Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you notice your sink draining slower than usual or you’re standing in a puddle of water while you’re in the shower this is a good sign that you have a drain clog. In these situations, you want to eliminate the clog as fast as possible, and it usually leads you to a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But the next time you encounter this situation, think twice before you pick up that bottle.

Why should I avoid chemical drain cleaner?

To understand why chemical drain cleaners are bad for your plumbing, you have to understand how they work. When you pour the cleaner down the drain, the product reacts with the electrons in the blockage; this reaction produces heat which causes the clog to dissolve, resulting in a clear drain.

However, these chemicals can’t tell the difference between what’s blocking the pipe and the pipe itself, which means over time and with repetitive use, the cleaner will corrode the pipes. The damage is even worse if the cleaner fails to clear the clog. In these cases, the chemicals are then left in the pipe, causing even more damage to the materials than if the clog had been cleared.

What are the alternatives?

Prevention is always the best solution, so make sure that cognisant of what you’re tossing down the drain, and remember that even your hair can cause a clog. But if you do eventually end up with a clogged drain, try using a sink plunger to loosen it up, or a drain snake if that doesn’t work.

There are also a few natural cleaners that you could use. Try making a mixture of one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar and pour this down the drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then pour hot water down the drain.

If these alternative methods don’t work, then it’s time to call a professional. At Atlas Plumbing, drain cleaning is one of our specialties so don’t hesitate to reach out when you have a clogged drain. Either fill out a contact form or call us at (702) 819-7137!