​ What type of drain cleaner is suitable for a clogged pipe?

Introduction

Blockage in pipes can be very inconvenient, and in most situations, it gets frustrating. Ever been in a hurry to wash your dishes and retire to bed for the day? Or even wash your kitchen utensils quickly and head out to work? And then you notice in your haste to finish up, and the water isn't draining from your sink? Then what type of drain cleaner is suitable for a clogged pipe? That is what this article is all about

In your eagerness to offer a quick solution using drain openers, you must consider the type of drain cleaner to use to avoid potential damage to your pipes, and this brings us to the question, "Do you know that drain cleaners are of two types? Let's discuss the types, and from these, we will deduce which is suitable for our pipes.

Key Takeaway

• Know the Cause of the Clog: Hair, grease, food particles, or soap scum each require different types of drain cleaners (enzymatic, acidic, or caustic).
• Use Enzymatic Cleaners for Routine Maintenance: These eco-friendly options break down organic material slowly and are safe for all pipes—ideal for preventing clogs.
• Caustic Cleaners for Grease and Soap Buildup: Containing lye or bleach, caustic drain cleaners are effective for kitchen drains but should be used with caution.
• Acidic Cleaners for Severe Blockages: Muriatic or sulfuric acid-based cleaners are powerful and fast-acting, best suited for professional or heavy-duty use in metal pipes.

Types of Drain openers Suitable for a clogged pipe

Alkaline drain cleaner

This type of drain opener is usually compatible with domestic use because they are bases and the elements have a ph greater than 7. Alkaline drain openers can also be divided into two:

• Strong Alkaline Drain Cleaner: The alkaline elements used in this type of drain opener are highly concentrated, such as sodium hydroxide, also known as Caustic Soda, and potassium hydroxide, and this type of cleaner is used to dissolve fats, oils, grease, and other deposits that are protein-based. Dispersing agents are also added to the alkaline drain cleaner to dissolve dirt that may likely attack metal parts, which would lead to rust on metal parts. When using this strong alkaline, you need to be careful not to let it come in contact with your skin or eyes.
• Weak Alkaline Drain Cleaner: These alkaline are less concentrated than the first alkaline cleaners( Strong alkaline cleaners). A typical example is sodium bicarbonate, often known as baking Soda. The weak alkaline drain cleaners are not considered a threat to personal safety.

Acidic drain opener

This type of drain opener is more compatible with new pipes or metallic pipes such as copper because of the nature of the cleaner. The Acidic drain opener is usually formulated with a strong chemical in which the primary ingredient is sulphuric acid.

The usefulness and function of this acidic drain opener is its ability to dissolve food matters quickly; it also removes or eradicates fats and other cellulose protein-based items in pipes faster. The type of pipe installed should be considered before using this chemical because it is only suitable for some piping systems due to its nature.

However, it is advisable to always wear your protective wears (eye goggles, gloves, and safety clothing) before use.

This type of drain cleaner is suitable for a clogged pipe.

Epoxy Oilserv owns the brand epochem cleaning and maintenance chemicals in Nigeria. They have a portfolio of effective and efficient cleaning chemicals for different purposes, including home, office cleaning, industrial and oilfield cleaning.

The products have passed substantial-quality tests and are approved for use in oilfields in Nigeria and other locations worldwide.GZ Industrial Supplies is a distributor of this compelling product. Our epochem 502 heavy-duty degreasers are approved for use by the DPR.

Drain Opener Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner 20 liters

Drain Opener Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner 20 liters

GZ Industrial Supplies is the distributor and supplier of the Epochem brand of Cleaning and maintenance chemicals in Nigeria. Our Drain Opener Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner 20 liters is good to use at all times to clean and open drains. It is Supplied in 5 liters and 20l liters. Free delivery, within 1 to 3 working days.

