4 Reasons a Drain Cleaner Might Not Be the Best Solution

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Drain cleaners are toxic to humans and to pets

4 Reasons a Drain Cleaner Might Not Be the Best Solution

Plumbing problems can range from a horrendous sewage backup to a simple clogged drain. The former will likely require the services of a professional disaster response franchise, while the latter might be something you can tackle on your own. There are many ways to get a drain working again, some better than others. Though reaching right away for a drain cleaner seems like a good idea, a closer look suggests pouring chemicals into your pipes should be approached with caution. These reasons clarify the dangers of resorting to chemicals.

1. Chemicals Are Harmful to People. Drain cleaners are toxic to humans and to pets. Merely breathing in the chemicals can cause stinging in the eyes and discomfort in the mouth. The chemicals can also burn exposed skin.

2. They Are Dangerous to the Environment. Chemicals that go down the drain in your home or business in Brookhaven, NC, wind up in lakes, streams, and groundwater. These chemicals are toxic enough to kill fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. There are less harmful ways to clear a clogged drain, including mechanical and biological options.

3. They Are Tough on Pipes. Chemical drain cleaners work by creating enough heat to burn through substances causing the blockage. Whether the source of the heat is lye, bleach, acid, or some other substance, the chemicals can harm older, weaker pipes and plastic pipes.

4. Chemicals Don't Always Work. In situations where the drain is completely blocked, chemicals often just sit in the pipes creating heat and not clearing the drain. Oil and grease buildup in the drain is another occasion not conducive to being cleaned with chemicals.
Whether your home or business has a clogged drain or a major sewage problem, SERVPRO professionals are Faster to Any Size Disaster and are trained to remediate water damage. They are experienced in sewage cleaning methods that restore a building to excellent condition again. The franchise has been helping people recover from fires, floods, and other disasters for over 50 years.