If you’ve ever talked with a plumber, you’ve probably heard this advice: avoid chemical drain cleaners. But do you know why? Let’s break it down so you can protect your home, your health, and the environment.
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Bad
There are several reasons why chemical drain cleaners are bad for your plumbing. Here are a few reasons:
The Terrible Environmental Impact
Many store-bought drain cleaners are loaded with bleach and other harsh chemicals. Once they go down your sink, they don’t just disappear. While the water waste does go through treatment plants, trace amounts can make it into rivers, lakes, or groundwater and even a little bit is bad for the environment. If you’re trying to keep your home and community a little cleaner and greener, skipping chemical cleaners is an easy first step.
Plumbing Damage
Those same chemicals are caustic enough to corrode or weaken your pipes. While they might break up some clogs, they often eat away at your plumbing in the process. That quick fix today could mean costly pipe repairs tomorrow.
Safety Issues
Drain cleaners aren’t just rough on your pipes—they can be dangerous to you and your family. Fumes require ventilation, and the liquids must be kept far from kids and pets. Mix them with the wrong product, and you could end up with a serious hazard in your home.
Ineffectiveness
Even when they seem to work, chemical cleaners don’t actually clear out all the buildup in your drains. Chemical drain cleaners only attack the outer layer of the clog, often leaving the main problems behind. The clog often comes back, leaving you right where you started—and sometimes with even more damage than before.
Safer Alternatives for Clearer Drains
Instead of reaching for a chemical cleaner, try these safer, more effective options:
- Enzyme-based drain cleaners: These cleaners use natural enzymes or bacteria to break down organic waste, making them a safe and eco-friendly option for maintaining clear drains.
- Hot water flush: Pouring a kettle of hot water down the drain can melt away grease and loosen small buildups. Just make sure it isn’t boiling water so it doesn’t damage your pipes.
- Baking soda and vinegar: A natural combo that foams up to help break down residue and freshen the drain. This method will not remove large or tough clogs.
- Plunger or drain snake: Simple tools that can physically remove clogs without harming your pipes.
- Drain screens: Prevent hair, soap scum, and food scraps from going down in the first place.
These methods won’t solve every clog, but they’re a safe way to handle minor issues and reduce the chance of damage to your plumbing.
What’s the Better Choice?
If you’re dealing with slow drains or frequent clogs, the safest and most effective solution is to call a licensed plumber. A professional has the right tools and training to remove the blockage completely, without putting your home or health at risk.
If you’re in North Las Vegas, NV, you’ve already found the right team. At Bumble Breeze, we’re here to keep your drains flowing and your home protected.
Bumble Breeze is the team you need for proper plumbing care. Give us a buzz!