You probably want the quickest solution when you have a clogged drain in your bathroom or kitchen. Many homeowners will rush to their local home improvement store or supermarket to purchase a liquid drain cleaner. These products are a convenient solution since they’re easy to find and can remove clogs in a short amount of time.
However, store-bought cleaners aren’t without their downsides. Although they might seem like an easy fix to an otherwise frustrating problem, there are many dangers of liquid drain cleaners that you should know about.
What Are the Risks of Using Liquid Drain Cleaners?
As the name suggests, chemical drain cleaners can contain various chemicals, typically consisting of lye and bleach. When poured down the drain, these products create heat, bubbles, and other chemical reactions to break down grease, food debris, and other clog-forming particles.
Not only is drain cleaner bad for pipes, but it can also negatively affect your family’s health and the environment. Below, we’ll go over the consequences in more detail so that you know why it’s important to avoid these products.
Serious Plumbing Damage
As mentioned, drain cleaner is bad for pipes — but the destruction doesn’t stop here. When these products are used regularly, they can also damage garbage disposals, septic tanks, and other parts of plumbing systems.
So, you might be wondering: are liquid drain cleaners safe for pipes if you use them in moderation? When it comes down to it, you should avoid using these products at all costs to ensure your plumbing system remains safe and free of damage.
In some cases, liquid drain cleaners can cause irreparable, serious harm to your pipes. When this happens, you’ll need to call a professional plumber for a comprehensive replacement.
Skin & Eye Irritation
Sure, drain cleaner is bad for pipes — but it can also cause harm to the members of your family. When poured down the drain, chemical drain cleaners release fumes that may cause skin, eye, and respiratory system irritation.
You should never overlook the dangers of liquid drain cleaners. If you decide to use these products, for whatever reason, you should wear gloves and eye protection to keep yourself safe.
Negative Environmental Impact
As you can see, there are many dangers of liquid drain cleaners — which extend to the environment. The chemicals in these products are highly toxic, and whether they go to your municipal sewer system or septic system, the chemical can seep into your area’s soil and groundwater. This can cause unexpected harm to wildlife.
What Are Alternatives to Liquid Drain Cleaners?
It’s no secret that drain cleaner is bad for pipes, homeowners, and the environment. Fortunately, you have many alternatives for removing drain clogs in your bathroom or kitchen. Sometimes, a simple pot of boiling water can work wonders for smaller blockages. However, if the hot water doesn’t work, you might want to consider making your own drain-cleaning solution with baking soda and vinegar.
If these homemade methods don’t work because of stubborn clogged pipes, call your plumber for a professional drain cleaning. Your plumber will use safe, cutting-edge equipment to quickly and effectively remove the blockage.
Call Our Plumbing Experts for Safe, Effective Drain Cleaning!
Now that you know the dangers of liquid drain cleaners, it’s time to rethink your methods for tackling pesky clogs. Although a clogged drain can be incredibly inconvenient, you should avoid using store-bought products that contain harmful chemicals.
Don’t hesitate to call Pure Plumbing for a professional drain cleaning in Dallas, TX, or the surrounding area! Our plumbing experts offer many solutions to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
We offer everything from emergency repairs to sewer line hydro jetting in Texas. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
