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Why You Should Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Why You Should Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

While chemical drain cleaners may appear to be a simple answer for a stopped up pipe, they aren’t the most ideal alternative. Our expert plumbers never use chemical cleaners on plumbing and would never recommend them. These often-toxic cleaners can ultimately harm your pipes and put the health of your household at risk. Here’s why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners:

They Can Ruin Your Septic System

Without diving into the unpleasant specifics, your septic system depends on naturally occurring microscopic organisms to separate waste. Chemical drain cleaners can disrupt and even kill  these useful microorganisms, upsetting the system and causing irreparable damage.

They Can Wreck Your Pipes

Chemical drain cleaners create warmth to separate and remove obstructions. This warmth can hurt PVC plumbing, and corrode older steel plumbing. The convenience and effectiveness of these cleaners is eclipsed by the burden of having to repair or entirely replace your plumbing.

They Don’t Work as Well as Expert Plumbers

With more difficult blockages, such as fibrous food in the kitchen sink or cotton or other material in the toilet, chemical drain cleaners generally don’t work. When you are dealing with a very stubborn clog, pouring a chemical cleaner down the drain will only harm the pipes – as the liquid will have nowhere to go; eating into the surrounding plumbing. An expert plumber has the tools and the expertise to quickly and efficiently deal with the problem.  

They Damage Clothing

Chemical drain cleaners are created to eat through natural issue, and they don’t know the difference between hair blockage in your shower pipe and the sleeve of your shirt.  If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, at the minimum, wear gloves, glasses and protective covering for your clothing. You will also want to keep the cleaners away from rugs and carpets – as they can stain and even ruin fabric.  

They Can Burn Your Skin

We won’t share the photos of individuals who were burned by chemical drain cleaners, but in the off chance that you’re curious a quick Google search will provide them. As we stated in the above tip, make sure that you are safely covered if you are using these chemicals. They can burn your skin – and the fumes are toxic. Makes sure that your entire body is covered and you are wearing a face mask (if you are in a room with poor ventilation).

They Can Cause Respiratory Issues

Again, if you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, make sure that the room you are in is properly ventilated as the fumes can hurt your system. If you have respiratory issues, it is not recommended that you use harmful chemicals at all. Even wearing a mask won’t protect you entirely from the fumes. Be smart and call a professional before resorting to using a product that could hurt you.

Why You Should Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners 

There are smarter alternatives to fixing a clogged pipe than simply using a destructive and environmentally harmful chemical drain cleaner. If your clog can’t be cleared by a simple baking soda and vinegar solution, you should call on a professional. The expert plumbers at Action Air have years of experience and are ready to help! Give us a call at 317-451-4371 and make an appointment today!