The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are never fun. But before you reach for the nearest chemical drain cleaner, consider this: those store-bought concoctions can do more harm than good and leave you with a bigger mess (and a bigger bill) than you started. Here are three ways chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing—and why it's always best to call in a professional when your drains need cleaning.
1. They Eat Away at Your Pipes
The active ingredients in most chemical drain cleaners are caustic, meaning they're corrosive. Over time, this corrosion can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to weaken and eventually fail. In severe cases, the chemicals can even cause the pipes to burst. All that damage takes a toll on your wallet—repairing or replacing damaged pipes is costly and definitely not a DIY job.
2. They Pollute the Environment
When you use a chemical drain cleaner, and it goes down the drain, it doesn't just disappear. It enters the sewage system and eventually makes its way into lakes, rivers, and oceans. That's bad news for marine life and ecosystems, as the chemicals can be toxic. What's more, once the chemicals are in the water supply, they can contaminate drinking water and make people sick. So not only are you damaging your own plumbing—but you're also harming the environment.
3. They're Ineffective Against Some Clogs
Despite what the commercials say, there are some clogs that chemical drain cleaners just can't touch. Grease buildup, for instance, is best removed with a plunger or an auger (a plumber's snake). And if the hair is causing the issue, then your only recourse is to remove it manually—chemical drain cleaners won't do a thing. Attempting to use them anyway could result in even more damage to your pipes.
Rely on the Professionals for Clogged Drains
The next time you have a clogged drain, remember this: skip the caustic chemicals and call a professional plumbing company like Lloyds Plumbing instead. Not only will we clear your drain quickly and efficiently—we’ll also spare your plumbing (and your wallet) from unnecessary damage. Give us a call at (805) 495-8766 to schedule an appointment.