Should You Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?

When you realize you have a blocked drain, the first question you will ask yourself is whether you should call professional drain cleaners or use chemical drain cleaners?

It is tempting to rather choose the chemical drain cleaner because it seems easier and less expensive than calling a professional. However, you may not realize that the chemicals in these cleaners are not always good for your plumbing system.

Why Shouldn’t You be Using Chemical Cleaners?

Clogged drains are usually the result of a buildup of hair, grease, soap, human waste, food, and other debris that have collected in your pipes over time.

Store bought chemical drain cleaners rely on a chemical reaction to unclog drains. The chemicals can give off noxious fumes, which are unpleasant for the people and any pets that live in the house or work in the office building.

Generally, working with chemicals can be dangerous to your health as spilling any of the cleaner on your hands or body can cause burns.

Using multiple drain cleaners to unclog the same blocked drain is also extremely dangerous and not recommended. If one drain cleaner doesn’t unblock the drain, rather call a professional than use a different chemical cleaner. Mixing the different chemicals of the different cleaners can cause a cement like reaction, which will create an even bigger blockage. Alternatively, the chemicals could cause your drain to erupt.

Chemical cleaners are generally very harsh on porcelain, stainless steel, and aluminum bathroom fixtures. Some chemical combinations can cause corrosion and sometimes eat through fixtures, as well as PVC, and old or corroded pipes. The continued use of chemical cleaners for simple clogs can result in a huge repiping/ plumbing job due to the damage done to the plumbing system.

What Can You use Other than Chemical Cleaners?

If you believe the clog to be small and simple, or are in a situation where you can not hire a professional, you can use some kitchen supplies to make your own drain cleaner.

One cup of baking soda and one cup of cider vinegar can get rid of clogs. Mix the two ingredients together and pour it down the drain. Run lots of hot water down the drain after letting the mixture sit in the drain for a few minutes.

Another home remedy is to mix a quarter cup of salt, borax, and vinegar together. Using the same technique as above, this mixture may take some more time but will also dissolve a clog.

Call Inspector Jet
If these home remedies don’t seem to fix the clog then be sure to call Inspector Jet. We are experts in unclogging drains.