Plumbing is one of those things that everyone takes for granted until something goes wrong. And when something goes wrong with your plumbing, it’s often a big mess that needs to be cleaned up quickly – whether in terms of actual mess, or in terms of the financial mess that can be caused by water damage. In order to avoid this, many homeowners often turn to liquid drain cleaners. Liquid drain cleaners are a popular choice for people who need to clear a clog quickly, and they’re often seen as a magic bullet that will solve all your plumbing problems.
But do they really work? And if so, when and how should you use them?
We say the answer is a resounding no, and here’s why.
Drain cleaners are often seen as a magical solution to all your plumbing problems. But the fact is, they can actually do more harm than good. Liquid drain cleaners are made of harsh chemicals that can eat away at your pipes, and over time, this can lead to serious damage. In addition, if used incorrectly, these chemicals can be dangerous to you, your family, your pets, and your plumbing system. This is because the chemicals in liquid drain cleaners are corrosive, and if they come into contact with your skin, they can cause burns. In addition, if these chemicals are inhaled, they can be poisonous.
So while liquid drain cleaners may seem like a quick and easy solution to your plumbing problems, the truth is that they’re not worth the risk. We’ve broken our answer down into three primary reasons why you should avoid liquid drain cleaners at all costs.
Answer #1: Liquid drain cleaners are a health hazard.
Liquid drain cleaners are made of harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to you, your family, and your pets. These chemicals can cause burns if they come into contact with your skin, and if inhaled, they can be poisonous. Liquid drain cleaners are either an extremely potent base, or an extremely strong acid. Most liquid drain cleaners have an active ingredient in their formula called sodium hydroxide (commonly known as lye), or potassium hydroxide.
When homeowners become frustrated with a clog, there’s a common belief that you can just mix & match drain cleaners in order to create a stronger solution. But this is extremely dangerous, and can lead to deadly chemical reactions. For example, if you mix a base with an acid, it could create a poisonous gas. So while you may think that using two different drain cleaners will double your chances of success, you’re actually putting yourself and your family at risk.
Answer #2: Liquid drain cleaners will eventually damage your pipes.
Did we mention how corrosive these chemicals are? Because they’re extremely corrosive, and over time, they will eat away at your pipes. This can lead to serious damage – and once your pipes are damaged, you’ll need to replace them entirely. The worst part about this is that you might not even be aware that your pipes are being damaged until it’s too late. By then, the damage will have been done, and you’ll be stuck with a hefty repair bill.
Using a chemical drain cleaner is like using a bomb to kill a fly. You might succeed in getting rid of the fly, but you’ll also end up destroying your house in the process.
The chemical compounds within drain cleaners can often cause something called an exothermic reaction, which, if you remember anything from chemistry in high school, is when a chemical reaction produces heat. This heat can cause your pipes to warp or crack, and over time, this damage will only get worse. Especially if your pipes are made of PVC or another type of plastic, the damage will be even more severe.
Answer #3: Liquid drain cleaners are not eco-friendly.
Chemical drain cleaning solutions are very harmful to the environment. They often contain harmful chemicals like sulfuric acid, lye, and chlorine. These chemicals can pollute the air and water, and over time, they will damage the environment. In addition, these chemicals can also kill plants and animals. So if you’re someone who is concerned about the environment, using a liquid drain cleaner is not the
You might think we’re biased on this topic, since plumbers make a profit off of fixing blocked drains.
But the truth is that if we wanted to make an even bigger profit, we would be telling you to use liquid drain cleaners every day in the hopes that you ruin your pipes and need to replace them – meaning you need to call us (or another plumber).
At Western Rooter & Plumbing, we’re in the business of helping people, not taking advantage of them. So believe us when we say that liquid drain cleaners are not worth the risk. Save yourself the hassle (and the money) by avoiding these dangerous chemicals altogether. If you have a clogged drain, the best course of action is to try clearing the clog yourself. Here is a list of articles we have put together which you might find useful:
