Using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) for shower drains is a high-performance but high-risk solution. It is exceptionally effective at dissolving hair and soap scum, but it requires extreme caution to avoid damaging your plumbing or causing personal injury. Pros: Why it works
It promises to obliterate hair, grease, and soap scum. But is it safe for your shower? Or will it dissolve your pipes along with the clog? caustic soda shower drain
If your shower is completely full of standing water: Using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) for shower drains
The chemical reaction between caustic soda and water is exothermic , meaning it generates intense heat. In some cases, this can reach temperatures high enough to warp or melt plastic (PVC) pipes , leading to leaks. But is it safe for your shower
This is not baking soda. If caustic soda touches your skin, it causes immediate chemical burns. If it splashes in your eyes, it can cause blindness. When you pour it down the drain, water tends to splash back up. That splash can land on your face.