Why You Shouldn’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Clogs are a common problem in household plumbing, and using a cleaning chemical to unclog a drain is a common solution. But is drain cleaner safe for pipes? These chemical cleaners can do more harm than good for your plumbing, and they are not great for your health or the environment, either. What is drain cleaner made of? The truth is that these products consist of dangerous chemicals. Fortunately, there are safer, more effective methods to unclog your drain.

The Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners

How does drain cleaner damage pipes? The corrosive chemicals that create a heat-generating chemical reaction to erode whatever is clogging your pipes can also erode the pipes themselves. It doesn’t happen automatically, but research shows that households that use chemical drain cleaners have to replace their pipes more often. These chemicals can also damage plumbing fixtures like bathtubs and sinks, necessitating costly repairs. However, damaging your plumbing is only one of the problems with these drain cleaners.

• They can burn your skin. It may surprise you to learn that chemical drain cleaners cause about 3.000 injuries each year. This is because these products contain bleach, sulfuric acid, lye, aluminum, and other things you don’t want to get on your skin.
• They kill good bacteria. You may not think you want bacteria in your pipes, but there are certain types that help clear buildup from your drain. Because drain cleaners kill bacteria indiscriminately, they can do more harm than good. If you have a septic tank, this is particularly troubling because good bacteria make your septic tank function properly.
• They negatively impact your indoor air quality. Not only do drain cleaners have the potential to hurt your skin, but they can also cause damage to your respiratory system. The fumes from these cleaners are toxic and can irritate the eyes and nose, as well as the lungs.
• They pose an environmental hazard. With all the chemicals in drain cleaner, it is pretty clear that you don’t want it making its way to water sources or into the ground. (More on that later)
• They are not very effective. For all the trouble drain cleaners can cause, you would think they would permanently solve your clog problem. However, this is not at all true. They often remove clogs incompletely, which leads to further problems later.

The Environmental Impact of the Chemicals in Drain Cleaner

Let’s look a little more closely at the environmental impact of these chemicals. Once you have cleared a drain with a drain cleaner, the fumes dissipate, and the cleaner washes down the drain. That doesn’t mean that it’s gone, though. While the chemicals are out of your sight once you are finished with them, they can have a major impact on the environment. They work their way into the water supply, ending up in lakes, rivers, and oceans. This water pollution isn’t just bad for drinking water; it’s also deadly to aquatic organisms and upsets the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem. Not only that, but these chemicals are persistent and linger in the environment for a long time. These products are considered household hazardous waste and can be dangerous even when they are stored. For example, a pet getting into the drain cleaner can lead to tragic results.

Safer Alternatives to a Drain Cleaner Chemical

If you can’t use drain cleaner, what can you do when you have a clog? Some of the best solutions for a clogged drain are the simplest.

• Use baking soda and vinegar. The old school project of making a baking soda and vinegar volcano demonstrates the powerful chemical reaction that comes from combining these two common household substances. Creating a mini “volcano” in your drain can blast away tough clogs, yet it is non-toxic. Follow the mixture with hot (not boiling) water, and you are likely to solve your problem.
• Go for a mechanical solution. Plungers and drain snakes can work clogs out of your plumbing without using any chemicals at all.
• Try enzyme–based drain cleaners. These liquid drain cleaners rely on good bacteria and concentrated enzymes to unblock pipes naturally, without harsh chemicals.

Why Professional Help is Better

The best thing you can do for your pipes is to partner with a professional plumbing company. Regular inspections will catch clogs before they become a problem, and if you do develop a clog, your plumber will know exactly what to do. Plumbing professionals have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to safely and effectively get your drains running smoothly again.

In the Sacramento Area, Call Sewer and Drain Champion for Help with Stubborn Clogs

If you have a clog, don’t turn to chemical drain cleaners! Instead, try natural alternatives or call the experts at Sewer and Drain Champion to help you maintain healthy plumbing. Our local, family-owned plumbing company has been serving the Sacramento area for nearly a decade, providing 24/7 plumbing services for residential and commercial customers.

When dealing with something as important as plumbing, it is important to rely on the skills of a professional to prevent property damage and even injuries. DIY plumbing mishaps can make problems worse, but our experienced team is knowledgeable, experienced, and equipped to handle your biggest sewer and drain challenges. We are a full-service company, and as a locally owned company, we are proud to be a part of the Sacramento community. Deeply invested in our community, we provide free estimates for all services and always give our customers fair, upfront pricing. When you need fast, friendly, reliable sewer and drain solutions, contact us through our website or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.