Schrader Plumbing Blog

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

What do you do if the bathroom sink starts draining slowly, or the kitchen sink appears to be clogged? Do you reach for a bottle of Drano? Before you do-Hold on a second because that liquid drain cleaner could be more harmful than helpful and cause even greater issues than clogged pipes you think it’s solving.

It sounds like a magical potion, just like the fountain of youth –pour the miracle elixir down the drain, and this powerful product will do the rest. They supposedly dissolve nasty hair or grease clogs but here are three good reasons never to use liquid drain cleaner again.

1. Not 100% Effective: In some cases, a liquid drain cleaner can do what it’s supposed to do – loosen up the clog and allow water the drain quicker. But it only works on some pipes, with some types of clogs. If there is a large object stuck down the drain or a pipe is broken- It is not effective in anyway. So before you squirt toxic chemicals down your plumbing, it’s important to know what type of issue you’re dealing with.
2. They contain toxic chemicals: Have you ever actually read the warning label on your liquid drain cleaner? I’m guessing it may make you hold off on pouring that down your drain. These products use extremely harsh, dangerous chemicals. Even the fumes from it can come back up through the pipes and into your house. I would venture that it is not worth risking your family’s health just to “possibly” unclog the drain.
3. They can actually ruin your pipes: Yes, you read that correctly. In addition to the chemicals being bad for your health, they can also damage your pipes. One of the most common ingredients in liquid drainer cleaner is hydrochloric acid, which can break down the interior of your pipes causing them to burst or leak. Translation-a giant mess and expensive repair.

Drain cleaners are usually very toxic, not a good thing to keep around the home especially if you have children or pets. Since these toxic chemicals can have a negative effect on your pipes, if it causes deterioration from the inside out, the drains lines will need to be replaced.

What Options Do We Have Instead Of Using Liquid Drain Cleaner?

You can try a safer mixture of using a combination of baking soda and vinegar and then plunging it.

If you find yourself asking “are liquid drain cleaners harmful” and the safe DIY methods don’t do the trick, you can always call the plumbing experts at Schrader Plumbing. We’ll fix your clog safely, right away. Schedule an appointment at 817-262-0989.