Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

While it may seem to be an easy solution to an irritating problem, using chemicals to unclog drains carries with it more harm than good. There is no doubt that drain cleaners work most of the time, but there is a multitude of problems when using these products to clear clogged drains.

Most of the available drain cleaners are designed to break down and dissolve organics such as hair and grease that have built up in your pipes. These cleaners are made with chemicals and solvents that cause burns when they come into contact with skin. Not only can they cause painful burns but they also emit gasses that can cause respiratory distress when inhaled. The directions on these products recommend wearing gloves and using in a well-ventilated area.

If you have small children at home, these are chemicals you don't want to have around. The U.S. Poison Control Center reported that these products were responsible for over 120,000 exposures to children under the age of six.

The use of drain cleaners is just not environmentally safe. Once cycled through a wastewater treatment facility they are discharged into waterways exposing fish and wildlife to contamination. What if you have a septic tank on your property? Do you want harsh chemicals seeping through your leach lines out into the environment exposing your children or animals?

These products present a substantial corrosive hazard to your plumbing. They are known to cause damage to enamel finishes on tubs, sinks, and fixtures. Why subject your property to additional damage? Sometimes a drain cleaner may not even work. The clog in your system could be farther down line than just in the immediate drain area. It is possible your pipes could even have blockage from tree roots that have become invasive over time.

The list of reasons to avoid using drain cleaners should be enough to convince you that it would be safer and cleaner for you to use the services of a professional. Our friendly professional plumbing technicians can handle your clogged drain problems quickly and efficiently without the use of harsh and damaging chemicals.

Are the drains in your Guelph home clogged? Call Lodder Brothers Limited at (519) 836-6370  and schedule a service call today!