A clog in your plumbing system can devastate your Stafford, VA home. Not only can a clog prevent you from using your plumbing and related fixtures properly, but it can also cause your pipes to burst. This is a messy situation that results in the need for emergency repairs and a significant cleanup effort. Many homeowners assume a chemical drain cleaner can help prevent and treat clogs. Let’s look at why these products can be hazardous for your pipes and plumbing.
Caustic Chemicals
Chemical-based drain cleaners are made from sulfuric acid, lye, and potassium hydroxide. These ingredients can be effective at dissolving a clog. However, they can also be very damaging to your pipes. Most new homes have pipes made from PVC, which can be broken down very quickly by caustic chemicals. Avoiding traditional drain cleaners, opting for a more natural approach is best.
A much safer option for clearing your pipes that will protect your plumbing and your health is using baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. Pouring some baking soda down your drain, followed by the same amount of vinegar, will result in an acid-base reaction that can break apart a clog and clean out your pipes. Let the mixture set for a while, then follow it with boiling water to flush everything clean.
Hot water mixed with dish soap can loosen grease buildup, while salt and baking soda work to scrub the pipes. A plunger or drain snake can also physically remove blockages without harsh chemicals. These methods are safer for plumbing, better for the environment, and prevent pipe damage that chemical cleaners might cause over time.
Health Dangers
The chemicals in drain cleaners are very dangerous to your health. Breathing these products can result in irritation and damage to your airways and sinuses. Some people experience other symptoms, such as GI upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. If you touch chemical-based drain cleaners, they can burn your skin. The fumes can also bother your eyes.
Long-Term Effects
Drain cleaners are designed to break apart a clog initially, but they hang around in your pipes for a few weeks for long-lasting protection. This can expand the issues that drain cleaners can cause concerning your health and plumbing. You may not notice the fumes at first, but they can continue off-gassing at a low level that harms you, your family, and any pets in the home.
Damaging Fixtures
Chemical drain cleaners can damage your toilet and other plumbing fixtures. Some products are caustic enough to eat away at the enamel or porcelain on your toilet bowl. This will lead to fixture issues and shorten their lifespan. You’ll make more frequent repairs and replacements, which can get expensive.
Harming the Environment
It’s essential to pay attention to how our choices affect the environment. Chemical drain cleaners affect the water table. While our water is treated before it runs through our faucets, very low levels of chemicals can be harmful to the environment.
Ineffective Products
Unfortunately, drain cleaners aren’t always effective at removing clogs, so you end up wasting money on something you don’t need. We recommend having our team address any drain and plumbing issues you have. This protects the safety of your plumbing and your family. We also find that our services provide longer-lasting results than store-bought products.
Septic Tank Issues
If your Stafford home has a septic tank, drain cleaners can damage it permanently. They also kill the beneficial bacteria needed to break down waste, leading to blockages, clogs, and expensive repair needs.
If you want to learn more about the dangers of drain cleaning and maintaining your Stafford plumbing, contact us at Smooth Plumbing. In addition to inspecting and cleaning drains, we provide leak detection services, install plumbing fixtures, address water pressure concerns, and more. We also work on gas lines, sewers, and main water lines. Contact Smooth Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
