When many homeowners encounter a clog in their plumbing, their first response may be to pour in a few cups of liquid drain cleaner. Although it seems that this is an effective and affordable solution, it may have unfortunate repercussions. Below are some of the key reasons you should not use a liquid drain cleaner.

Why You Should Avoid Using Liquid Drain Cleaners

1. Toxic Fumes

Many drain cleaners, especially discount brands, contain hazardous chemicals that release toxic fumes. For instance, two common ingredients are hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. If these chemicals make contact with the skin, they can leave burns. The fumes can irritate the nose and throat, cause watery eyes, and make it difficult to breathe. The fumes remain in the pipes and house well after the drain cleaner has been flushed down the drain. It is much safer to use a plunger to deal with plumbing clogs.

2. Pipe Damage

Another reason to avoid commercial drain cleaners is the effect they can have on your pipes. Rather than eating through just the clog, they can instead begin corroding the metal. This can lead to leaks, water damage, and expensive plumbing repairs. This solution might not even work, and then you are left with extremely damaged pipes. It's best to attempt manual methods or contact a professional for drain cleaning. 

3. Negative Environmental Impact

Cleaners flushed down the drain can eventually enter the groundwater system and contaminate wells, ponds, lakes, and drinking water. Moreover, the residue left in the bottle when it's discarded can seep out and contaminate landfill soil. Because of the terrible environmental impact of the acid, it is suggested that you buy a drain snake or enlist a plumber's help to unstop your plumbing.

If you're experiencing repeated plumbing clogs, contact Snyder Mechanical, an experienced HVAC and plumbing contractor in Elko, NV, for assistance. They have served clients in and around Elko County for more than 30 years and offer 24/7 emergency service. They offer efficient drain cleaning and provide expert air conditioning and heating repair. Visit their website to request an estimate or call (775) 738-5616 to make an appointment.