Steer Clear of Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Having a slow draining sink or drain can be very frustrating. Heading to the store to pick up some liquid drain cleaner to clear a clogged drain might seem like a good idea. However, it really isn’t the best option. Name-brand drain cleaners can actually damage your pipes - which can lead to a whole other mess of other problems. There’s a reason why professional plumbers don’t recommend using drain cleaner on drains in your home.

Here are a few reasons not to use liquid drain cleaners in your drains:

do not use chemical drain cleaners in pipes

1. DAMAGING FOR PIPES

Chemicals in drain cleaners are pretty strong and are designed to eat away at whatever is clogging your pipes. Therefore, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your pipes. They sit on top of a clog, continually reacting and corroding until the clog dissolves some. This can put a great deal of stress on your drain and make the pipes as well as the glue that connects them break down which can cause a lot of damage to your plumbing.

chemical drain cleaners damaging for pipes

2. TOXIC FUMES

Chemical drain cleaner fumes can be toxic, irritate your eyes, burn your skin, and cause shortness of breath. It’s recommended not to breathe them in. Also, never mix different types of drain cleaners, and be sure that the room or space is well ventilated when using any liquid drain cleaners. They should never be used in standing water, for example in toilets or clogged showers.

chemical drain cleaners have toxic fumes

3. TEMPORARY FIX

Drain cleaners are only a quick fix to an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. If you’re noticing frequent, recurring clogs, drain cleaners won’t address the root of the problem.

chemical drain cleaners provide a temporary fix

4. DANGEROUS FOR PETS & KIDS

If there are pets in your home, liquid drain cleaners could definitely be a concern. Puddles in your sink, tub, or toilet can be poisonous to small, curious children as well as furry friends.

chemical drain cleaner dangerous for pets and kids

5. COSTS ADD UP

Although chemical drain cleaners seem like an affordable option, when they end up not solving the issue, you’re out that money. Additionally, cheaper versions tend to be even less ineffective.

There are some natural products (such as Bio-One or Bio-Clean) that have enzymes in them that you can use in your pipes to maintain them. They are made to help maintain your drains and prevent a clog from happening after you have cleared out a drain.

Just because a product that you buy says that is “safe for all pipes,” doesn’t mean that they actually are. It’s especially damaging to older pipes. Additionally, if you have a septic tank, DO NOT use anything acid-based as it will get into your tank and kill the bacteria that is crucial for that system to work properly.

Click here to listen to our podcast about chemical drain cleaners

Click here to watch a test using different drain cleaning products

If you are experiencing a slow draining sink, tub, or sewer main line that you can’t seem to clear out on your own, it’s best to call a professional plumber to take a look at it. Also, they have a special camera that can inspect the drain to help see the reason the drain is clogged and know what needs to be done to properly clear and/or repair the lines.