Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Could Be KILLING Your Pipes!

Do you often find yourself reaching for a store-bought drain cleaner to unclog your drains? If so, you may want to think twice before doing so. Store-bought drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution to dealing with clogged drains, but in reality, these harsh chemicals can be doing more harm than good. In this post, we will explore how store-bought drain cleaners could actually be killing your home’s pipes.

What Are Store-Bought Drain Cleaners?

Store-bought drain cleaners are the go-to solution for many people when they find themselves with a clogged drain. However, these products can cause significant damage to your pipes and home if used improperly. Drain cleaners typically contain a combination of harsh chemicals like lye, bleach, and sulfuric acid. These chemicals can corrode metal pipes over time and cause them to deteriorate and break. If a large enough amount of chemical is poured down a pipe, it could even cause the pipe to burst and flood your home with water. Additionally, these chemicals can be dangerous for humans and animals alike. If not stored or used properly, inhaling their fumes can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and throat, as well as difficulty breathing. If the chemical comes in contact with your skin, it can cause chemical burns. For these reasons, it’s important to think twice before using store-bought drain cleaners in your home. If you find yourself with a clogged drain, it’s better to call a professional who can safely and effectively clear the clog without putting your home or family at risk.

How Do They Work?

Many of these store-bought drain cleaners contain a combination of harsh chemicals that are designed to break down the clog and move it through the pipes. Unfortunately, while they may be effective at breaking down the clog, they can also be damaging to your pipes. The caustic chemicals in these cleaners can corrode the metal pipes over time, leading to leaks and other problems. In addition, if the chemicals are not used properly or allowed to sit in the pipes too long, they can cause further damage to the pipe as mentioned above.

These store-bought drain cleaners should also not be used if you have plastic piping in your home. The harsh chemicals can easily damage the plastic and cause it to break down or become brittle. In addition, many store-bought cleaners will only remove a portion of the clog. This means that the remaining debris may still remain in the pipes, causing them to become blocked again.

What Are Some Safer Alternatives to Using Store-Bought Drain Cleaners?

As you know by now, store-bought cleaners can do more harm than good to your home. So you may be asking yourself, "What CAN I use on my drains to help break down a clog?" Here are some safer alternatives that can help keep your home's pipes in tip-top shape:

1. Boiling Water - This is an oldie but a goodie! Boiling water can break down the grease and gunk that is causing the clog. Simply boil a large pot of water and slowly pour it down the affected drain. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
   
   
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar - Another home remedy for clearing out clogs is to mix together equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Once the mixture has been added to the drain, wait about 15 minutes and then pour boiling water down to flush out the gunk.
   
   
3. Plunger - A plunger is one of the most effective tools for unclogging drains. Make sure the plunger is submerged in water and create a tight seal around the drain before plunging. Do this several times until the clog is cleared away.
   
   
4. Auger - An auger, also known as a plumbing snake, is a long metal coil designed to reach deep into the pipes and clear out any clogs that are too far down for a plunger or other methods to access.
   
   
5. Our Red Cap Plumbers! We will ensure that your plumbing is FLOWING as it should and keep your family safe!
    

If you're still reaching for that store-bought cleaner, put it down and call our Red Cap team for professional drain cleaning service. We will take care of your plumbing problems the FIRST time and ensure no harm comes to your home in the process. Give us a call today and let us take care of your Tampa drain issues today.