Reasons to Never Use a Corrosive Drain Cleaner Again

It's a familiar scenario. Your sink is clogged, and you don't want to call a professional plumber. You take the DIY approach and reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. But before you use this product, there are some important reasons why you shouldn't use chemical drain cleaner in your home.

Harmful Chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners contain highly corrosive ingredients such as sulfuric acid or lye that can cause significant damage to pipes and fixtures. In fact, these products contain caustic materials that can even cause skin burns if they come into contact with your skin. Additionally, these products can release toxic fumes into the air that can be hazardous to inhale and may irritate your eyes or throat when used indoors.

Inadequate Results

Not only are chemical drain cleaners hazardous to use, but they often don't work as effectively as they claim. Because they contain so many harsh chemicals, they can erode at stubborn blockages but often fail to resolve the underlying issue causing the clog in the first place. A buildup of debris could cause the clog over time or an object lodged deep within your pipes, both of which require professional plumbing skills and tools to address properly.

Environmental Impact

On top of being potentially dangerous to you and your family's health, chemical drain cleaners also have negative environmental impacts due to their hazardous contents. This is why it is always best practice to look for green alternatives when it comes time for drain maintenance, like using baking soda and vinegar solutions instead of store-bought chemicals or training yourself on how to properly snake a clogged pipe using specialized tools available online or at local hardware stores.

While reaching for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner might seem like an easy solution, it is rarely worth the risk when considering its potentially harmful effects on humans, animals, and our environment. So next time you're faced with a plumbing emergency, big or small, try reaching for something other than those store-bought chemicals!

Are you trying to make your water heater more effective and efficient? Reach out to our team online or at Red Lilly Plumbing.