Chemical drain cleaners use caustic substances to break up clogs and help water flow more freely through your pipes. While they may be a convenient option, these cleaners can do more harm than good to your home's plumbing. Drain cleaning from a plumbing professional is always a better solution. Here, discover a few reasons why you shouldn't use chemical cleaners in your drains.

Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners

1. They're Toxic

The chemicals used in drain cleaners can vary, but some of the more common ones include bleach, caustic potash, hydrochloric acid, lye, and sulfuric acid. These are all poisons that can be extremely dangerous to humans and pets if they aren't handled properly. They also pose a threat to the environment; the toxins wash down the drain, where they can enter water sources, and the residue they leave in bottles will sit in landfills and potentially contaminate the soil.

2. They're Ineffective

A chemical drain cleaner usually only works with certain kinds of clogs, like blockages of food, oils, or hair. When the clog is caused by another issue, such as damaged pipes or a faulty sewer line, chemical drain cleaners will do nothing to improve the situation. These types of clogs need to be repaired by a professional. If you're unsure about the cause of the clog, buying a drain a cleaner and exposing your pipes—and home—to dangerous chemicals may be entirely unnecessary.

3. They Damage Your Plumbing

The strong acids in drain-cleaning chemicals are tough on your home's plumbing system. The acids eat away at the interior of pipes, corroding and weakening them. Most liquid cleaners need to sit in the pipes for a certain amount of time to loosen the clog before you flush the drain with water, and the longer pipes are exposed to the cleaner, the more damage the chemicals can do. Drain cleaners will also harm your plumbing fixtures if you inadvertently spill some on or around sinks, tubs, or toilets, where they can destroy enamel and other finishes.

At the first sign of a clogged drain, contact a plumbing professional. Since 1952, Holler Drilling & Plumbing has been serving the La Crosse County, WI, area. They provide plumbing repairs and various septic tank and water well services, including installations, maintenance, and well drilling. Call (608) 781-2342 to request a free estimate, or visit their website for a complete list of services.