When the bathtub water begins to rise without the bathtub stopper, this is an indicator that there’s a blockage in the pipes. While it might be tempting to purchase the chemical drain cleaner from the local home improvement store, pause and consider if this is really a good idea.
1. Threat to the Environment
It’s no secret that global warming is a major concern. As the earth continues to signal warnings of permanent damage, it’s important for a collective effort to happen in order to see improvements. Philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “Let everyone sweep in front of his own door and the whole world will be clean.” This means that everyone needs to make individual efforts to improve the world. In the conversation about climate change, each person needs to work on reducing their carbon footprint.
As it pertains to chemical drain cleaners, it’s best to avoid them because of their negative impact on the environment. Many chemical drain cleaners contain ingredients such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. These are highly acidic and considered non-enzymatic formulas. If your shower gets clogged and you opt for a chemical drain cleaner to loosen everything up, those chemicals have to go somewhere. They don’t just disappear because the drain gets unclogged. Plus, with most drain cleaners, users are encouraged to flush the pipes with water for at least five minutes. Those chemicals get flushed out of the system, and they end up floating through reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
2. Longevity
When it comes to solving a problem, it’s important to find a long-lasting solution for overall well-being. Chemical drain solutions are often seen as a quick fix for unclogging a drain, but their long-term effects are questionable. While they may provide temporary relief, it’s not uncommon for people to need multiple uses to fully unclog a drain.
It’s also important to consider the type of plumbing system you have. If you have an older system, chemical drain solutions may not be as effective and could potentially cause damage. Older pipes are more vulnerable to modern chemical solutions, which can lead to irreparable damage and the need for a full plumbing system replacement. It’s best to avoid quick fixes and seek out long-term solutions for the health and longevity of your plumbing system.
3. Irreparable Pipe Damage
The main reason why chemical drain cleaners can cause damage to pipes is due to the reaction and heat they generate. When these cleaners interact with clogs in the pipes, they create heat that can be damaging to older pipes made of PVC or metal. Over time, this consistent heat can cause the pipes to break down, leading to cracks, leaks, and potentially even burst pipes. If you’re using chemical drain cleaners regularly, you’re consistently generating heat that can lead to pipe damage. It’s important to avoid using these cleaners and seek out a professional plumber or safer options to unclog your pipes and prevent costly damage.
4. Toxic Load
If you want to live a long and healthy life, it’s important to be mindful of your toxic load. Your toxic load is the number of negative substances that are in your body, including heavy metals, indoor pollutants, and chemicals. It’s easy to increase your toxic load through factors such as food, perfumes, and the environment. However, you can decrease your toxic load by being mindful of the food you eat, how clean your environment is, and more.
A chemical drain cleaning solution is a product that can increase your toxic load due to the number of strong chemicals it contains. Even though they’re meant for drains, they can still impact your physical body. They can also be extremely harmful if they come into contact with your eyes, skin, or respiratory system. If you need to wear protective gear in order to use a product, chances are you don’t need to keep it in regular rotation.
5. Detrimental to Physical Health
Using chemical drain cleaners can pose several health hazards to your well-being. Firstly, inhaling the fumes emitted by these cleaners can damage the lining of your respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties. Secondly, these fumes can irritate your eyes and cause severe damage to your vision.
Additionally, if the chemical comes in contact with your skin, it can cause burns and rashes. Therefore, it’s essential to wear gloves and a mask while using these cleaners. Also, frequent use of these cleaners can lead to long-term damage, indicating the need for a better and more sustainable solution.
What to Do or Use Instead
Here are a few examples of safe alternatives to using chemical drain cleaners.
Use a Plumbing Snake
Taking a mechanical approach to your drains can help prevent toxic load due to contact with chemicals. One tool that can be used to efficiently care for your pipes is a plumbing snake. It is important to implement a consistent snaking process to avoid the chance of clogs even forming.
Regular snaking can prevent buildups and eliminate the need for chemical formulas that could erode the integrity of your pipes. By avoiding chemical usage, the current pipes can last for as long as possible. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring that your plumbing system functions efficiently. If you’re not comfortable using a plumbing snake or if you encounter persistent issues, it’s advisable to seek professional plumbing assistance.
Water Pressure
Plungers are effective for taking care of various clogs and drain issues. There are two types of plungers you’ll want to purchase. Cup plungers are known to be useful when applied to flat surfaces and sinks.
If you have a clogged toilet, a flange plunger is the type of plunger to look for. With both plungers, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough water to completely cover the plunger. Once the plunger covers the opening of the toilet or drain, make sure it’s tightly secured. After pushing and pumping the plunger a few times, the water should begin to drain and clear. If it doesn’t, try a few more times. Plungers are one of the most ideal options because they don’t add harmful chemicals to the pipes.
Professional Assistance
Even though it’s nice when you can solve the issues on your own, consider your plumbing a worthwhile investment that needs to last. If you’re constantly trying to DIY the plumbing issues, this might make matters worse. In order to protect your home and maintain its value, it’s wise to find a trusted plumbing professional who can provide optimal solutions. Whether you’re in need of a new plumbing system or better habits surrounding how you maintain the plumbing, always keep a professional plumber’s number within arm’s reach.
Contacting the Professionals
Before you restock on that one brand of chemical drain cleaning solution you love, consider calling a plumber first. From their negative environmental impact to their corroding effects on older pipes, it’s clear that chemical drain cleaners aren’t the wisest solution for your home’s plumbing system. In order to see how our plumbing professionals at Perfect, Plumbing Heating & Air can properly provide the best solution for your home, contact us today!
