessing, and medical device facilities commonly at a 1:10 dilution (one part bleach combined with nine parts water). However, bleach is known to be corrosive to metals and can cause damage to some plastics.
Simply put, pouring bleach down the drain is a bad idea. Not only can it create a harmful chemical reaction, but it can also damage your pipes.
use, then pour the bleach down the well and circulate it through the whole water distribution system. Wait 6 – 12 hours for the chlorine to work, then flush the chlorinated water from your well and pipes.
Unlike chemical drain cleaners, hydrogen peroxide won't destroy your pipes and drains. It is safe for regular use so you can do a hydrogen peroxide flush once every few weeks to keep your drains and pipes in good shape. However, for more complicated issues, it is always better to call your plumber.
Kitchen Drains
If the clog still hasn't come loose, use a kitchen plunger and try putting hot water and dish soap down the pipes again. You can also try putting a foaming mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the pipes to provide a natural way to get rid of clogs and not damage the pipes.
Faucet Cleaning
DO NOT use cleaning products containing ammonia, bleach, alcohol or other harsh chemicals and DO NOT use any form of abrasives (e.g. abrasive sponges or steel wool) which are damaging to metal surfaces. Faucet spray faces may become dirty over time.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Never Pour Bleach Down Your Household Drain
And these uses won't present any risk. Just like cooking oil, bleach is one of those things you shouldn't pour into your sink. You should also never use bleach to unclog your drains. Doing so can even burst your drain pipes, and you'll be left with a nasty and expensive mess.
If the P-trap isn't working properly, sewer gasses can make their way into the bathroom and cause your sink to stink. Your sink should also have a vent that gives backflowing gases somewhere to go. If the sewer smell in your sink is caused by a blocked air vent, you may need professional assistance.
Diluted household bleach has been safely used for many years to help treat skin infections. A small amount of bleach added to the bath is recommended for conditions such as eczema, impetigo (school sores), boils, and infected wounds, to help reduce bacteria on the skin and improve the severity of disease.
With time, baking soda and vinegar may work as a natural drain cleaner on weaker drain clogs, and the benefits of regular drain cleaning can help keep your drains free of clogs. But for tough drain clogs that need to be dissolved right away, you may want to use a stronger drain cleaner, like Liquid-Plumr.
Some people say weekly, bi-monthly or quarterly. However, we feel that cleaning your drains monthly should be sufficient to avoid major plumbing issues. A monthly cleaning will allow you to use safe cleaning methods which will save you time, energy and money in the long term.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide on a Clogged Drain
Hydrogen peroxide dissolves organic matter to loosen and flush away debris such as skin cells. It also disinfects the drain as it works by reducing germs inside your pipes and making your sinks smell fresh and clean.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Like chemical drain cleaner, this should not be used if your pipes are completely blocked, only if they are draining very slowly. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet, flush it, and follow it up with 1-2 cups of vinegar while the baking soda flushes.
Shut the faucet taps. Fill your pipes with your chosen drain cleaner (more on that later). Wait for the appropriate amount of time for the cleanser to work – a chemical cleanser may only take 15 minutes, whereas a natural cleanser may need several hours. Bring the pots of water to a boil and pour them down your drains.