Starting your day by finding yourself in a pool of water while showering is nobody’s idea of a good morning. We all lead busy lives, and the quick solution to a clogged drain often seems to be a trip to the store for a drain cleaner.

The Risk to Your Pipes and Plumbing

Store-bought drain cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals that can be damaging. Ingredients like sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, aluminum, and bleach are common and can be irritating if they come into contact with your skin. When you pour these cleaners down the drain, the interaction between sodium hydroxide and aluminum can produce an intense heat that nears boiling. While the heat is intended to dissolve the clog, it can put a lot of strain on your plumbing.

If the clog in your pipes is substantial, these chemicals may linger, causing even more damage—especially if you have PVC pipes or older, corroded piping. Additionally, using another cleaning product after a drain cleaner could trigger dangerous reactions.

Environmental Concerns

Consider where those potent chemicals end up—right into our waterways. They can travel to rivers, lakes, and oceans, negatively impacting wildlife and vegetation along the way. The bottles are adorned with warnings about their toxicity, and any residue left in them can seep into the soil when tossed in the trash.

Risks to You, Your Family, and Pets

The substances in drain cleaners are hazardous if they touch skin or are ingested. For children and pets, this can lead to serious risks. Many plumbers will even inquire if you’ve used drain cleaners, as they won’t engage with your plumbing for at least 24 hours after use—protecting themselves from the potential hazards these cleaners pose.

What to Do If Your Drain Is Clogged

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, try a safer alternative like baking soda to help clear it. If that doesn’t do the trick, reach out to online plumber. A professional plumber can evaluate the situation and determine whether your clog is a simple fix or part of a larger issue.