Features of Drain Opener Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner 20 liters

Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner is a high-performance, NON-ACID drain cleaner - that will instantly break down blockages within pipework - caused by a range of organic waste and is equally as effective as acid-based drain cleaners. These blockages will often occur within kitchen and washroom pipework due to the large quantity of food waste and other organic waste that regularly enters the system. Epochem 170 is a safe alternative to acid-based drain cleaners - but equally as effective. It is currently being used in industry, nursing homes, hospitals, clubs, pubs, restaurants, schools, colleges, local councils, and more. Use epochem 170 alkaline cleaner to treat pipework blockages leading from sinks, basins, toilets, showers, gullies, drains, etc.

Advantages of using an Alkaline drain cleaner:

• Quickly breaks down organic material
• NON-ACID - but equally as effective as acid-based drain cleaners
• Very safe compared with sulphuric acid-based drain cleaners
• Easy to use, odorless and non-fuming
• No need to close down the kitchen/washroom while being used
• Cannot be overused - will not damage pipework or blemish stainless steel
• Will not form a hard soap on contact with grease
• 2-year shelf-life

Use in Kitchens:

• Breaks down food waste, coffee grouts, grease, fat, and oil - used to treat blockages in sinks, gullies, and drains.

Use in Washrooms:

• Breaks down soap scum and hair - treat blockages in washbasins and showers.
• Breaks down paper towels, toilet paper, and fecal matter - used to treat blockages in toilets.

Our Epochem 160 is one of the most suitable for a clogged pipe.

Epochem 160 Liquid Drain Opener (Acidic)

Epochem 160 Liquid Drain Opener (Acidic)

GZ Industrial Supplies is the Major distributor of Epochem Distilled Water and other Epochem products in Nigeria. Our Epochem 160 Liquid Drain Opener (Acidic)inhibited acid-based chemical is specifically designed to rapidly clear blockages in drains caused by sanitary towels, hair, soap, grease, coffee, grounds, clothes, papers, Lint, cigarette buffs, and other organic substances.

Applications:

• Dissolves Cellulose, Protein-like hair
• Instantly dissolves organic matters
• flushes water, papers, vegetables, grease, etc

Comparison Table: Best Drain Cleaners for Clogged Pipes in Nigeria

Effectiveness of this Product:

1. Dropping some epochem drain cleaner down the drain each month prevents smelly pipes; stop odor at its source.

This product breaks down and digests organic deposits and grease buildup.

This product is made of 100% powerful enzymes to keep your kitchen, bathroom, and utility drains clear of buildup and odor. Safe for plumbing and septic tanks.

Epochem drain cleaner eliminates embarrassing odors from drains and prevents clogged sinks.

2 This Product saves money on plumbers and drain snakes as powerful enzymes break down oil and grease to keep drains free and clear

3. Epochem drain cleaner acts as drain deodorizer, and cleaners are thin, round and only 6.3 inches long, and 100 percent safe for plumbing and septic tanks with no toxic chemicals

embarrassing smells and nasty water buildup in sinks and showers if you apply this Product monthly

Keep your drains clean and odor-free all year long with Epochem drain cleaners.

Drain Opener Epochem 170 alkaline cleaner 5 liters

How to Unclog a Drain Without Damaging the Pipes

Alkaline and Acidic Drain Openers are safe to use on new plastic and metal pipes, respectively. However, avoid using them on older and weak pipes or aluminum chrome or galvanized steel pipes to prevent degrading, which can also happen when drain openers are frequently used.

To prevent your pipes from degrading, ensure you get a drainage sieve to hold your debris in while the water passes through; a plunger can be used when the blockage is minimal. Using a drain opener should only be when you have tried taking out the dirt manually, probably using a bent wire hanger, and then you can read through the instructions before using the drain opener. Ensure you wear your protective equipment when handling this chemical to avoid contacting your skin or eye.

Safety Measures When Using Drain Openers

Chemical safety involves all policies, procedures and practices designed to reduce the high risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and this includes the risks of exposure to persons handling  such chemicals in the surrounding environment and to the communities and ecosystems within that environment.

