You see a clogged kitchen drain, and the experience is awful. Then the worried lady in blue pops up the bottle of a chemical drain cleaner, dumps in a few spoons of it down the drain, turns around, and smiles!
Well, this might be true for a TV commercial, but life is different in the real world. Chemical drain cleaners that appear to be an easy option for clogged drains are far more harmful to your drain, your health, and the environment than you can imagine. Here are six good reasons to avoid the use of chemical drain cleaners. Read to find out these reasons and know what to do instead in case of clogged drains.
Reasons to Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
They are Toxic
Chemical drain cleaners are made up of strongly acidic or alkaline chemicals that can pose a severe health hazard. When they react with the clog, they release harmful gases which can stay in your home for hours and can lead to irritation in the lungs, eyes, and nose. So as you use chemical drain cleaner, you put yourself and your family at great risk. And the fumes are toxic not just for humans, but even pets are at risk.
Not only the fumes are toxic, but the chemical itself can be dangerous. Chemical drain cleaners cause severe burns on the skin. Make sure you wear proper protective equipment before using a chemical drain cleaner to protect your skin, eyes, and nose. Ideally, don't use a chemical drain cleaner.
Damages the Pipes
Since chemical drain cleaners have acids and bases that react with the clog, these chemicals not only eat up the clog but also react with your plumbing structure. With regular use of chemical drain cleaner, over time, your pipes and other plumbing fixtures such as your sink and bathtub will corrode.
Detrimental to the Environment
The mode of action of a chemical drain cleaner does not end as it reacts with the clog. Instead, harmful chemicals can flow with the water. Since a drain cleaner is made up of powerful chemicals, the toxins can destroy the marine ecosystem and can seep into the soil and contaminate the water supply. Humans and animals use this contaminated water. Over time, this can be detrimental not only to the environment but also to the entire ecosystem we all are a part of.
Don't Work On Every Clog
Every clog is different, and when it comes to the hardest and the most stubborn clogs, chemical drain cleaners don't work on them. If that is the case, you not only have the clear the clog but also remove the chemical drain cleaner. Letting it sit in the pipe will further increase the clog and cause more inconvenience. Remember if you plan to dispose of the drain cleaner that didn't work in the pipe, make sure you discard it in the bin and not on the toilet. Because flushing chemical drain cleaners down the toilet also increase the risk of a problem with your septic system.
Can Ruin Your Wardrobe
While chemical drain cleaners can cause burns on the skin, they can also ruin your wardrobe. Chemical drain cleaners react with the organic matter, so whether it is the clog in your pipe or the sleeve of your shirt, the result will be the same.
Septic System Damage
The septic system works with natural bacteria that help decompose the waste. But when you use clean drain cleaners, the strong chemicals kill the natural bacteria. This affects the functioning of the septic system and makes it less effective.
What To Do in Case of a Clogged Drain?
There are better ways to clear a clogged drain than adding harmful, toxic chemicals to your plumbing system. Let’s take a look at what you can do in case of a clogged drain.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is very effective equipment that can help in case of a clogged drain. It is a thin and long metal rod which has a spiral of metal at the end. This spiral aids in pulling out clogs such as a ball of hair. But it is not very effective against stubborn clogs.
Use a Plunger
Another possible DIY technique to handle a clogged drain is the use of a plunger. Gently create suction with a pull motion because the idea is to get the clog out the drain instead of pushing it further.
Bent Wire Hanger
It might seem surprising, but a bent wire hanger works in the same way as a drain snake. Remember, you will always try to pull out the clog instead of pushing it further.
Call a Professional
If you experience frequent and stubborn clogs and nothing else seems to work, instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, call a professional plumber. They never use chemicals, but they rely on tools that can help identify the clog's exact location and remove it using various cleaning techniques. Professional plumber ensures that the clog is cleared without damaging your plumbing fixtures, your health, and the environment.
At Mesa Plumbing, you will find professional plumbers who can deal with all sorts of clogs. No matter how frequently you experience this problem, our trained professional will make sure you get rid of clogged drain without damaging your health and the environment. Using video inspection, we identify the clog's exact location, and through techniques such as hydro-jetting, we ensure that your drain is all clear. To know more about the work we do or to schedule an appointment, call now at 480-832-1660.