While reading the warning labels on the bottle, you probably start to wonder: are chemical drain cleaners safe? You can walk into a store and buy them, so how bad could they be? The truth is that liquid drain cleaners can work on minor clogs, but they also present a health risk and might damage your plumbing.
If the problem is heavy blockage, random debris, or tree root infiltration, the drain cleaner will not even work. That makes the dangers of chemical drain cleaners outweigh the potential benefits even more.
Harsh Chemicals are Bad for Pipes
Advertising like “max power” or “commercial strength” make drain cleaners sound like they’ll do the job. But they do work too well? The same active ingredients that eat away at clogs can also corrode the plumbing itself. Be especially careful if you have old plumbing or PVC pipes.
Excessive use can also be dangerous. If your sink or tub drains slowly all the time, a plumber should snake or hydro-jet the drain to clear a blockage that a drain cleaner can’t.
Dangers of Mixing Drain Cleaners
Stuck with a clogged drain after trying one solution? Don’t get carried away. You probably know not to mix bleach and ammonia. It’s also a bad idea to mix bleach and sodium hydroxide. The dangers of chemical drain cleaners increase when mixed because doing so might create a noxious gas or even cause chemical-laced water to shoot up out of the drain.
Drain Cleaners and Septic Systems
Also, beware that chemical drain cleaners are not safe for septic systems. The chemicals disrupt the good bacteria that help break down waste. By throwing off the balance, your septic system could suffer a catastrophic failure or require additional maintenance.
Professional Drain Cleaning and Hydro-Jetting
A quick visit from your Los Angeles plumbers can remove a difficult clog—and eliminate your risk of expensive damage or a health hazard. We use expert diagnostics and years of experience to choose the best way to clear a drain—including enzyme-based cleaners, snaking, and hydro-jetting. Schedule service or call 310.815.1515 for safe, effective drain cleaning services.