• However, it is always advised to read the instructions labeled on the chemical before opening to use.
• Wear your protective wears (eye goggles, gloves, and safety clothing) before using these chemicals.
• Note that some of these acid cleaners do produce toxic fumes, and if not correctly handled, it could lead to an explosion. If you are to dilute this acid opener for any reason, ensure you pour the chemical into the water and not the other way round to avoid any exothermic reaction, which could cause a lot of damage.
• Also, check the kind of pipes installed before you use this chemical. Due to the nature of this chemical, it will not be suitable for some piping systems. Lastly, ensure the chemical is being used in a well-ventilated room.
• Always wear a respirator, safety glasses, skin covering clothes, and gloves made of chemical-resistant material to avoid skin burn or irritation to the eyes or nose upon inhalation.
• Never use a drain opener with a plunger.
• It is considered suitable in well-ventilated areas only.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not mix different drain openers or with other substances.
• If the blockage persists after several uses, seek the aid of a plumber.

Where to Buy Recommended and Safe Drain Openers

You can Buy Quality Drain Cleaner in our offices across Nigeria.

GZ Industrial Supplies Ikeja.

18 Adeshina street, Behind Holy Trinity Hospital Ikeja, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja. Lagos State Nigeria. Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557 +234 9055793558, WhatsApp: +234 8181069339,       

GZ Industrial Supplies Port Harcourt Showroom.

238 Aba Road First Artillery by Fidelity bank, Port Harcourt. Rivers State Nigeria. Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557 , +234 9055793558, WhatsApp: +234 9055793558, +234 8181069339  

GZ Industrial Supplies Calabar Showroom.

30/32 Ndidem Usang-Iso, Marian Road, Calabar, Cross Rivers State Nigeria. Contact Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557, WhatsApp: +234 9055793557 +234 8181069339.      

GZ Industrial Supplies Sango Ota Showroom.

Km 42 Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, opposite Coronation Power and Gas Limited, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sango Ota.

GZ Industrial Supplies Ogba Showroom.

77/79 Yaya Abatan Road, Maternity Bus Stop. Ogba , Lagos NG, Ifako Agege, Ogba. Contact Tel.+234 8181069339, +234 9055793557, WhatsApp: +234 9055793557 +234 8181069339                        

GZ Industrial Supplies Abuja Showroom.

Shop 016, Zitel Plaza, Plot 227 P.O.W. Mafemi Crescent Utako, Abuja. Tel. +234 8053390161,+234 9121740191                                                                                                                   

GZ Industrial Supplies Lekki.

Suit 10 Sebuf plaza Lekki Epe Expressway Lekki Lagos. Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 8053390169 +234 9055793557                                                                                                                         

GZ Industrial Supplies Apapa.

Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557, +234 9055793558

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best drain cleaner for grease clogs?

Caustic drain cleaners are most effective for grease clogs. They use alkaline chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye) to break down fats and soap scum in kitchen sinks.

2. Can I use acid-based cleaners in PVC pipes?

No, acid-based cleaners (like sulfuric acid) can damage PVC pipes. They are best used in metal pipes and should be handled with extreme care or by professionals.

3. Are enzymatic drain cleaners safe for septic systems?

Yes, enzymatic cleaners are biodegradable and safe for both pipes and septic systems. They use natural enzymes to slowly break down organic matter without harming plumbing.

4. How often should I use a drain cleaner to prevent clogs?

For maintenance, you can use an enzymatic cleaner once a month. Avoid overusing chemical cleaners, as frequent use can weaken your plumbing over time.

5. What should I do if chemical drain cleaners don’t work?

If the clog persists after chemical treatment, it’s best to use a mechanical solution like a drain snake or contact a plumber, as the blockage may be deep or solid.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drain cleaner depends on the type of clog and your pipe system. Whether you're dealing with grease buildup, hair clogs, or organic waste, selecting a product that's effective and safe for your plumbing is key. Enzymatic cleaners are great for routine maintenance and septic systems, while caustic and acid-based options offer quick results for tougher blockages—but must be used carefully.

For expert-recommended drain cleaning solutions and reliable industrial-grade products, visit GZ Industrial Supplies. Our team is available to help you find the safest and most effective cleaner for your specific needs.