When you experience blocked drains, your first idea would be to use a drain cleaner, but is this the right idea?
There have been debates and theories about whether drain cleaners actually create more harm to the environment and drainage system rather than helping to assist and remove the drainage block, like they originally suggest.
To help bring light to the matter we have done our research and have written down all of the information you need to know about chemical drain cleaners.
Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?
From the shop’s own brand, to the highly rated and advertised brands, there are plenty of chemical drainage cleaner options to choose from, but should they really be your first choice when you come across a blocked drain?
If you ask around different plumbing companies, they will generally vote against the use of do it yourself drain cleaners. This is not because the plumbers want you to spend money on them, but due to the fact that the drain cleaner chemicals can cause more problems than you probably realise, which ultimately means you will be spending more money and it will take more time to fix the problem.
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Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?
While the damage might not be noticeable straight away, the use of drain cleaner chemicals over time will gradually build up causing problems.
Will Chemical Drain Cleaner Dissolve Plastic?
Many people ask the question “will drain cleaner damage pipes?”
In some cases drain cleaner liquid can melt plastic drainage pipes. Meanwhile, metal pipes can gradually corrode with the constant use of chemical drain cleaner.
Can Chemical Drain Cleaner be Used in Toilets?
Another common question we get asked is “can you use drain cleaner in a toilet?”
You should never attempt to fix a toilet blockage with a drain cleaner unblocker due to a number of reasons.
Not only can the chemicals last in the toilet tank for long after the liquid drain cleaner was used, but the chemicals can attach themselves to the porcelain, which can cause it to heat up and crack.
Meanwhile, the process of flushing the toilet can cause the liquid chemical drain cleaners to splash up at you.
Chemical Drain Cleaner Fumes
Another problem that you can come across when using a chemical drain cleaner, is that being around or inhaling drain cleaner fumes can irritate your nose and eyes.
Chemical drain cleaner fumes are not healthy to breathe in and they linger for a while around the location where the cleaner was used.
Chemical Drain Cleaners are Harmful to the Environment
The chemicals contained in drain cleaners are also harmful to the environment and are capable of poisoning the wildlife.
The Root Cause of the Problem
Before you go and buy a chemical drain cleaner, are you sure you are even experiencing a clogged drain? The reason for your drainage issue could ultimately be due to the drainage pipe being damaged.
What to do if Chemical Drain Cleaner Doesn’t Work
When chemical drain cleaners don’t work, there is no need to panic, you can still try a homemade sink unblocker.
If everything else fails, and your drains are still blocked, why not give us a call today on 08081 689 112 (FREE phone – CLICK TO CALL).