Hey Watch Out That Bottle Under The Sink Might Be Causing More Trouble Than The Clog
Yeah most people have done it. You know when the sink starts draining slowly, water pools around your feet during a shower or the bathroom basin refuses to empty properly.
And so instead of calling a plumber all they do is make a quick trip to the store to buy the product and then they pour the liquid down the drain and wait and then flush with water.
And voila problem solved at least that is what the label promises.
But the reality is that many chemical drain cleaners are designed to create powerful reactions inside your pipes.
That is why if you really understand the dangers of chemical drain cleaners then it can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your plumbing system so much healthier in the long run.
These Chemicals Are Strong Enough To Damage More Than Just Clogs
Here is the thing folks most drain cleaners rely on highly corrosive ingredients that generate heat to dissolve blockages.
And while that reaction may attack grease, soap residue and organic matter it doesn’t always stop there.
Because the repeated use can gradually weaken the:
- PVC pipes
- Older metal pipes
- Pipe joints
- And the seals and fittings
And the risk becomes even greater when it comes to older homes where plumbing systems may already have years of wear and corrosion.
So this is one of the biggest reasons homeowners experience so many unexpected pipe damage from drain cleaners because they just don’t know anything.
Heat Inside The Pipe Can Create Even More Problems In The Long Run
Many people don’t realize that some drain cleaners work by generating so much intense heat.
Where that heat helps break apart certain clogs but it can also stress plumbing materials.
For example in plastic pipes that excessive heat can contribute to:
- Warping
- Weakened joints
- And premature deterioration
And in older metal pipes the chemicals can accelerate corrosion that was already beginning to form.
So yeah in the end the clog may disappear temporarily but the pipe itself may become even more vulnerable to a lot more damage than you can ever imagine.
Be Careful Those Chemical Burns Are A Real Household Hazard
This one’s important to fellas because the drain cleaners aren’t only dangerous to plumbing systems but also to people.
Where the splashing chemicals can cause:
- Skin burns
- Eye injuries
- Breathing irritation
- And damage to your precious clothing and surfaces
And so according to SOS Drain Cleaning the exposure to strong corrosive cleaning chemicals can lead to significant health risks when they are mishandled or improperly stored.
That is why homes with children and pets face a far greater concern because accidental contact can become a serious emergency.
What’s More Is That They Often Fail Against The Most Common Clogs
Many homeowners just ignorantly assume that stronger chemicals mean better results.
Yeah no unfortunately because that isn’t always true.
Because the hair clogs, tree root intrusions, collapsed pipes and heavy grease buildup often don’t respond well to chemical cleaners.
Instead the product may simply sit inside the pipe while the blockage is still there untouched.
And the results are now that not only is there still a clog but there is also a pipe full of corrosive chemicals.
Where this creates a much more difficult and potentially hazardous situation for anyone who is trying to inspect or repair the plumbing afterward.
Mixing Those Drain Cleaners Can Be Very Dangerous
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is trying the combination of multiple products when the first one doesn’t work.
And I am not some scientist but my common sense dictates that using different chemicals can create a much more violent reaction when they are combined without any know how.
Where possible consequences can include:
- Toxic fumes
- Dangerous splashing
- Excessive heat generation
- And yeah pipe damage
That is why the Government of Canada advises real caution when using chemical household products because improper mixing can create hazardous reactions that can create indoor air quality concerns.
Safer Solutions Always Work Better For The Long Life
Depending on your very own situation here are some good alternatives to chemical drain cleaners and they are:
- Drain snaking
- Hydro jetting
- Mechanical augers
- Professional camera inspections
- And preventative maintenance
All these methods address the actual blockage rather than relying on corrosive reactions inside the plumbing system.
Plus they can also help you identify any kind of deeper issues that chemicals cannot fix.
The Cheapest Fix Can Become the Most Expensive Mistake
Sure those chemical drain cleaners promise convenience and that is why they continue to sell so well.
But hey convenience and long term value aren’t always the same thing.
Because a bottle that costs a few dollars today can cause a lot of pipe deterioration even more clogging and not to mention the safety hazards and expensive repairs later.
So when it comes to safe drain cleaning methods the team at Paradise Plumbing is here to help you sort this mess out so if you are in limbo then just give us a call and we will be there in no time.
