Many homeowners tend to reach for the same tools when dealing with a clogged drain. A plunger, for instance, can be helpful. However, regular maintenance that involves cleaning your drains is a better option for preventing clogs in the first place. Drain cleaning liquids are also popular choices for homeowners who want to maintain clean drains. Unfortunately, these liquid cleaners can do more harm than good. This guide will help you understand the reasons why you should not use liquid drain cleaners so you will realize that professional drain cleaning treatments are a better option.

Harmful to the Environment

One reason why you should not use liquid drain cleaners is that they are harmful to the environment. Of course, it should not be surprising to learn how a liquid poured into your home's drains can affect the environment.

The chemicals used in these cleaners will not only linger in your drains. They will also flow into septic and sewage systems, leaking into nearby soil, groundwater, and local water sources. You may not see the effects of these chemicals, but they will negatively harm the environment as a whole.

Professional drain cleaning removes debris and residue from the drains using techniques that do not harm the environment. In most cases, the drains can be cleaned with plumbing snakes/augers or hydrojetting, which is just a high-powered stream of water.

Harmful to your Health

The chemicals found in most drain cleaning liquids are extremely toxic, meaning they not only harm the environment, but they can also harm your health. The chemicals are common VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which can seep into your home's indoor air quality, affecting your family's health and wellness without you even realizing it.

Here are a few signs you are being exposed to harmful VOCs:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Eye, nose, throat irritation
  • Respiratory issues, such as coughing, nasal congestion/runny nose, asthma
  • Skin irritation/rashes/itchiness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Vision problems
  • Memory impairment

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor to learn more about VOCs.

The use of plumbing augers and hydrojetting can remove the buildup in your drains without toxic chemicals that affect your health.

Harmful to your Plumbing/Septic

The chemicals in liquid drain cleaners can be effective for cleaning the interior of your drains and pipes, eating through clogs and even stubborn grease, food residue, and waste. Unfortunately, these chemicals are also strong enough to erode your plumbing fixtures and pipes.

The actual reaction that occurs between the chemicals in the drain cleaning liquid and the material causing the clog will also increase the risk of damage to your plumbing and septic lines. This reaction causes a gas to form, burning the interior of your drains and pipes.

Over time, this burning erodes the plumbing and septic lines, increasing the risk of leaks and costly water damage.

It is important to note this damage can occur no matter what type of materials are used to manufacture your pipes. For example, pipes that are made out of PVC plastic, copper, and galvanized steel may also experience damage after using liquid drain cleaning chemicals.

If you are noticing an increase in your water bill that cannot be explained or if you see visible signs of a water leak in and around the home, you may have experienced damage to your pipes because of using liquid drain cleaners.

To prevent further damage, make sure plumbers inspect the lines to locate the leak and repair or replace the damaged pipes. Also, avoid using liquid drain cleaners in the future.

Protecting your drains from clogs is smart, but doing so without liquid drain cleaners is not recommended. Talk to your plumber today about professional drain cleaning services.

Share