Chemical drain cleaner can be used safely in a home, but it’s not the safest option for your health or home – plus, it may not be as effective as you need it to be.
When faced with a tough clog, it’s understandable why anyone would want to reach for chemical drain cleaner as a quick fix. Unfortunately, though, store-bought chemical drain cleaners can only do so much to fight against hair, soap scum, and sediment buildup. You might find success if your clog is only minor, but chemical drain cleaners can be ineffective against tougher clogs, not to mention blockages caused by tree roots and other foreign objects.
But before you pour another jug of drain cleaner down the drain, it’s worth considering the risks of using this stuff and storing it around your house.
What Kinds of Chemicals Are in Drain Cleaner?
When it comes to drain cleaners, there are a variety of different chemicals used. Most contain some combination of lye (sodium hydroxide), sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid.
Lye is the most common chemical found in drain cleaners as it helps break down grease, hair, and other debris that clogs up drains. Sulfuric acid helps to dissolve scale and other minerals in the pipe, while hydrochloric and phosphoric acids help to break down organic matter such as food particles.
Drain Cleaner Is Dangerous to Touch & Consume
All of the chemicals found in drain cleaner can be extremely caustic, so it’s important to use caution when using this product. When using a chemical drain cleaner, you should always wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and make sure the area is well-ventilated.
It’s equally important to make sure you keep these substances inaccessible to children and pets. Contact with chemical drain cleaner can result in chemical burns, permanent tissue damage, disfigurement, and even death if it’s consumed.
Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Plumbing System
The caustic nature of chemical drain cleaners can corrode metal pipes, strip away plated finishes from fixtures such as faucets, and cause other damage over time. Using chemical drain cleaner once or twice a year is unlikely to create noticeable problems any time soon, but more frequent users of this substance can encounter all kinds of plumbing problems because of its use.
The good news is that a licensed plumber has at their disposal various tools and techniques that can address any kind of clog in your home without using chemical drain cleaner. From rooters to hydrojets and other unique tools of the trade, an experienced plumber can help you clear a clog and protect your home’s plumbing system.
Drain Cleaner Can’t Address Every Cause of a Blockage
When your drain runs slow or stops completely, it’s natural to think that a little bit of hair or soap scum is the culprit, and all you need is a little drain cleaner. The problem is that not every clog happens for the same reason, and there are some causes of a drain clog that chemical cleaners can’t address.
Among these causes are foreign objects and plant roots, which tend to take many homeowners by surprise. These blockages can occur further down the sewer line, which means that more than one drain may be affected and that only a professional plumber has the know-how to fix it.
Contact Us for Drain Cleaning Services
Having issues with your drains? Don’t try to tackle it yourself – call the professionals at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for drain cleaning services. We have experience in all types of drainage systems and can help you accurately diagnose and solve any issue quickly. Our experienced technicians can ensure that your plumbing system runs smoothly and efficiently without unnecessary interruptions.
We use the latest technology and tools to provide you with superior service that is fast, effective, and tailored to your needs. We’ll be happy to help you get your drains running properly again!
If you’re looking for a reliable plumbing provider, contact All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.