When your drain clogs, do you immediately reach for that bottle of Drano®? Joe Klosterman Plumbing, a family owned and operated plumbing company that's accredited with the BBB, has been serving Cincinnati since 1983, and they know how chemical cleaners can damage your pipes.

Here are the three types of chemical drain cleaners that will hurt your plumbing:

• Caustic cleaners: These could contain lye or caustic potash—or even both! The lye emits heat that makes the grease in your pipes easier to dissolve.
• Oxidizing cleaners: These have peroxide, bleach and nitrates that release heat and gas, which is good for breaking down organic materials. This usually works best for clogs in the kitchen.
• Acid cleaners: These contain sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, and are so strong that they are only available to licensed plumbers. This cleaner also uses heat to unclog drains.

Since all three cleaners use heat to open your drain, they can soften your pipes if they’re made of PVC—like in new homes—or damage metal ones. The cleaners can also leave residue in your pipes, and that can lead to more clogging.

So what can you do if you need to clean your drain? One safer alternative is to mix a half cup of salt with a half cup of baking soda, pour it into the drain, and then flush it with hot water. Of course, the best way to avoid dealing with a clogged drain is to prevent it from happening. Pour hot water down your drains on a routine basis to prevent the buildup of grease and scum. And make sure you check your bathtub drain one a month for hair and soap residue.

Joe Klosterman Plumbing knows the best way to take care of your pipes is through proper maintenance. Call them at (513) 941-6766 for drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, and sump pump maintenance, or go online for additional information on their services.