Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Attempting to unclog a blocked drain by yourself may seem like a quick and easy solution, but over the counter products can cause more harm than good. Clogged drains are not just inconvenient, they can cause significant water damage to your home if not dealt with properly. While an inexpensive store bought drain cleaner may seem like a fast solution to your blocked drain, there is a risk that the problem only gets worse. Chemical drain cleaners have the potential to cause a number of issues inside your pipes, and cost you more money in the long run. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners can also be hazardous to your health and have been shown to negatively impact the environment.

More often than not, the best drain cleaner is the trusty plunger, or for larger issues, your local drain plumber.

The issues of drain cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners can be a short term fix to a long term problem. Generally, drain cleaners will temporarily resolve the problem using chemicals that can have disastrous effects on your plumbing system. Some common issues caused by store bought drain cleaners include pipe damage and chemical burns if handled improperly. Not to mention respiratory issues if done in an enclosed space with poor ventilation like most bathrooms.

Pipe damage

Drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes as the chemicals in them linger long after the cleaner has done its job. The heat from the chemicals can slowly wear down your pipes, leading to cracks and leaks in the future. The drain cleaners’ residue may also mix with other chemicals that you put down your drains, potentially causing dangerous reactions.

Extremely harmful to your health

Drain cleaning should not be harmful to your health, but often store-bought products can be. Drain cleaners can contain chemicals that have severe side effects, including burns and eye damage if splashed in the face. If you do opt for chemical drain cleaners, make sure to wear protective gear and keep them well away from pets and children.

Harmful to the environment

Chemical drain unblockers can be incredibly harmful to the environment, impacting the quality of aquatic life. An environmentally-friendly and safe alternative to this drain unblocker is hydro jetting which unblocks drains without chemicals, instead using a high pressure jet of water.

Costly in the long run

Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners are often not the quick-fix they claim to be. Often masking the issue, drain cleaners do little to unclog a drain if it is clogged by anything other than hair or grease. Using liquid drain cleaners can often lead to further issues in the future, thereby costing you more in the long run.

Safer Alternative Options for Drain Cleaners

Use the plunger

When it comes to unblocking a drain, opting for safer alternatives is always your best bet. Plungers are an extremely cost-effective, tried and tested method of unblocking drains. They are safe to use and don’t harm the environment, making them one of the best options available.

Drains that have smaller, more manageable clogs can be successfully plunged without the need for a drain plumber. To plunge your drain, simply place the cup of the plunger over the drain, creating a tight seal. Using a lot of pressure, pull the plunger upwards in a repetitive motion until the drain is unclogged.

If you aren’t able to create enough pressure or you’re facing a serious clog, it may be time to seek out the help of a professional drain plumber.

Call a professional

If your drains are blocked, the most effective way to fix the problem is to call in a professional. Experienced, licensed plumbers have the knowledge and the tools available to efficiently deal with any drain unblocking in a safe and efficient manner. 

At Drainpro, our team of professional plumbers have over a decade of industry experience and are fully equipped to inspect your drains, determine the cause of the blockage and perform any necessary repairs. Our team uses safe and environmentally friendly products that provide long-lasting solutions and minimise the likelihood of any further issues, thereby saving you money in the long run.

For help dealing with your blocked drain, give our friendly team a call today on 1300 620 273 or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.