Don't Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
Welcome to our blog post where we shed light on an issue that many homeowners face but are often unaware of – the harmful effects of store-bought drain cleaners on your pipes. While these products may appear to be a quick and easy fix for a clogged drain, they can actually cause serious damage to your plumbing system over time.
In this post, we’ll explore why you should avoid using these chemicals and offer safer alternatives for keeping your pipes clear and healthy. So, if you’re concerned about the health of your plumbing system, read on to learn more.
What Are Store-Bought Drain Cleaners?
Store-bought liquid drain cleaners are intended to dissolve whatever is clogging up your drain. While they may work quickly, they may not always be effective against every kind of clog; if something requires professional intervention (such as tree roots), then professional plumbers should be called immediately for advice and solutions.
There are various store-bought drain cleaners on the market today, each catering to specific types of clogs such as hair or grease accumulations, while others target specific hair or grease clogs specifically. Some products even provide safety for older pipes while other models can even help eliminate pesky flies and gnats that commonly gather around clogged sinks!
Before purchasing any store-bought drain cleaner, it is crucial that you read its label thoroughly. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals which may irritate both your skin and lungs and damage pipes if they come into contact. In addition, certain cleaners can even break down metals in pipes over time which could result in pitting and leaks occurring due to corrosion; especially with older plumbing.
There are various natural drain cleaners on the market that are safer for both your home and the environment, like Rockwell’s InVade Bio Drain Gel. It employs microorganisms and citrus oil to clear away gunk without harming pipes – and works great in kitchen sinks or garbage disposals without harming them or children or animals! InVade is also great for households with young children or animals as it’s safe for kids and pets.
How Do Store Bought Drain Cleaners Work?
Most chemical drain cleaners contain a blend of caustic potash, which accelerates the decomposition of organic material like hair and soap scum; lye for breaking up chemical bonds holding clogs together; and bleach to disinfect. Together these ingredients react with any clog to dissolve it while creating heat that melts congealed grease build-up in pipes.
But the reactions in your pipes could prove disastrous over time, due to corrosive acid used in drain cleaners that wears away at their interior walls, leaving leaks and cracks vulnerable. Overusing such cleaners may even hasten their age faster than necessary, prompting you to replace them sooner than might otherwise be required.
Liquid drain cleaners not only cause pipe damage, they often release toxic fumes that can irritate your eyes and nose. If these chemicals seep into septic tanks or groundwater sources, they could pose threats to wildlife as well as people who consume the water directly.
If your clog is caused by something too large to be easily cleared away with a plunger (such as hair clumps in the trap), try using a wire hanger to hook and remove them using an auger. However, if the issue runs deeper or is occurring frequently then professional assistance should be sought out immediately.
Safer Alternatives to Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners available in stores may be quick and simple to use, yet can still pose significant health risks and require costly repairs. They could corrode metal pipes in your home posing serious repair costs and health risks for you and your family.
What are some safer alternatives? Some examples include baking soda, septic-safe products and drain cleaners with bacteria-containing agents as possible solutions.
Enzymes offer an eco-friendly solution when it comes to drain cleaning, with living bacteria breaking down organic waste into water, carbon dioxide and mineral ash for you to use safely in sinks, tubs and toilets. They come packaged and ready for immediate use – an easy choice that’s good for both pipes and the environment.
Oxidizing cleaners generally work by releasing oxygen that breaks down clog-causing compounds. They’re generally safe to use with PVC, metal and older pipes without producing harmful fumes.
At-home oxidizing drain cleaner recipes can be found online. One of our favorites combines baking soda, salt and boiling water. Pour this solution down your clogged drain and allow it to sit for at least an hour before flushing with hot water.
Before using any type of drain cleaner, always ensure your clogged pipe is entirely empty. This step is particularly important when using acidic cleaners which may damage pipes and septic systems. Always follow all instructions listed on a chemical drain cleaner’s label when handling one and wear gloves, eye protection and a respirator while handling.
When home remedies and plungers don’t do the trick for removing drain blockages, professional assistance may be necessary.
In Conclusion
Dealing with clogged drains can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. However, with the help of Discount Plumbers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your drains will be cleared efficiently and effectively.
Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to handle any drain clog, big or small. Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily routine any longer.
Contact Discount Plumbers today and experience top-notch plumbing services at an affordable price. Providing “plumbers near me” services in 65 surrounding metro-areas.
