Clogged drains are inevitable. Most homeowners will have to deal with this problem a few times throughout the life of their properties. People must learn how to deal with these clogs correctly. Otherwise, they might end up doing more harm than good. For example, many use chemical drain cleaners to deal with the problem quickly. They have seen the ads, and they are eager to try these magic formulas. However, using these chemical cleaners can backfire, causing one of the various chemical drain cleaner issues:
1. Safety Concerns
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Anyone who has read the labels on these products should see the red flags. There are several warnings telling users to do this and that for their own safety. Most will say that the product must only be used in well-ventilated areas because of the toxic fumes that they emit. They must also be kept away from other drain cleaners as the potential combination could be volatile. The labels will remind people to use rubber gloves at all times because the chemicals can irritate the skin or worse. They call on users to refrain from using a plunger as this can cause the liquid solution to go back up and accidentally cause skin burns.
2. Drain Cleaner Poses A Danger To Children
When you have children and pets around the house, you can never tell what they will do or where they will go. They might just explore the kitchen cabinets and find the chemical drain cleaners. They could play with these not knowing any better. Even if you warn them against touching these, you can never be sure if they will comply. When you use the cleaners, you also expose them to the dangerous fumes produced by the chemicals. Err on the side of caution. Don’t stock any of these drain cleaners in the house.
3. Environmental Impact Of Drain Cleaners
Caring for the environment is caring for ourselves since we ultimately reap what we sow. Unfortunately, most chemical cleaners are not eco-friendly. They contain substances such as bleach that produce undesirable fumes that may adversely affect people around them. The chemicals may also go through the pipes and into the water supply, which means that humans could potentially drink toxic water.
4. Plumbing Pipe Damage
Drain cleaners are supposed to get rid of clogs and keep our homes functioning as it should. What many fail to realize is that the chemicals that eat away at the cause of the clogs also do the same to the pipes. Both metal and PVC pipes can suffer from damage with frequent use of these chemicals. Fixing broken and corroded pipes can be costly.
5. Chemical Reactions
The chemicals can stay in the pipes long after the clogs are gone. Homeowners must keep track of the products that they are using because switching frequently can lead to unintended consequences. For example, you might not be satisfied with the first cleaner you tried, so you buy another one that promises better results. The two solutions can mix in the pipes and generate a chemical reaction that could be downright dangerous.
6. Low Effectiveness
Drain cleaner commercials make it seem like they are incredible solutions to a pesky problem. In the videos, people just pour and watch the clogs disappear in a snap. The reality is that they aren’t always effective because different drain clogs require different solutions. Chemicals might be useful when materials are blocking the flow of water, but they are not helpful if pipe damage or encroaching tree roots are the root cause. In fact, they might make the situation worse than it already is.
Don’t take risks. A better way to deal with the situation is to call a plumber to find out what’s causing the drain clog and implement the appropriate remedy. Professionals have the tools and skills to fix the problem once and for all. They work efficiently to minimize disruption and get your plumbing system back to normal as fast as possible.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Trusted Plumbing Services
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing service companies. Our plumbing services range from water leak repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the area. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!