February 16/2025

Why It's a Bad Idea to Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaners

While water lines might get all the glory for delivering clean water to your faucets, it’s the drain lines that do the dirty work. Think about it: without drains, we’d be hauling away tons of waste and wastewater every month. Yuck!

Fortunately, drains are incredibly reliable… as long as they’re well-maintained. When they clog, it’s a whole different story. Before you reach for that bottle of store-bought drain cleaner, though, let’s have a chat.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we want to shed light on the dangers of store-bought drain cleaning products. We’ll also share some more effective ways to keep the drains flowing.

The Problem with Clogged Drains

You ever find yourself standing ankle-deep in the shower because the water isn’t draining fast enough, or dealing with a kitchen sink that refuses to empty? That could be due to a blockage made up of grease, soap scum, food particles, hair, and even tree roots. Clogged drains are a nuisance, but they’re also a warning sign of deeper plumbing in Holmdel Township, NJ issues.

Misaligned, damaged, or infiltrated pipes can also cause blockages. This is why targeting the symptoms of a clog is NOT enough. At Mr. Rooter, for instance, we start by getting to the root cause of the issue so we can deliver long-lasting solutions.

The Dangers of Store-Bought Drain Cleaners

When faced with a slow drain, many homeowners reach for a bottle of commercial drain cleaner that promises quick, cheap, and promises results. If you read the fine print, however, you’ll find that there’s more to the bet. These products are often more harmful than helpful. Here’s why:

1.     They’re Corrosive: Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide which can eat away at your pipes over time – especially if you have older metal pipes.

2.     They’re Temporary: Chemical drain cleaners don’t always eliminate the root cause of the clog. They may dissolve some of the blockage, but the issue almost always returns.

3.     They’re Dangerous: These chemicals are hazardous to handle. They can cause burns and irritationif they splash onto your skin or into your eyes. In fact, the fumes alone can be harmful when inhaled in an enclosed space.

4.     They’re Harmful to the Environment: These chemicals don’t just disappear; they typically end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life and ecosystems.

In short, those chemical cleaners are like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Sure, they might clear the clog, but they can also wreak havoc on your pipes, the environment, and your health.

Drain Cleaning the Effective Way: Hydro Jetting

If store-bought drain cleaners are off the table, then what’s the best way to clear a clogged drain? Drain snakes and plungers might work, but they are ineffective for deeper and more stubborn blockages. The best way is to pressure wash that gunk with hydro jetting.

Hydro jetting drain cleaning uses highly pressurized water to scour away muck from the drains. In fact, hydro jetting is so forceful that it can be adjusted to even break through dried concrete and tree roots.

Don’t worry about too much pressure. Our plumber will begin with a video inspection of the drain line to both pinpoint the blockage and inspect for damages. Rest assured, Mr. Rooter Plumbing has decades of industry experience.

Hire a Local Plumber Today

If you’re tired of dealing with clogged drains, then tackle the issue at its source with hydro jetting drain cleaning. The dedicated team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to take your call and schedule a convenient appointment today.