Why Is Using Chemical Drain Cleaners a Bad Idea?

Are the fixtures in your home or business space refusing to drain? Frustration might set in when you realize a clog has formed somewhere deep within the pipes. Treating them with a bottle of chemical drain cleaner seems like a good idea to restore the flow. While it offers a tempting fix, its use comes with some serious risks to your plumbing.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Video Explanation

Do you use chemical cleaners at your home/property? 🤔

Chemical cleaners are no bueno for the longevity of your piping at your commercial property along with other health risks. ❌🤢

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Do Plumbers Recommend Drain Cleaner?

Plumbers usually are against the use of chemical cleaners for draining. They are quite right for a number of reasons:

Pipe Damage

• Chemical Corrosion: Most chemical-based cleaners are made up of abrasive substances like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide that can cause erosion of pipes. It’s true especially if you use them over and over again. This is a big issue, particularly when it comes to old plumbing.
• Pipe Material: Chemicals react differently with different pipe materials. For example, plastic pipes may warp or melt, while older metal ones could corrode faster.

Environmental Issues

Chemical drain cleaners do no good to the environment because they contain toxic chemicals that are often not biodegradable and can contaminate waterways and soil. As a result, they harm aquatic life and play havoc with ecosystems.

Effectiveness

• Temporary Solution: The use of chemical drain cleaners, most of the time, is a temporary fix. You may have to deal with the problem again sooner rather than later.
• Incomplete Clearing: These cleaners might only clear a part of the blockage and always leave behind residues for potential reoccurrences. They also don’t work against tough clogs, like grease buildup on pipes, non-dissolvable materials, or tree roots infiltrating pipes.

Is It Bad for Health To Use Chemical Drain Cleaner?

Although the use of a chemical drain cleaner is a quick DIY for clearing clogs, their toxic ingredients are really bad for your health:

• Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact can result in burns, irritation, and damage to your skin and eyes.
• Respiratory Issues: Breathing in chemical fumes causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and throat irritation. Inhaling them regularly can turn these mild symptoms into chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Chemical Sensitivity: Repeated exposure can increase sensitivity to chemicals and lead to allergic reactions.
• Accidental Ingestion: Drain cleaners are very dangerous if you drink them by mistake. You’ll suffer from vomiting, internal burns, and damage to the digestive system.

What Do Plumbers Recommend To Keep Drains Clean?

Looking to DIY your way out of a drain clog? Professional plumbers recommend these safe hacks for your plumbing:

Good Old Plunging

This is the first fix you should try! 

Plunging can fix light clogs in the sink, shower, and toilet drains. This magic wand can do wonders and save you money because then there will be no need to call a plumber.

Salt & Baking Soda

1. Mix equal parts (half a cup) of baking soda and salt.
2. Pour the combo down the drain.
3. Follow with a pot of boiling water.

Lemon Juice & Baking Soda

1. Take half a cup of baking soda. 
2. Pour it down the drain.
3. Follow with ½ cup lemon juice.
4. Let it sit for an hour.
5. Pour boiling water down the drain.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

1. Fill half a cup with baking soda.
2. Throw it down the drain.
3. Follow with a half cup of white vinegar.
4. Cover the drain to contain the foam (Use a cloth or plug).
5. Wait for one hour.
6. Boil a pot of water.
7. Pour it down the drain.

TIP: A dish soap is also effective to clear drain clogs quickly. 

What Do Professionals Use To Unblock Drains?

DIY hacks often fail to clear the blockage. If you are not a fan of chemical drain cleaners, a plumber can unblock the drain with the following special tools at their disposal.

• Drain Camera: Help plumbers to inspect the inside of the drain to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the blockage.
• Drain Snake or Auger: A long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like end that can break up and remove blockages.
• Electric Drain Auger: A motorized version of the manual drain snake that has more power to tackle tougher clogs.
• Cable Cleaners: Machines with sectional, continuous, and drum cables of different sizes that work for small and large plumbing jobs. They have spinning blades at the end of a cable to cut through stubborn blockages. This process scrapes out residue build-up on the pipes.
• Hydro Jetter: Blasts away clogs and cleans pipes thoroughly with high-pressure water.

The choice of tool a plumber can use depends on the severity and location of the clog:

• Minor clogs: A manual drain snake or plunger might suffice.
• Stubborn clogs: An electric drain auger or hydro jetting is often the choice here for plumbers.
• Tree root intrusion or severe blockages: Hydro jetting is typically the most effective solution.

Conclusion

The use of chemical drain cleaners might promise a quick fix. However, they often come with a hefty price tag—for your pipes and the environment. Their harsh chemicals can corrode pipes, generate harmful fumes, and contaminate water supplies. They also mask underlying plumbing issues. It’s time to rethink your drain care routine and choose a safer route. Your pipes and our lovely planet will be grateful for that!