How Do Drano and Liquid-Plumr Unclog Drains

Drains run slower and slower as greases, soaps, fats, and detergents build up on the inner walls of drain pipes and eventually cause blockage. What is the chemical action of unclogging drains with household products such as Drano and Liquid-Plumr  

Commercially available drain cleaners such as Drano and Liquid-Plumr all contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as an active ingredient for dissolving grease.tI 5l Crystal drain cleaners contain the solid form of sodium hydroxide, while liquid drain cleaners are strong solutions of dissolved sodium hydroxide. In addition, 

Reaction of hydroxide ion with aluminum to form a soluble aluminum-containing ion and hydrogen gas  

The soluble ion Al(OH) (aq) is known as the aluminate ion. The vigorous evolution of hydrogen gas helps to physically dislodge undissolved grease particles from the walls of plumbing. 

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Question 9.6 How Do Drano and Liquid-Plumr Unclog Drains ... 

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