Clogged pipes are something that every homeowner will encounter during their lifetime. While your first reaction may be to reach for liquid drain cleaning products, you could be doing more harm than good by using them. Here’s why you should avoid drain cleaning products and what to do instead.

What Harm Can Drain Cleaners Do?

There are many drain cleaning solutions on the market that claim to break down and remove clogs in your plumbing. While they may be effective, they’re corrosive, too. The chemicals that dissolve and loosen clogs can also eat away at the inside of your pipes, weakening them and making them more likely to leak, or even burst, and cause significant damage to your home.

Beyond the direct damage to your plumbing, liquid drain cleaners can also pose a hazard to your family. Drain cleaners are toxic and can cause serious illness if children or pets get hold of them. They’re also rough on the environment. Those toxins go down the drain and are introduced to the water system and sometimes the soil around your septic system’s drain field, posing a risk to wildlife, plants, and humans. 

What Are Alternatives to Drain Cleaners?

Instead of reaching for liquid products, try manual methods. If you can, use a plunger over the drain to try and break the clog loose. If that doesn’t work, buy a drain snake at your local hardware or plumbing store. They can be made of plastic or metal and are sometimes called augers.

To use one, feed the end of it down the affected drain until you feel resistance, then use a back and forth motion while twisting to work the clog loose and break it free. If the snake you bought is too weak, you may need to go back to the store and buy a heavy-duty one. If this still doesn’t clear your pipe, the clog may be deep within the line, and a plumber will have to be called.

If you’re struggling with a stubborn clog, turn to the experts at Drain Pro Plumbing in Lakeville, MN. With over 50 years of combined experience, this family-owned and -operated business offers prompt, competitively-priced services for both residential and commercial clients. See their complete list of services by visiting them online and call (952) 469-6999 to speak with a friendly associate or schedule an appointment.