Why You Should Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Many homeowners assume that a chemical drain cleaner like Drano is the best way to fix a clogged drain. What you may not realize, though, is that these household products can harm your plumbing system and your family’s health.

In this blog post, the experts at S & D Plumbing discuss why you should avoid chemical drain cleaners and opt for professional drain and sewer services instead.

Why Plumbers Don’t Recommend Household Drain Cleaners

Whether you buy drain cleaner in a liquid, gel, foam, crystal, or powder format, you’ll have the same result: a heat-generating chemical reaction that can damage your pipes.

Plumbers generally don’t recommend household chemical drain cleaners for the following reasons:

Health Hazards

Chemical drain cleaners’ toxic nature can cause various health problems. Their unhealthy fumes can irritate a person and even be poisonous. Drain cleaners may dissolve some clogs, but they can also cause severe burns.

Corrosion

The chemicals in drain cleaning products are often strong enough to cut through hair and grease. However, they’re corrosive and can cause significant damage to pipes over time. Households that use chemical drain cleaners replace their pipes more frequently than households that choose professional drain cleaning services.

Environmental Hazard

Homeowners should also remember the environmental impact of chemical drain cleaners, like water contamination. Even tiny amounts of chemical solution can make their way into water sources and ground areas. The last thing you want is for these harmful chemicals to enter a landfill.

Effectiveness

Chemical drain cleaners aren’t always effective. They may not completely remove clogs, which can lead to further issues in the future. A more effective alternative is to contact a professional with specialized equipment.

Fixture Damage

Chemical drain cleaning solutions contain strong acids that can damage plumbing fixtures, such as sinks or bathtubs. Unfortunately, this may require expensive repairs. In some cases, depending on the extent of the damage, replacement may be your only option.

DIY Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are safe and effective DIY methods for unclogging drains, including hot water, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. For example, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and pour the mixture down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush the mixture with a cup of hot water. Sometimes, a plunger and drain snake will do the trick.

While these methods can work on small clogs, you may need professional help for larger blockages. If you’re struggling to clear a clog, contact an experienced plumber to clean your drains.

Contact S & D Plumbing Today

Health dangers, corroded pipes, and ineffectiveness are some of the key reasons to avoid using chemical drain cleaners. The next time you consider reaching for Drano, seek drain cleaning services from expert plumbers instead.

At S & D Plumbing, we’re your trusted drain cleaning team. We offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and financing options that fit your budget. S & D is a family-owned and -operated company serving the Austin area since 1980, and we’re ready to earn your business.

Contact S & D Plumbing to schedule drain cleaning services in Austin, TX.