Using a chemical drain cleaner might seem like a quick and easy fix when your sink drain is clogged. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Chemical drain cleaners can be damaging to your pipes and even dangerous to your health. Let's take a closer look at why you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners when your sink drain is clogged in Springfield Missouri.
Damaging To Your Pipes
Chemical drain cleaners contain acids that can eat away at metal pipes. The more frequently you use them, the quicker your pipes will wear down. Eventually, these acids will eat through the pipes entirely, creating holes and a whole new crop of plumbing problems to deal with.
Plastic pipes are also susceptible to damage, but in a different way. While the acids in drain cleaners won’t eat away at plastic pipes, they will generate heat when they come into contact with the plastic. This can cause the pipes to warp or even melt over time.
This also presents an even bigger problem if the chemical drain cleaner doesn't clear the clog and you have to call a local plumbing company in Springfield, Missouri.
If the chemical drain cleaner is sitting in your drain, we can’t use our equipment to clear it out. A line cable, for example, would be damaged by the chemicals before it could properly clear out the clog. If the pipes have become brittle from the chemicals, the cable might even go right through them.
Damaging To Your Health
There are a number of ways chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to you. They can burn you if they come into contact with your skin. If you've tried pouring drain cleaner down the sink and then try to clear the clog with a plunger, any water that splashes on you can be very dangerous.
Inhaling cleaner fumes can also cause severe respiratory problems. Mixing drain cleaner with other chemicals can create noxious gas.
And there are numerous cases of children ingesting drain and toilet cleaners that are reported to US Poison Control Centers each year.
Damaging To The Environment
Like the water in your drains, chemical drain cleaners will eventually work their way into the environment. These chemicals can impact the water we use, poison wildlife, and decrease air quality.
A Safer Alternative
If you want to avoid these negative aspects of chemical drain cleaners, what are some safer alternatives? Drain snakes, baking soda and vinegar, boiling water, and calling a professional plumbing company in Springfield, Missouri.
Our experienced team of plumbers at United Plumbing are your drain cleaning experts. We utilize the safest and most effective methods for clearing drain clogs.
Whether day or night, weekdays or weekends, we’re always ready to serve the plumbing needs of Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today.