Think Twice Before Using Drain Cleaners On Your Household Clog
Drain cleaners are commonly used to remove clogs from plumbing systems. While they can sometimes be effective in unclogging drains, they also pose several dangers that can harm people and damage plumbing systems. Here are some of the dangers of using drain cleaners:
Chemical burns: Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. These chemicals can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes if they come in contact with them.
Toxic fumes: Drain cleaners can release toxic fumes that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. This can be especially dangerous for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Damage to drains: Drain cleaners can corrode and damage plumbing systems, particularly older pipes made of copper or galvanized steel. This can lead to leaks or burst pipes. Avoid using drain cleaner on older pipes.
Environmental damage: Drain cleaners can harm the environment when they are flushed down the drain. The chemicals can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. Consider these impacts:
- When drain cleaners are poured down the drain, they enter the wastewater system and eventually end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The chemicals in the drain cleaners can contaminate the water and harm aquatic life.
- If drain cleaners are disposed of improperly, they can seep into the soil and contaminate it. This may cause harm to plants and animals living in the soil.
- Some drain cleaners release toxic fumes that can harm the environment and contribute to air pollution.
- When drain cleaners are mixed with other cleaning products, they can cause chemical reactions that release toxic gases or create dangerous chemical compounds.
Ineffectiveness: Drain cleaners may not be effective for all types of clogs. They may also be ineffective for severe clogs or clogs located deep within the plumbing system. It can be difficult for most homeowners to know the location of a clog without the professional equipment a plumber uses.
Using drain cleaners can pose several dangers, including chemical burns, toxic fumes, corrosion, environmental damage, and ineffectiveness. To make the above issues even worse, the use of drain cleaners poses an imminent danger to professional plumbers who are called in once the cleaner fails. Be sure to mention to your plumber if you have used a drain cleaner before they begin working on your clog. Call on a plumber for help with your clog and avoid the dangers of drain cleaners altogether.
For more information on plumbing services, contact a professional near you.
Share
