Clogged drains can be more than a hassle. Left unresolved, they can lead to widespread water damage in your home and that’s why it’s important to address slow-running drains before the problem gets out of hand.
There are dozens of chemical drain cleaners available at your local grocer, hardware store, and home improvement outlet that claim to make cleaning out your drains quick and easy, but that’s not always the case.
As with any type of chemical, there are some major risks that come with using chemical drain cleaners. Here’s what you need to know before you use chemicals to clear out a clogged drain in your shower, tub, or sink.
All Chemical Drain Cleaners Come With Risks
While drain clearing chemicals are subject to extensive testing and government regulation, the fact is that there’s always a risk when using these products. Some drain cleaners contain components that can trigger toxic chemical reactions when the cleaners come in contact with other substances and materials.
Yes, Drain Cleaners Can Damage Your Plumbing System
Many readily available drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction that produces heat, and that heat can cause serious damage to your pipes.
While drain pipes are designed to have warm, or even hot, water flowing through them, these pipes aren’t engineered to stand up to the sustained heat caused by some drain cleaners. This excess heat has been known to warp, bend, or even crack both PVC and metal plumbing pipes, leading to massive water and sewage leaks inside your home.
Worse yet, when your plumbing system is damaged by drain cleaners, the damage is often concealed within your walls, under floor boards, or in your crawl spaces. It could be hours or even days before you discover the issue.
Don’t Risk Ruining Your Pipes — Call the Hutchinson Team Today!
If you’re dealing with slow or clogged drains, don’t risk damaging your plumbing system with chemical drain cleaners. Call us today — we provide safe and reliable plumbing repair in and around Gloucester that homeowners and property managers can count on. We’re the plumber that Burlington County residents call when they want the job done right the first time!