Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) – Drain unblocker granules

Description

What is Sodium Hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, caustic soda or drain cleaner, is a white, odorless solid. The substance is highly hygroscopic (attracts moisture) and gives off a lot of heat when dissolved in water. Sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive and requires appropriate protective equipment when used.

This base is used in the production of rayon, paper, dyes, petroleum products, and in various metalworking processes (cleaning, oxide coating, galvanizing, electrolytic extraction). Sodium hydroxide granules are also often used to unclog drains in kitchens and bathrooms. The latter is only possible if the pipes are plastic. Metal pipes can be corroded and leak.

Industrial applications

• Production of rayon, paper and dyes
• Refining and desulphurisation in the petroleum industry
• Textile processing (cotton lyeing, fibre treatment)
• Metal cleaning, oxide coating, electroplating, electrochemical extraction
• Unclogging drain pipes (do not use on metal pipes!)

Health and Safety

Danger

Hazard statements (H phrases)

• H290: May be corrosive to metals.
  
• H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Precautionary measures (P-phrases)

• P260: Do not breathe mist, vapour, spray.
• P280: Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection.
• P303+P361+P353 – IF ON SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with water/shower.
• P305+P351+P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if possible. Continue rinsing.
• P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQ

Is sodium hydroxide dangerous?
Yes. The substance is highly corrosive; always wear personal protective equipment.

Can I use sodium hydroxide granules to unclog a drain?
Yes, provided that pipes are not made of metal and the safety instructions are strictly followed.

How should I store sodium hydroxide?
Dry, well ventilated, in airtight (plastic) containers; out of reach of children.

Can I mix NaOH with other cleaning agents?
Do not mix with acids or chlorinated products. This may cause violent, dangerous reactions.

Where can I buy sodium hydroxide?

At DutchChems we offer sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) in bottles of 500 grams. The reason we chose bottles instead of buckets is for safety reasons. It is much easier to dose from a bottle than from a bucket. This reduces the chance that the substance will end up on the skin and cause damage. We offer a discount when multiple bottles are ordered.

We also offer this fabric in large packaging such as bags and big bags. A quote can be requested for this via our contact form .