The Safety Of Liquid Drain Cleaners, Are Liquid Drain Cleaners Safe?

We’ve all been there, faced with a clogged drain, wondering what to do next. For some, liquid drain cleaner is the next step. But should it be? The name itself liquid drain cleaner sounds like a miracle worker. However, as with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, are liquid drain cleaners safe? Here is what you need to know about liquid drain cleaners.

Liquid Drain Cleaners Don’t Work For All Clogs

One of the biggest problems with liquid drain cleaners is that they don’t work for all clogs. Clogs can be caused for a variety of reasons; hair, toilet paper, a foreign object, tree roots, a sewer clog, etc… Before you attempt to clear a clog, it is best to know what the source of the clog is. Liquid drain cleaner will work on organic matter like hair, but for more serious clogs like tree roots, its use will be obsolete. Instead of wasting money on a treatment, that may or may not work, you need to get to the root of the problem (pun intended). In addition, for serious clogs recurring clogs, you may find a little relief from liquid drain cleaner, however it is simply putting a band-aid on the problem. Don’t treat the symptoms, find the cause and make the necessary repairs for long lasting relief.

Liquid Drain Cleaners Can Damage Your Plumbing

That’s right, liquid drain cleaners can do more damage than good depending on what kind of plumbing you have. Do you know what your pipes are made of? We are willing to bet that a lot of people don’t give much thought to what their pipes are made of. While most newer constructions have PVC pipes, older homes may have galvanized steel or cast iron. In which case, the abrasive nature of liquid drain cleaner can cause corrosion and eat through your pipes. If questioning the safety of Liquid drain cleaners for your plumbing, always proceed with caution. Know how your plumbing will react to the chemicals before use.

Dangerous for Children and Pets

One major concern when thinking about the safety of liquid drain cleaners is whether it is toxic. Liquid drain cleaners are made of harmful, dangerous chemicals that if ingested, inhaled, or comes in contact with skin can be very harmful. Children and pets are of particular concern when it comes to the use of liquid drain cleaners. As with all dangerous chemicals, liquid drain cleaners should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Bad for The Environment

Liquid drain cleaners aren’t just dangerous for your health and your plumbing, but they are also bad for the environment. The harmful chemicals in liquid drain cleaners can pollute our lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and oceans, and even seep into the ground. It is important to consider that anything that goes down the drain, has the potential to end up in one of our water sources. Always be mindful of what goes down the drain.

Alternatives to Liquid Drain Cleaner

Aren’t convinced liquid drain cleaners are safe? You don’t have to suffer through a clogged drain, there are other options.

Plunger - Plungers are very effective at removing clogs. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may have to plunge a couple of times to clear the clog. Make sure you are using the right plunger for the type of drain, and make sure the plunger is fully submerged for best results.
Auger - A plumbing auger is also very effective at clearing clogs. It's a cable with a hook that feeds down the drain to breakup or grab onto the clog.
Hot Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda - Pouring hot water down the drain, followed by vinegar and baking soda can help clear some of the grime that can build up in your pipes over time. Just be sure the water isn’t too hot.
Professional Drain Cleaning - Sometimes there is a more serious problem afoot that requires professional care. If all methods fail, or if you find yourself suffering through recurring clogs, it may be time to seek professional help.

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to plumbing repairs. While liquid drain cleaners seem like a good solution, they can really cause more harm than good. For more plumbing tips or to schedule service, contact Rooter Hero today!