Drain cleaners often use harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your pipes and family. Read on to learn how to assess the safety of drain cleaning chemicals.
Slow-draining sinks, tubs, and other areas of the home are all common plumbing problems that lead many homeowners to grab the drain cleaner. However, chemical drain cleaners can cause more problems than they may solve if you’re unaware of the risks.
Should you use chemicals to clear a clog?
Learn how to assess the safety of drain cleaning chemicals to protect your plumbing and your family.
The Risks of Drain Cleaners
The first thing you should know before grabbing the bottle of drain cleaner is the type of plumbing pipes you have. Do you have plastic, copper, stainless steel, or other metal pipes? If you’re not sure, you could cause damage to your plumbing.
There are many types of drain cleaners, from caustic to acidic and more.
Acidic drain cleaners are the most effective when dealing with a stubborn clog, but they should only be used in new homes. The compounds can damage old plastic, aluminum, and steel pipes.
Caustic drain cleaners help to dissolve grease and food, but they can corrode older pipes?
Do you have a plumbing system with a septic tank? If so, drain cleaners can destroy the bacteria in the tank, which means they can’t break down organic material. Check the labels to ensure you’re using a product that’s safe for your system.
Consider the risks of chemical drain cleaners before using them. However, if it’s safe to do so, make sure you take the right steps.
Wearing Protective Gear
Although using drain cleaners is often a chore homeowners do on their own without much thought, you can hurt yourself if you breathe in the fumes or expose your skin to the chemicals.
When exposed, the harsh chemicals used in many types of drain cleaners can burn the skin, cause eye and throat irritation, and even cause respiratory issues if you’re working in an unventilated area.
Both acidic and caustic drain cleaners require protective clothing. Wear gloves when handling these cleaners, and make sure you don’t splash any of the chemicals on your skin.
You should also wear a mask and protective eyewear and ensure you have good ventilation. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan.
Dangers to Your Family
Drain cleaner poisoning is a very serious threat, especially if you store chemicals like drain cleaners in an area children can access.
If someone accidentally swallows a chemical drain cleaner, inhales it, or gets it in their eyes, take action immediately. Wash the chemicals from any exposed skin. Flush eyes with water.
Contact an emergency number or poison control if someone swallows a chemical drain cleaner.
Obviously, the best way to prevent any accidents is to safely store these chemicals out of reach and wear protective gear when using them.
Other Downsides to Chemical Cleaners
Another downside to chemical drain cleaners is that they aren’t always very effective. If the problem is bigger than a minor clog or due to damaged pipes, you’ll need to contact a plumber to clean your drain anyway. Plumbers use special equipment like in-line cameras and hydro jetting to clear drains and remove stubborn clogs without causing damage.
In addition, chemical drain cleaners can have an impact on the environment. The chemicals end up in our landfills and water supply system. Toxins from these cleaners can seep into the soil and then the groundwater.
That said, you can minimize the effect drain cleaners have when you use them properly and read the labels to look for the safest ones.
Choosing Chemical Drain Cleaners
As long as you know the type of pipes that you have and you use chemical drain cleaners responsibly, they can work on issues like minor clogs. The label should tell you that the product is safe to use on your pipes and for your septic system.
Look for drain cleaners designed to bust certain types of clogs. For instance, you might want to grab a bottle of cleaner designed to dissolve hair clogs for the tub.
Choose drain cleaners that state they are safe for use on plastic pipes or garbage disposals. If you have a kitchen clog, look for cleaners that can dissolve grease and food blockages.
See our suggestions for the best drain cleaners on the market to find one that’s right for you.
Alternatives to Drain Cleaning Chemicals
Are there eco-friendly drain cleaners? Yes! Identifying greener cleaning products can help keep you and your family safe and protect our earth at the same time.
These gentler formulas are easy on your plumbing as well. They use enzymes to dissolve organic waste. These cleaners also break up hair, soap, and food.
The only downside to these greener options is that they take time to work. They also work best as preventative maintenance products rather than a solution for a tough clog.
In addition to enzymatic drain cleaners, you can also use natural drain cleaning solutions. Boiling water followed by a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help loosen and remove clogs.
There are also physical drain cleaners, such as drain snakes and augers. Drain snakes are useful for removing hair clogs in the bathroom. Augers can help break up clogs caused by soap and gunk.
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes the problem is a little bigger than a minor clog. If none of these solutions work for you, it could be a particularly stubborn clog or hidden damage causing the issues.
If you’re worried about damaging your pipes or you can’t seem to fix the clog, contact a plumber for help. They have special tools that can help identify and remove clogs and spot any issues with your pipes.
Keep Your Plumbing Clear
Now you know more about the potential risks of chemical drain cleaners, how to use them safely, and how to choose one for your home.
If the drain cleaner doesn’t help, it’s time to schedule a plumbing service instead. Call us at (402) 731-2727, and we’ll help keep your plumbing clear and working right.