Low-Down Dirty Secrets You Should Know About Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are few things more frustrating than to be stuck staring at a drain that will not allow dirty water to flow through. You grab the plunger and work hard to shove enough air and water through the lines to relieve the clog, but if that does not work, there is a good chance the next attempt will involve some form of chemical drain cleaner. Sure, you could opt for some type of all-natural green product to eat away at the grime, but chances are you will choose the high-chemical type just because it sounds like it would be more powerful. If this sounds like an all-too-familiar scenario, there are a few things you should know before you pour drain cleaner in your plumbing pipes.

Drain Cleaners Are Extremely Toxic

Take your pick of plumbing products at the home improvement store and they will usually pale in comparison to the chemical compounds found in drain cleaners. These products can contain everything from alkaline to acidic ingredients like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This makes the drain cleaners very toxic to humans and pets and contact with skin should be avoided at all costs.

Drain Cleaners Can Be Corrosive

That septic system that you work hard to maintain and keep functioning is very expensive to repair. When you choose to drop in drain cleaners, either in liquid or powdered form, you could be adding corrosive components to the system so they can have free reign. Drain cleaners can wreak havoc on a septic tank, cause problems with plumbing lines, and even eat away at enameled surfaces of sinks and toilets. Therefore, you should carefully consider all of this before you add these chemicals to your plumbing and septic network.

Drain Cleaners Are Limited

Drain cleaners may have potent and powerful chemicals, but there is only so much they can achieve when it comes to clogs and drainage blockages. At most, the solutions will clear some grease and grime and hair, but will rarely do anything for large masses of material that are blocking the lines. You may spend a lot on drain cleaner and still have to call on the help of a professional plumber anyway.

The next time you see the familiar scene of water standing still where it should not be, make sure you think carefully about drain cleaner before you run out and grab a bottle at the store. It is usually a more logical and efficient solution to contact a plumber for help. For more information, contact Rakeman Plumbing or a similar company.