
Prior to this time, Americans often discarded the dirty water collected in basins after use.

As a result, there is not an extensive history of cleaners in the US, as municipal plumbing systems were not readily available in middle-class American homes until the early 20th century.

The history of drain cleaners parallels the development of common drain systems themselves. If more than one plumbing fixture is clogged then electric drain cleaners, battery powered drain cleaners, sewer jetters or such mechanical devices are usually required to clear obstructions along the entire length of the drain piping system, that is, from fixture drain inlets through the main building drains and lateral piping outside the building to the collector sewer mains. An effective drain cleaner can remove soft obstructions (such as hair and grease) accumulating near the fixture's drain inlet. Occasionally, it is applied to a plumber or another individual who performs the drain cleaning and hygiene.Ĭhemical drain cleaners, plungers, handheld drain augers, and air burst drain cleaners are typically applied to the problem of a clogged single drain, such as a sink, toilet, tub, or shower drain. The term usually refers to a chemical or mechanical utensil such as a commercial chemical product, plumber's snake, drain auger or toilet plunger.

A drain cleaner or opener is a person, device or product unblocking sewer pipes or clogged wastewater drains.
