Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

It’s tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner when a drain blocks. Seems like the quick answer, doesn’t it? It can do more harm than good, though. Leave the blockage and you risk significant water damage to your home. Pour in a cheap store bought cleaner and you might make the problem worse. And the chemicals themselves? They can damage your pipes, they’re hazardous to your health and the environment, and they usually cost you more in the long run.

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 are a short term fix for a long term problem. Sure, they clear the blockage for a while. But the chemicals can have disastrous effects on your plumbing. Pipe damage and chemical burns are the usual ones, especially if the stuff is handled carelessly. Then there are the respiratory issues that come from using it in a small, poorly ventilated space like most bathrooms.

Pipe damage

Drain cleaners damage pipes because the chemicals linger long after the cleaner has done its job. The heat alone can slowly wear pipes down, until cracks and leaks show up down the track. Residue can also react with other chemicals you put down your drains, and some of those reactions are dangerous.

Extremely harmful to your health

Cleaning a drain shouldn’t put your health at risk. With store bought products, it sometimes does. These cleaners contain chemicals with severe side effects, burns for starters, and eye damage if the stuff splashes in your face. If you do use them, wear protective gear and keep the bottles well away from pets and children.

Harmful to the environment

Chemical drain unblockers are incredibly harmful to the environment too. What you pour down the sink ends up affecting aquatic life. The safe alternative? Hydro jetting. It unblocks drains with a high pressure jet of water and not a chemical in sight.

Costly in the long run

Chemical drain cleaners are rarely the quick fix they claim to be. If the clog is anything other than hair or grease, they’ll do little to shift it. Most of the time they just mask the problem, which can lead to further issues down the track. So the cheap bottle ends up costing you more in the long run.

Safer Alternative Options for Drain Cleaners

Use the plunger

Safer methods beat chemicals when you need to unblock a drain. A plunger is cheap, tried and tested, and it won’t harm your pipes or the environment. If the clog is small and manageable, you can plunge it yourself, no plumber needed. Put the cup over the drain and press down to create a tight seal. Then pull upwards with plenty of pressure, again and again, until the drain clears. Can’t get enough pressure, or the clog is a serious one? Time to call a professional drain plumber.

Call a professional

If your drains are blocked, a professional is the most effective fix. Licensed plumbers have the knowledge and the tools to clear any blockage safely and efficiently.  At Drainpro our plumbers bring over 25 years of experience. They’ll inspect your drains, find the cause of the blockage and carry out whatever repairs are needed. The products we use are safe and environmentally friendly. They fix the problem properly and cut the odds of it coming back. That saves you money in the long run. Dealing with a blocked drain right now? Give our friendly team a call on 1300 303 247, or fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch.