Can Drain Cleaner Damage Pipes?

As a homeowner, you have probably encountered the inconvenience of a clogged drain. Clogged and blocked drains can be both disgusting and unsightly, causing many of us to reach for drain cleaners to help quickly rid ourselves of the problem.

There are many liquid drain cleaners on the market, some that come in powder form and others that come in liquid form. Many of these drain cleaners use powerful chemicals to destroy blockages, helping clear the pipes in your plumbing system. Although they may be effective in removing the clog, liquid drain cleaners can be hazardous to your plumbing system.

Three Ways Your Drains are Affected by Liquid Cleaners

Ever ask yourself “Are liquid drain cleaners safe for pipes?” well keep reading to learn more about how drain cleaners can affect your plumbing system and what your options are.

  • Powerful Chemical Solutions

Although drain cleaners are effective tools to remove your pipes of blockages, they can compromise the structural integrity of your pipes and threaten your health and safety. Whether you are working with a porcelain, steel, or aluminum fixtures, these cleaners can cause damage and corrosion to the surface of these appliances. Because drain cleaners can contain harmful chemicals, you have to be careful not to consume any of the gases they emit and ensure that the product does not come in contact with your skin or any pets. We suggest opening windows and doors when using cleaners to avoid consuming any noxious fumes.

  • Protect Your Pipes

Many homes have pipes that are made of PVC or degrading steel. Over time, these pipes are susceptible to wear-and-tear and can become weaker modern steel pipes. If you know that the pipes in your home are made of PVC or have some corrosion, then you want to be careful about the type of drain cleaner you choose to use. Your best bet is an enzymatic drain cleaner, what uses less harmful enzymes to help dissipate blockages while protecting the integrity of your pipes. If you do not want to use a cleaner, you can also invest in a plumbing snake to help me anyway remove the clock.

See also  How to Unclog a Shower Drain

See also: How much does it cost to have a plumber snake a drain?

If you are having issues with a clogged pipe and are worried about the damages a liquid drain cleaner can cause, then it’s time to call a company you can trust. Our experienced and certified plumbers will come to your home, examine your plumbing system, and help fix the problem quickly and effectively.

Have you tried it all, liquid drain cleaner, plunging, and snaking, but nothing gives; your drains are just as clogged as they’ve ever been? If this is the case, it’s probably time to call in professional plumbers with the equipment needed to get tough clogs to break down. If you live in the Phoenix area, including Mesa, please contact ACE Home Services today at (602) 428-3341  to schedule a service call. Don’t forget to check out our latest specials on drain cleaning too!

See also: How do I unclog my shower drain?

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