The Problem With Chemical Drain Cleaners: A Vancouver Homeowner’s Guide

Are chemical drain cleaners safe? This is a common question that homeowners ask when dealing with drain clogs. You may have already heard that chemical drain cleaners are a highly debated topic. While the packaging on these cleaners swears by their effective drain cleaning power, this isn't exactly true, and there are endless problems with chemical drain cleaners.

From damaging your pipes, fixtures, the environment, and your health, you are better off staying away from chemical drain cleaners and seeking professional drain cleaning services instead, even for your minor clogs. With our hydro jetting tools and enzymatic drain cleaners utilized by an experienced Vancouver plumber, you can make a safe change over from chemical drain cleaners.

Keep reading about the potential risks associated with using liquid drain cleaners made with strong chemicals. The team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver is here to help inform and ensure that you make an informed decision before you rely on chemical cleaners.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Damage Your Pipes

A huge problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they cause damage to your drain pipes. Drain cleaning products that aren't made with healthy enzymes will dissolve the blockages in your piping, but in turn, dissolve away any healthy bacteria in your piping. This corrosive nature can strip your metal pipes and cause potential damages such as rusting or leaks, and the chemical reaction can even dissolve away your plastic pipes.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Harmful to Your Health

Another problem with chemical drain cleaners is the health risks associated with these toxic chemicals. Made with harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, alkalis, and other ingredients depending on the types of drain cleaners, these corrosive chemicals can become extremely unsafe if misused. Some of the health problems with chemical drain cleaners include:

• Burning skin.
• Irritated eyes.
• Respiratory issues.

There are certain safety considerations and precautions you can take with alkaline drain openers if you are going to use them. Not only should you use eye protection, hand protection, and proper ventilation when using these powerful products, but safety measures for storage are significant to keep out of reach from children and pets. It also cannot be mixed with other cleaners, as it can create an exothermic reaction, creating deathly harmful fumes known as chlorine gas.

Chemical Drain Cleaners have Lingering Effects

The use of liquid gel chemical drain cleaners in plumbing systems may have lingering effects that are harmful to both the pipes and the health of individuals. These gels are designed to linger, which means they do not wash away properly after use. As a result, they can sit within the pipes, causing stubborn blockages and potential damage to pipes.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Your Plumbing Fixtures

Chemical drain cleaners are commonly used to unclog pipes and keep drains flowing smoothly. However, what many people may not realize is that these chemicals can actually be harmful to not only their health and pipes but also to their plumbing fixtures. Porcelain and stainless steel fixtures, such as enamel finish toilet bowls, are particularly susceptible to damage from these harsh chemicals. The chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the enamel finish on porcelain fixtures, causing them to lose their shine and become discolored over time. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners can also corrode stainless steel fixtures, leading to rust and other forms of damage.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Have Environmental Implications

Chemical drain cleaners are commonly used to unclog pipes and remove blockages, but their impact on the environment is often overlooked. These powerful and toxic chemicals not only harm our pipes and plumbing systems but also have detrimental effects on the environment. When chemical drain cleaners are poured down the pipes, they can seep into the soil and waterways, causing environmental damage. The toxic chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm plant life, and endanger animals that rely on these ecosystems for survival.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Don’t Clear Away Stubborn Clogs

Chemical drain cleaners are often used to clear clogs in pipes, but one major issue with these products is their ineffectiveness. Despite their strong chemical solution they often fail to completely clear away tough clogs. This can be frustrating for homeowners who rely on these products to quickly and easily solve their plumbing issues. Repeatedly using chemical drain cleaners that do not work can also lead to further problems, such as damaging the pipes or causing leaks. In addition, these products can be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to those who come into contact with them.

Safe Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners Vancouver Homeowners Should Consider

When it comes to dealing with clogged drains, there are a variety of options available to address the issue, including:

• Homemade Drain Cleaning Approaches. For those who prefer a DIY approach, homemade remedies such as a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water or using a drain snake can be effective in unclogging drains. Additionally, there are natural enzyme-based drain cleaners that can help break down clogs without the use of harsh chemicals.
• Professional Drain Cleaning At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver. For more stubborn clogs or for those who prefer professional assistance, we have a wide range of professional drain cleaning services available. This includes inspections to identify the cause of the clog, drain snaking to physically remove the blockage, hydro jetting to clear out the pipes with high-pressure water, and enzyme cleaners that are safe for the environment.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today for Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While there are chemical drain cleaners available for at-home use, they can be harsh and potentially damaging to pipes and the environment. With our professional drain cleaning services, you can rest assured that we use safe and effective methods to ensure your pipes are cleaned without causing harm.

If you are experiencing slow drains or other plumbing issues, don't hesitate to call us today for professional drain cleaning services. Our team of experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver will provide thorough and reliable service to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Call us today to schedule drain cleaning services with our Vancouver plumbers!