When it comes to store-bought drain cleaners and chemicals that are sold to rapidly clean anything, there is a difference between safe and effective. While off-the-shelf drain cleaners may be effective, unfortunately, their ability to quickly dissolve away anything blocking their path tends to continue past the clog itself.
Not only can the chemicals and acids used in these cleaners be harmful to your health if not handled with a lot of caution, but they can also actively damage your pipes and septic system. The chemicals they employ have no method of distinguishing your pipes from the clog or your skin.
At Vern’s Plumbing, the safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. That’s why it’s our mission to provide you with both the highest quality of service and the most reliable information so that you can confidently make informed decisions when it comes to your home’s plumbing.
Four Dangers Of Chemical Drain Cleaners
The list of downsides to using these drain cleaners is fairly long and extensive, and their negative impact can far outreach the confines of the homes they are used in. Some of the more obvious dangers of using these cleaners are listed below.
Respiratory Issues & Eye Irritation
If not used cautiously, the chemicals in most drain cleaners are so strong that their fumes alone are capable of causing damage to the soft tissues in your eyes, lungs and mouth. Mixing chemicals like these can actually result in fatal gases, which is why ample ventilation is always encouraged.
Chemical Burns
These cleaners work by using corrosive chemicals to break up obstructions in your pipes. These chemicals are also corrosive to the skin and can cause serious chemical burns if accidentally spilled or splashed on oneself. Many of these chemicals have warnings on their packaging about wearing protective gear — that’s how toxic they can be!
Damage To Pipes
The use of these cleaners is also associated with shorter lifespans for the pipes they are used in. While your pipes may be more capable of withstanding chemicals and acids than the foods in a clog or your skin, over time, they still cause damage. This micro damage can build up and cause premature replacement.
Environmental Damage
Almost everything we put down our drains will eventually end up back in nature. This includes harmful chemicals like the ones used in drain cleaners. While using these products occasionally to clear a drain may be a drop in the bucket to the environment, when thousands of people use these products, it can have accumulative and detrimental effects.
What Products Are Safe To Clean Your Drain?
If you are looking for an environmentally safe, natural alternative that’s effective at clearing drains, there are several DIY solutions that every homeowner should have access to that can help you clear clogs and stay safe. Some of these mixtures include:
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Dish Soap & Hot Water
- Baking Soda & Borax
- Baking Soda & Lemon Juice
- Baking Soda & Salt/Cream of tartar
We’ve more comprehensively covered DIY drain cleaning methods, but as you can see, simple drain cleaning solutions are readily available in the pantries and cabinets of most homes already.
Vern’s Plumbing is #1 For Culpeper Drain Cleaning Services
Here at Vern’s, we want to do everything we can to make sure that our customers get are satisfied and get the most out of their home’s plumbing system. If you are encountering a plumbing problem, we guarantee that our professionals have a solution. Residential or commercial, installation, replacement or repair, if you need any sort of plumbing service, call us today!
