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When you have a clogged or sluggish drain, chemical drain cleaners might seem like an obvious solution. However, most drain cleaning experts can tell you that these should almost always be avoided since these cleaners can actually end up causing more costly damage than you were trying to fix. Here are a few of the most important reasons why you should skip chemical drain cleaners.

The Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners

1. They Can Damage Pipes

Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a heat reaction with the substance they’re meant to unclog. While this can remove blockages, the heat and corrosion they generate can also break down the interior surface of your pipes, including PVC or metal pipes. This can lead to the need for expensive replacements for damaged pipes as well as repairs for water damage.

2. They Can Damage Septic Systems

drain cleaningSeptic systems rely on beneficial bacteria to safely break down and process waste. The toxic substances used in chemical drain cleaners can wipe out these bacteria, making your septic tank less effective. If this is done often enough, it could leave you needing a completely new or restored septic tank.

3. They Have Major Negative Environmental Impacts

Those same toxic chemicals that can kill bacteria can also poison local waterways, soil, and food sources for wildlife. Trace elements of drain cleaning fluids can accumulate after repeated use, or the residue from containers can seep into streams.

4. They Pose a Risk of Chemical Burns

Chemical drain cleaning agents come with warnings not to handle them with bare hands or poor ventilation, but that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. If these substances touch your skin or hair, the caustic reaction can leave serious chemical burns, scarring, or aggravate other skin conditions.

5. They’re Ineffective

Not all clogs can be removed by chemical drain cleaners. For example, if a tree root has broken through your pipes and is slowing the flow of water, the drain cleaning agent will only irritate it rather than remove it. If grease or inorganic matter is caught in a u-bend, they can trap the caustic chemical and leave a pool of toxic chemicals stuck inside your plumbing.

 

Rather than rely on chemical cleaners for drain cleaning, turn to Cartright's Plumbing and Septic Service for help restoring your plumbing to good working order. This family-owned and -operated plumbing and septic company has provided reliable plumbing solutions to Checotah, OK, residents for over 20 years. They use the latest equipment available to ensure quality work for all of your plumbing needs. Call (918) 894-0902 to schedule a visit, or find out more on their website.
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