Why Can’t I Use Chemicals to Clean My Drains?

Is It Safe To Use Chemical Cleaners?

Television commercials that feature clog removal with an over-the-counter drain cleaner make the process seem so simple: pour the liquid down the drain, wait a little bit, and poof! Your drain is clear. Unfortunately, this is not really how these types of cleaners work.

The best way to ensure that you truly remove a clog safely and effectively is to call for a professional Denver plumbers. Professional plumbers, like the ones at Bell Plumbing and Heating, have the training, tools, and expertise needed for any drain job, so contact us to clean or unclog your drains today.

How Chemical Cleaners Work

Chemical drain cleaners are highly caustic, which means that the chemicals in the cleaner actually generate heat. The way these types of cleaners remove items in your drains is to dissolve them; in a way, they chemically burn or oxidize the materials causing the clog.

Chemical drain cleaners can certainly provide a quick fix for a clogged drain, but they come with several significant drawbacks:

1. Damage to Pipes: Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a heat reaction that dissolves the clog. Unfortunately, this heat can also warp or damage plastic pipes and can corrode older, metal pipes. Over time, repeated use of these cleaners can lead to leaks and other serious plumbing issues.
2. Harm to the Environment: The chemicals used in these products are harmful to the environment. When they are washed down the drain, they can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife.
3. Health Hazards: The chemicals in drain cleaners are corrosive and can cause burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes. Inhaling the fumes can also lead to respiratory problems. Accidental ingestion can be deadly.
4. Ineffectiveness for Serious Clogs: Chemical drain cleaners are often not effective for serious or complete blockages. They work best on slow-moving drains where the cleaner has time to sit and dissolve the blockage.
5. Interference with Plumbing Work: If a chemical drain cleaner doesn’t clear the clog, and a plumber is called in later, the chemicals can pose a risk to the plumber. The residual chemicals can be hazardous when the drain is disassembled or when a plumber’s snake or auger is used.
6. Potential to Make Clogs Worse: In some cases, if the chemical drain cleaner doesn’t fully dissolve the clog, it can solidify within the pipe, making the blockage worse and more difficult to remove.

Chemical Drain Cleaners and Toilets

Chemical drain cleaners can be so dangerous that there are usually warnings on the bottles not to use them on a toilet clog. Here’s why: as mentioned above, the chemical cleaner is made to cling. As such, it will cling to your toilet bowl and eat away at the porcelain and the plumbing. Porcelain is fairly fragile, and the caustic nature of the drain cleaner can cause cracking. Additionally, the chemicals will also eat away at your toilet’s plumbing. You can clean your drain without the use of chemicals.

Get Professional Drain Cleaning Service

The bottom line: don’t use chemical drain cleaners to fix slow drains, clogged drains, or handle toilet clogs. Instead, call Bell Plumbing and Heating and schedule drain cleaning with a Denver plumber today!