When most people experience a clogged drain somewhere in their home, they want to get it taken care of as quickly and easily as possible. Many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to fix their clogs because they are relatively inexpensive and simple to use. But did you know that chemical drain cleaners can be hazardous to your plumbing system and possibly your health? Today we’re going to talk about the problems associated with chemical drain cleaners and give you some alternatives for unclogging your drains!
Why is a chemical drain cleaner a hazardous solution for drain clogs?
- Damaging to your pipes. The drain cleaners that you find at the store often use chemicals like acid or lye that heat up when they come in contact with clogs. Although this chemical reaction can be effective at removing clogs, it can also damage your pipes. This is especially true if your home uses PVC pipes or has older pipes that can easily corrode.
- Hazardous when different drain cleaners are mixed. Different brands of drain cleaners contain different kinds of chemicals. If one drain cleaner doesn’t do the job and you give another one a shot, it’s possible that those chemicals can react with one another and damage your pipes or release toxic fumes.
- Possible safety risks. Beyond the damage that a chemical drain cleaner can have on your home, it can also be a safety hazard. If you accidently get a drain cleaner on yourself while using it, it can burn your skin. In addition, chemical drain cleaners give off toxic fumes that can be dangerous when inhaled. That’s why if you do decide to use one, you should open your doors and windows in order to ventilate your home.
What are some alternatives to using a chemical drain cleaner?
Because chemical drain cleaners can be so problematic, they often do more harm than good. Luckily, there are some safer alternatives that you can try to unclog your drain. One common home remedy is to pour a solution of ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by some running hot water. Another option is to try and use a plunger to unclog your drain the same way that you’d use one to unclog your toilet.
If you can’t seem to unclog a drain on your own, your best bet is to contact Cabrillo. We can safely and efficiently fix the problem for you and you won’t have to worry about the potential problems associated with relying on a chemical drain cleaner.
If you have any questions about the effects of using a chemical drain cleaner, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your Bay Area plumbing, heating and air conditioning company.