To remedy clogged drains, homeowners often take the DIY route and pour drain-cleaning fluid down their plumbing system. Plumbers advise against liquid drain cleaners because they contain chemical components that damage your pipes. Learning about their disadvantages will help you decide if they are worth putting your plumbing system at risk.

4 Reasons to Stay Away From Commercial Cleaners for Clogged Drains

1. Damages Drains & Fixtures

Drain-cleaning products contain sodium hydroxide and aluminum as their main components. When these two substances react inside the pipes, they generate enough heat to dissolve organic matter. Often, however, the heat is high enough to crack plumbing fixtures and corrode older pipes.

2. Increases Safety Issues

As a safety precaution, avoid using an auger or plunger immediately after pouring drain cleaner to deal with a clogged drain. These tools cause the cleaning agent to splash and come in contact with exposed body parts. Its caustic formula can leave your skin and eyes irritated. If inhaled, the pungent fumes may also compromise your lungs.

3. Affects Water Table

Since your drains are hidden from view, it’s hard to imagine the havoc chemical-laden cleaners can wreak. In addition to corroding drains, the toxic solutions also impact the environment. Their toxic components eventually make their way to the rivers and oceans through the sewage system. This can compromise the quality of natural water sources, making them unsafe for irrigation and drinking purposes.

4. Deteriorates Plumbing Equipment

Plumbers are reluctant to handle drains, which have received a dose of a drain cleaner less than 24 hours ago. Traces of the cleaning liquid inside your drainage system can damage plumbing tools and equipment. To avoid coming in contact with the toxins, the contractors prefer waiting a day or two before handling drain services.

Supermarket drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution, but their risks far outweigh the benefits. For effective and long-lasting drain services, place your trust in the experts at All Star Rooter, Sewer and Drain Cleaning. The Norwalk, CT-based company employs cutting-edge video equipment and water jets to detect and fix clogged drains in no time. Learn more about their efficient solutions by calling (203) 286-4498 or visiting their website.