It’s happened to all of us – you’re taking a shower, the water isn’t draining, and soon enough, the bathtub filled with water. Drain clogs are annoying, and you may reach for the chemical drain cleaner under the sink. But is it safe to use?
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick and convenient way to unclog a drain, but they can cause more trouble than they’re worth. Here’s why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your home.
It can cause health problems
The fumes from these harsh chemical solutions can be toxic, especially to children and pets. Breathing in the fumes can irritate the lungs; in some cases, the fumes can even burn your skin and eyes. If you must use these cleaners, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
It can damage your plumbing system
Chemical drain cleaners can soften PVC pipes and even erode metal piping. Letting these chemicals sit in your drain can lead to costly damage to your home’s plumbing system. To avoid extensive damage to your pipes, opt for a different way to clean your drains.
It does not work on all types of clogs
That chemical drain cleaner under your bathroom sink is no match up against that gnarly clog in your shower drain. The hair and soap scum in the drain may be too much for the solution to break down, leaving you with those harsh chemicals stuck in your drain on top of the initial clog.
What should I do instead?
If you’ve got a drain clog, call the experts at Standard for professional drain cleaning services. Our highly skilled technicians can clear any clog from your toilet, sink, shower, bathtub, or outdoor drain. Our techs use drain snakes, augers, and hydro jetting to safely and effectively eliminate drain backups without using chemicals.
If you have a stubborn drain clog, the techs at Standard are here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency service for all of your plumbing emergencies. Schedule your drain cleaning appointment online, or give us a call at (205) 386-4001