Is Your Drain Not Draining? Three Reasons You Should Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Posted on: 25 March 2020

If you notice that your sink is not draining or water is puddling at your feet in the shower, you may be quick to reach for chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners contain chemicals that basically eat away at certain types of clogs that can develop in your pipes, which can allow water to flow through your pipes again. However, while chemical drain cleaners may be convenient, they are not a great option if you have a clog. Here are a few of the reasons why you should avoid using these types of drain cleaners or clog removers. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Damage Your Pipes

One of the reasons why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners is because the chemicals that eat away at the clogs in your pipe can actually eat away at your pipes as well. If you used chemical drain cleaners on your pipes multiple times, the cleaners can weaken the pipes. These can make them more susceptible to bursting or leaking. The cleaners can also shorten the lifespan of your pipes. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners Do Not Always Fix the Problem

Another reason why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners is that these cleaners do not fix many of the problems that can cause water to back-up in your home. Most people assume that a clog is what is causing their drain not to drain. However, roots in your pipes, a collapsed pipe, or a pinched pipe can all prevent water from flowing through your pipes. Chemical drain cleaners will not address any of these issues. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Be Harmful If the Clog is Not Cleared

The final reason why you should think twice before using chemical drain cleaners is that these cleaners can be harmful to humans if the clog is not cleared. If the chemical drain cleaner cannot eat away at the clog, the chemicals remain in the pipe. Your family may smell the fumes and a plumber who may have to work on the drain is then exposed to the chemicals, which can be harmful if it gets on their skin or in their eyes. 

If you have a clog in your sink or shower, the best way to free the clog is to attempt to remove any debris from the drain, such as removing hair. From there, you can use homemade drain cleaners, such as hot water or vinegar and baking soda, or you can use a plunger or snake. If that does not solve the problem, you should attempt to contact a residential plumbing company. They can determine what is causing water to back-up and then work to remove the impediment so water can flow through your pipes.

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