Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Accidentally Eating Your Pipes from the Inside Out?

When you discover a clogged drain, calling a plumber in Pittsburgh, PA may not be your first move. After all, grabbing a store-bought chemical cleaner and pouring it into the drain is cheaper and requires minimal effort, so why bother calling a drain cleaning expert?

There are plenty of reasons why you should steer clear of chemical drain cleaners: your pipes, the environment, and the ineffectiveness of these products, to name a few. In this post, you’ll learn how chemical drain cleaners are eating your pipes from the inside out. The team at Neighborhood Plumbing is here to provide you with the information you need to protect your plumbing.

How Chemical Drain Cleaners Cause Pipe Damage

Liquid chemical cleaners work by generating heat that dissolves minor clogs caused by soap scum, food scraps, and debris. The common ingredients used in liquid chemical cleaners include sodium hydroxide, which is known to be corrosive to metal pipes, particularly if used frequently. Even PVC pipes are not safe from repeated exposure, as the heat generated from the chemical reaction can weaken joints and soften certain components. This can lead to leaks, loose joints, and a reduced lifespan. The long-term impact of using chemical drain cleaners often surpasses the short-term benefit. It’s in your best interest to call a local plumbing repair service when you need help with cleaning your drains.

Beyond Pipe Damage, They Are Ineffective

Chemical drain cleaners can also create problems when they fail to remove the clog. Many drain blockages are caused by tree roots, foreign objects, heavy grease buildup, or mineral deposits. These obstructions usually cannot be dissolved by chemicals alone. As a result, homeowners may pour multiple bottles down the same drain, exposing the plumbing to even more corrosive ingredients without solving the underlying problem. Repeated use of chemical drain cleaners is not only damaging to pipes, but it’s also a waste of money. Seek help from a local plumbing service when you need professional help.

Safe Options for Drain Cleaning

You should think twice before pouring liquid chemical cleaners down your drain in an attempt to clear clogs. There’s the risk of damaging your pipes, suffering burns, or the toxic substances finding their way into water sources. Here are some of the techniques you should employ when you encounter a clogged drain:

• Use a plunger: For minor clogs, a good old-fashioned plunger is your best friend. This tool creates suction and pressure to loosen debris stuck in the pipes. For toilets, use a cup plunger, while a cup plunger is best suited for sinks.
• Use a drain snake: If the clog is deeper in your pipes, a drain snake can be a great tool for breaking it up. The flexible cable rotates through the pipe to break apart or hook into clogs.
• Call a plumber: If these options don’t work, you may be dealing with a stubborn clog deep in the drain line, or in some cases, you may have limescale buildup in the pipes. A professional plumber will use waterproof cameras to view inside the pipes and use advanced techniques like hydro jetting to remove blockages.

Do You Need Professional Drain Cleaning? Contact Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Looking for skilled plumbers to clean your drains? Have you attempted DIY drain cleaning with no success? Get in touch with the team at Neighborhood Plumbing. We provide professional drain cleaning without the use of chemical drain cleaners. Our team uses advanced techniques like cabling and hydro jetting to remove even the toughest clogs caused by tree roots. Call us or book an online appointment!