June 20/2023

Chemical Drain Cleaners vs. Professional Drain Cleaning

When you’re dealing with a clog, chemical drain cleaners may seem like an ideal solution. In fact, most homeowners opt to pick up chemical drain cleaners from a nearby store instead of hiring a professional plumbing service for drain cleaning. But is there a difference between using chemical drain cleaners and hiring a professional drain cleaning service?

The truth is, chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good to your plumbing system. It’s a good idea to opt for professional drain clearing when your drains exhibit signs of trouble.

Reasons You Should Not Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

• Pipe damage: The main downside to chemical drain cleaners is the potential damage they can cause to your pipes when they are used repeatedly. Chemical drain cleaners work by dissolving clogs in your pipes with a chemical reaction. The heat from the chemicals can severely wear down your pipes over time, leading to leaks and cracks.
• Safety concerns: Chemical drain cleaners are not only a threat to your pipes, but they also pose several dangers and hazards. Improper use of chemical drain cleaners can cause severe burns and eye damage among users. Moreover, the fumes released by these drain cleaners can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly when used in poorly ventilated areas.
• Environmental impact: In addition to being a health risk, store-bought chemical drain cleaners are also bad for the environment. When you pour them down the drain, they can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life, plants, and other organisms. Even the residue that remains in discarded bottles in the trash can be damaging to the environment.
• Lack of effectiveness: Aside from the dangers associated with chemical drain cleaners, they are not an effective solution for drain cleaning. Although they may work on minor clogs, they are usually ineffective when it comes to stubborn or complex clogs. They won’t help in cases of mineral build-up or a broken pipe. If you have a stubborn clog, it’s best to hire an experienced plumber to perform professional drain clearing.

Chemical Drain Cleaner Alternatives

Luckily, there are several non-toxic and effective ways to clear clogged drains. These include:

• Boiling water
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Plunger
• Drain snake

The Advantages of Professional Drain Cleaning

As we’ve already highlighted, chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good to your pipes. It’s advisable to hire a skilled and experienced plumber to help you with professional drain cleaning. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which provide temporary relief from clogs and blockages, professional drain cleaning ensures a more thorough and long-lasting solution. Skilled plumbers are equipped with top-of-the-line tools, including video cameras, hydro jetting machines, and specialized augers to clear stubborn clogs and accumulated debris. Professional drain cleaning will also save you money down the road. Aside from resolving drain issues in a timely manner, drain cleaning experts can identify structural issues before they become larger and more expensive problems.

Call Drain Cleaning Professionals

The plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are a call away if you need professional drain clearing in your home or business. Our plumbers have the knowledge, skills, and state-of-the-art tools to provide reliable drain cleaning services. We are a trusted plumbing service with more than 50 years of industry experience. You can count on our team of plumbers for all of your plumbing needs.