When homeowners have a clogged drain, they often default to pouring chemicals down the pipes in the hopes that they’ll break up the blockage. However, plumbers don’t recommend using these harsh mixtures since they can cause serious problems. Here are four important reasons to avoid these cleaners and find a safer solution for your drain blockage.

4 Issues Chemical Drain Cleaners May Cause

1. Pipe Damage

Drain cleaners often contain bleach, ammonia, and sodium hydroxide. These caustic chemicals create a reaction that can eat away at the pipes, potentially causing corrosion and leaks. Older homes with metal pipes are especially susceptible to this issue.

2. Septic Bacteria Disruption

If your home has a septic system, it’s essential to monitor what you flush down the drains. Pouring drain cleaners into the toilet or sink won’t just harm the plumbing—you may damage the septic system as well.

These waste disposal methods use bacteria to eat away at organic matter. Cleaners may kill the valuable bacteria, causing an imbalance that prevents the septic system from working. If this happens, you may have to empty the tank to restore order.

3. Harm to Humans & Pets

If you accidentally spill some cleaner on your skin, you may immediately feel the burn. This is no small concern, as the chemicals are strong enough to possibly require medical treatment for acid burns.

Additionally, drinking these mixes can be lethal, so it’s critical to store them where kids and pets can’t reach them and unknowingly ingest poison—and safer still not to have them in the home at all. Avoid a call to poison control and a trip to the hospital by having a plumber mitigate clogs and drain issues.

4. Inconsistent Success

Many people are unhappy with drain cleaners because—quite simply—they don’t always work. These chemical mixes may only break up a small portion of the clog, forcing the pieces to move further into the pipes. This can create a secondary buildup that requires attention in the future. A plumber will remove the original clog, eliminating the risk of a looming problem and cleaning out the entire pipe to prevent further issues.

Homeowners who need professional clog removal should contact Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric Inc. in Coffee County, AL. The experienced plumber team has provided service to the area for over six decades, offering pipe installations, drain cleaning, and more. Call the Enterprise-area company at (334) 347-9212 or visit the website for information on their residential and commercial plumbing and electricity offerings.