The Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaning Products

Household drain cleaners are among the most dangerous chemicals found in American households. They can not only be dangerous to your family’s health, but can also damage your home’s plumbing system.

Chemical drain cleaners are available in several forms. Alkaline drain openers contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Acidic drain cleaners contain concentrated sulfuric acid. Other chemicals found in drain cleaners include bleach and lye.

While drain cleaners can be effective at removing organic matter from the immediate area below the drain opening, they are not as effective on tougher clogs that form further down the drain pipe, particularly toilet and sewer line clogs.

Because most chemical drain cleaners will cause a chemical reaction when coming in contact with the organic matter clogging the drain, it’s essential that they be added slowly and that you protect your face and skin from any potential contact with the chemicals. Contact with the chemicals can cause burns, blindness and inflammation to your respiratory system.

Chemical drain cleaners can also corrode pipes, and damage other materials in your kitchen or bathroom, such as wood, paint, aluminum and fiberglass.

The Advantages of Professional Drain Cleaning

The safest – and most effective – alternative to clearing clogged drains is to call a professional plumber. A plumber uses mechanical means to physically remove the toughest clogs that chemical drain cleaners either cannot reach or fully dissolve.

Best of all, you won’t need to store hazardous chemicals in your home, risking your family’s health and potential damage to your plumbing system.

The next time you have a clogged drain emergency, call ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric. We’ll arrive in minutes not hours to unclog your drains, FAST.