If someone asked, "What are some of the most dangerous cleaners in your home?" would you think of chemical drain cleaners? More than 2,000 people were injured using them in the last year. Consumer Reports just tested 15 chemical drain cleaners, as well as plungers and other mechanical devices. Testers clogged test drains with various problem substances, including fat, soap, hair, and toothpaste. The tests showed that most of the chemical drain cleaners--even though they contain strong chemicals--weren't very effective. One type, crystal drain cleaners, did better, but the chemicals in those are even more dangerous and quite caustic. They produce a gas and a vapor and the pipes themselves actually get hot.

Mechanical devices are much safer, and quicker-acting. Top ratings go to a little device you hook up to a hose. It uses water pressure and works fast! It's the Drain King VIP1 for $20.

Another good choice is a canister of compressed gas. You put it over the drain and release a burst of air. One that can be reused up to 15 times and costs about $20 is the CLR Power Plumber Pressurized Drain Opener Plunger Kit.

Consumer Reports says the $6 Master Plunger is also a good tool to have on hand. Testers found its new accordion style even more effective than the conventional design.

Consumer Reports says when it comes to drains, the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure" definitely applies. Some of the best ways to keep drain clogs at a minimum is to use strainer covers in your sinks. And avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink. It's one of the main causes of drain backups.

You can get Consumer Reports' complete report on drain cleaners at ConsumerReports.org/draincleaners.
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Here's a news release from the City of Springfield on the misuse of drains:

Holiday cooks are advised to use extra care to properly dispose of grease generated by large holiday meals so that it doesn’t create problems in the City’s  sewer lines.
 
      Improper disposal of grease can cause major problems in the property owner’s sewer lines, as well as in the City sewer lines and pump stations. Grease causes system interference and can clog the pumping equipment that transports the waste for treatment before it is discharged.
 
     The City of Springfield Sanitary Services Division offers the following recommendations to avoid sewer back-up problems and reduce the need for cleaning and repair or cause any environmental damage:

1. Never pour grease down the drain. Even if you run hot water down the line, the grease cools and solidifies as it moves through the sewer line.  Hot water will not solve the problem!
2. Pour grease into a metal or glass container and place in the trash. You can also line your container by pouring cooled grease into a plastic bag.  You may also use a heat-resistant liner.
3. A lid is required on a container holding liquid grease.  Containers that contain solid grease do not need a lid.
4. Scrape food and grease from dishes and pans prior to washing.  This type of waste also can be placed in the trash.
5. Use a basket or strainer in the sink to catch greasy food scraps.

      A sanitary sewer overflow from a manhole can be the result of fats, oils, and greases causing a sewer blockage and can be subject to fines or penalties.   These events can result in fines and penalties against the City that are paid from sewer user charges.

    To receive a copy of a brochure on “fat-free sewers”, contact the Public Works/Sanitary Services Division, P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, Mo., 65801.