Stubborn grime, debris, and food scraps clump together and clog your drains over time. For a quick fix, many turn to liquid drain cleaners to do the job. But his method of drain cleaning does more harm than good for both you and your pipes. Below are some reasons to steer clear of this product and opt for other repair tactics.

How Are Drain Cleaners Harmful?

1. They’re Toxic

The active ingredients in drain cleaners are hazardous for human health. One chemical in particular, sodium hydroxide, is known for its highly corrosive properties. Prolonged or excessive contact with drain cleaners, such as inhalation of fumes or skin contact, could result in symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to swelling, blistering, and burning of the skin and eyes.

2. They Poison the Environment

Dumping chemicals down your drain can not only harm your health, but also damage the environment. According to a sustainability assessment report of one popular commercial offering, the product and its container can’t be reused or recycled. The toxins from bottles will amass in landfills, and when airborne contribute to methane gases that damage air quality. Runoff containing drain cleaning solutions could also exit your pipes and end up in bodies of water, where sodium hydroxide raises the pH levels to become more basic. Aquatic organisms react negatively to the change and suffer as a result.

3. They Damage Your Pipes

Your pipes could corrode due to the potency of drain cleaners. Liquid drain cleaners chemically react to materials in the clog and generate heat to burn through it. However, if the clog is extremely tough, the liquid may sit on top of it for a time and damage the surrounding pipe area instead. This makes your pipes susceptible to cracking and leaking. Other drain-cleaning alternatives, such as plumbing snakes, are more effective at removing stubborn issues. If the clog doesn’t respond to snaking, the problem may stem from broken pipes or faulty sewer lines.

Don’t put yourself through the risks that accompany liquid drain cleaning. Instead, call up the professionals at A-1 Budget Plumbing in Kailua, HI, to enact proper preventative measures. They’re ready to address your plumbing needs at any time with 24-hour service and expert methods of drain repair. For a reliable and safe drain cleaning experience, visit them online or call (808) 526-3747 to schedule an appointment.