While homeowners are advised to turn to a professional plumber to resolve severe drain clogs in their home, many people purchase chemical solutions to clear persistent blockages in their plumbing system. Drain cleaning chemicals include a caustic, acidic or oxidizing compound that disintegrates material that is obstructing drains and sewer lines. While they can be effective for short-term relief from a clog, there are several reasons to be cautious about using them in your home.

The Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning Chemicals

1. Damage to Pipes and Components

Since most drain cleaners are made with chemicals that emit heat when they react with debris, they can damage older plumbing systems or those equipped with PVC lines. Homeowners should read the instructions very carefully and have a solid understanding of their plumbing system to safely use these chemicals.

2. Regurgitation of Toxic Chemicals

Overuse of cleaning products can be bad news for your appliances, since there is a risk the corrosive fluid will flood back up the system. It’s a good idea to remove all objects from sinks, dishwashers and laundry machines to keep your property safe just in case some of the substance comes back up..

3. Health Risk for Children and Pets

Drain cleaners are among the most dangerous chemicals found in modern homes, so it’s important to store them in a safe location. If you want to stash them under the sink, you should put pet and baby-safe latches on the doors so they are hard to open. Consuming even a small amount of these products can be life-threatening.

Consider Hiring a Professional to Clean Your Drains

Rather than literally pouring money down the drain on a solution that may not change anything, you can call My Cerritos Plumber Hero to schedule an inspection and drain cleaning for your entire system. Our experienced technicians can help identify problems and remove stubborn blockages with state-of-the-art equipment. We are ready to help our clients in the Cerritos area 24 hours a day, so don’t hesitate to call us to schedule an urgent service call.