If you notice that water is starting to build up in your sink or you find yourself standing ankle-deep in bath water, your first idea to solve the issue might be to use a drain cleaning solution. Even though your drain cleaner might be able to solve your drain problem temporarily, it might not create a lasting solution to your issues.
Before you go pouring your drain cleaner into your drains, there are a few things that you should keep in mind first. While drain cleaners can be effective for some minor clogging issues, they can cause you problems when used on a regular basis.
Three of the most common issues that can be caused by chemical drain cleaners are:
- Effectiveness and Cost: Perhaps the most obvious reason to avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your home is their general lack of effectiveness. While some of them might seem to solve your problem, at least temporarily, if you don’t know what’s causing your clog, you might actually be making your problem worse. That’s not to mention their cost. Some brands of chemical drain cleaners can cost as much as $8 or $9 per bottle. That’s a lot of cash to be pouring down the drain.
- Corrosion: Depending on what your pipes are made of, some chemical agents can corrode, or even eat right through, plumbing. Stainless steel or PVC pipes, for example, are not compatible with some chemical agents. If you’re not sure what your pipes are made of, it’s probably best to call a plumbing professional to inspect before pouring chemicals down the drain. Corrosion caused by chemicals, in and of itself, can cause blockages. And chemical drain cleaners, when used often, can leave behind a sticky residue that can actually cause clogs.
- Safety and Environmental Concerns: Chemical drain cleaners are meant to break down organic matter like hair, paper and grease so it shouldn’t be surprising that they contain compounds that can cause serious burns when they come in contact with your skin or eyes. People with pets and small children should be especially cautious if they keep chemical drain cleaners in their homes. These drain cleaners can also cause damage to the environment. After they’ve been poured down the drain, they can eventually work their way into lakes, rivers and ground water, harming birds, insects, small animals and plant life.
Save your money, you’ve earned it. If you suspect a clog, contact Pompeii’s for the correct cure. We treat our customers plumbing like our own. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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