Liquid drain cleaning solutions are quick fixes homeowners often use for clogs. While they may provide fast results, they can also create long-term problems. These products use harsh chemicals that your system may not be designed to handle. The guide below offers a few reasons to avoid these products.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Liquid Drain Cleaners

1. Dangerous

Liquid drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous to humans, pets, and the environment. They can cause skin irritation when touched, make your eyes water or throat sore when breathed in, and be fatal when ingested. It’s easy to spill the bottle or splash some of the solution on yourself, which is why it’s best to opt for professional assistance.

2. Harmful

These products can generate heat in plastic plumbing pipes that will cause them to warp, melt, and burst. This may lead to significant water damage to your home. Products that contain hydrochloric acid may also strip the inside of pipes or erode the enamel on your sink and other fixtures.

3. Eliminates Good Bacteria

For homes with a septic system, these products can disrupt the ecosystem of “good” bacteria that are treating waste inside the tank. Your septic tank won’t function correctly, which can lead to waste buildup. Organic matter can then clog the outlet and inlet tanks or cause waste to backflow into your system.

4. Not a Permanent Solution

These products are only designed to dislodge minor clogs. They don’t strip the debris coated on your piping, and eventually, new clogs will form. A drain cleaning professional will use a high-powered pipe snake to clear the toughest, largest blockages from your drains safely. It’s a far more efficient solution that will give you long-term results.

If you’re exploring drain cleaning options in Northern Kentucky, contact Lonneman Plumbing. This plumbing contractor has served the region since 1960 and provides comprehensive system services. Whether you need toilet repair, water heater maintenance, or emergency plumbing services, they’ll ensure you have all the resources you need for a healthy system. Call (859) 341-7755 to schedule plumbing repairs and connect on Facebook for more tips. You can explore their full scope of services on their website.