One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get rid of drain clogs by yourself is by using liquid drain cleaners. Liquid drain cleaners are readily available, and they’re so affordable that most homes today have at least a bottle in their kitchen cupboard. However, liquid drain cleaners are not the best option to get rid of clogs. Why?
1. They Can Damage Plumbing Pipes
Liquid drain cleaners contain harsh ingredients, mainly hydrochloric acid, that can damage the interior surfaces of your plumbing pipes. Other chemicals that can cause corrosion are:
- Sodium hydroxide (lye)
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Sodium nitrate
- Sodium chloride (salt)
Additionally, drain cleaners can trigger a chemical reaction that produces heat. In turn, this can weaken the metal and melt the plastic.
2. They Are Highly Toxic
Liquid drain cleaners, especially the cheaper ones, have a high toxicity. They emit unhealthy fumes that can irritate and sting the nose and eyes, damaging when inhaled. What’s even worse is the fumes often persist long after the cleaner is used. Some chemicals can severely burn the skin upon contact, which means you shouldn’t use them at all.
3. They May Be Ineffective
A liquid drain cleaner may get rid of the clog for some time, but a reappearance isn’t impossible. Usually, clogs are a result of underlying pipe damage or blockages in your sewer line. With that, liquid drain cleaners are not that effective. If you experience frequent clogs, it’s better to have a plumber check your plumbing system.
4. They Are Bad for the Environment
As mentioned, drain cleaners are bad for your pipes, and they’re worse for the environment. The chemical residue left behind in the bottle can leak in a landfill, contaminate water supplies and other bodies of water where it can kill fish and other wildlife.
There Are Alternatives
Now that you know why drain cleaners are not good, it’s time to look at safer and more comfortable alternatives you can use at home to deal with clogs. Other non-toxic options are vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is acidic, yet it’s safe; combine it with the cleansing properties of baking soda, and you get to unclog those drains safely. Get the best results by letting the solution sit overnight and run hot water on it the next day.
Another non-toxic alternative is hot water and dish soap. Heat water but don’t let it reach a boiling point. Add a few tablespoons of dish soap and pour it down the drain to liquefy the clog. Next, run cold water and wash it away. You can repeat this process several times if necessary.
Conclusion
Liquid drain cleaners aren’t the best solution for drain clogs in your home. There are a lot of reasons they must be avoided as much as possible. Luckily, there are non-toxic alternatives you can use that will ensure your plumbing system remains safe. If you think that there is a more significant issue behind the clogs, it would be much better to have a plumber check it. Having regular plumbing maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to prevent drain clogs.
Get quality plumbing services in Sunshine Coast, QLD at Sunny Coast Plumbing and Gas. Contact us today to request a service.
