Are Chemical Drain Clearing Products Safe?
For busy working professionals or busy families, taking the time to clean your drains is not at the top of your to-do list. Using chemical cleaners, which are commonplace in every household, can be an easy option and is often advertised as a “harmless” alternative to clear clogs fast. Except these drain clearing chemicals are both harmful to your plumbing system and the environment.
How Do Chemical Cleaning Products Work?
Drain cleaners made with chemicals work by dissolving the clog. A chemical reaction occurs between the cleaner and whatever the clog is comprised of, and this enables the clog to become smaller and eventually shift. When chemical reactions occur, there are times when the chemicals react in a manner that produces heat. If the heat lingers in one area for too long, due to a stubborn clog, the pipes can be affected. This weakens the plumbing pipes and can sometimes cause plumbing leaks over time and often chemical traces can remain in the pipes.
Why Are Chemical Drain Clearing Products Harmful?
We know that drain clearing products may be conveniently within arm’s reach when dealing with clogged pipes, however, chemical cleaners are made with different chemicals that can eat away at inorganic matter such as your plumbing pipes. We know these chemicals are toxic especially if digested or inhaled but they are also damaging to your household plumbing. Over time, constant use of chemical-based cleaning products can eat away at your plumbing. This damage can cause your pipes to leak or burst and you may end up with having to repair or replace your household plumbing. The damage caused by leaking or burst pipes can also impact the structure of your home. Your appliances and possessions may end up getting water damaged and a plumbing leak can sometimes lead to mold in your home.
It’s easy to see a variety of “super easy cleaning hacks” on Facebook or TikTok, but what many neglect is the harmful chemicals that are released when you mix a variety of chemical cleaners together. It’s very dangerous to do so. Inhaling the fumes of mixed chemical cleaners can cause severe respiratory issues and could put your life in danger.
Chemicals are also toxic to the environment. There is no way to 100% guarantee that your chemical drain cleaners won’t seep out into the surrounding earth, especially if you have a leak. This negatively affects the surrounding land, and chemical runoff can damage the local fauna and flora.
Why and How Should I Clear My Drain?
Understanding why it’s important to keep your drains in good condition will make it easier to keep them clear. Your household plumbing is an integral part of your home. Clogs will cause severe damage not only to the plumbing system but also to your home. Clogs also increase the likelihood of backflow, which is when water flows back into your home instead of out of your drains. Remember that since the water leaving your home isn’t clean, chances are you may end up with sewage in your home. A clogged or dirty drain is also likely to become a breeding ground for a wide range of bacteria.
When you understand the basics of drain clearing, you’ll realize it’s never been easier or safer thanks to the help of drain clearing technicians. There are a variety of ways in which a technician can help you safely identify and resolve your clogged residential plumbing. Using the services of licensed professionals for all your drain & sewer clearing needs will help you keep your drains in tip-top shape. This is without affecting your pipes, your health, or the environment.
The professional team at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning can also recommend a better nontoxic drain cleaner. For more information on non-toxic drain cleaning alternatives or to schedule your next drain clean call us today at 1-833-470-2880!
