Clogged drains are a common household problem in Mankato, MN. When you face a blocked drain, you’ll notice slow drainage, water backups, and flooding in kitchens, bathrooms, or utility areas. Overflow presents significant health hazards, damages structures, and eventually promotes mold and mildew growth. But is drain cleaner bad for pipes overall?
Many homeowners will turn to a hardware or grocery store in search of a simple solution to clogged drains. The wide variety of available products promises “safe, fast results,” and this sales pitch can be attractive when pipe disasters seem imminent. You can’t deny that some of these well-advertised products provide a temporary fix, but will you also face additional damage to an already compromised plumbing system?
Babe Plumbers, your trusted plumbers in Mankato, review the risks below, including some better alternatives than regular chemical drain cleaners.
What Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Made Of?
Most places carry common chemical drain cleaners, which typically fall under three main categories: caustic, oxidizing, and acidic.
Caustic Drain Cleaners
Store-bought caustic drain cleaners contain highly alkaline materials, including lye and potash. The high pH generates significant heat when the chemicals react with organic material like hair, grease, or food, clogging a drain pipe. The idea is to dislodge the clog with this sometimes violent chemical reaction.
Oxidizing Drain Cleaners
Store-bought oxidizing drain cleaners may contain bleach or peroxides. These chemicals react with food, hair, and organic matter. The manufacturers claim this reaction will break down the clog so that it can begin to flow through the pipeline.
Acidic Drain Cleaners
Lastly, acidic drain cleaners are the strongest publicly available chemical drain cleaners. Most of these products will include powerful sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, which have an extremely low pH and react aggressively with organic material. Essentially, acidic cleaners “eat away” the material clogging the drain, which is why they also damage pipes.
How Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Damage Pipes in Mankato, Minnesota
The reactions of the chemicals mentioned above generate significant amounts of heat within your clogged pipe system. Generally, excessive heat effects of drain cleaner on pipes include the following:
- It weakens the cement seals that hold PVC pipes together.
- It causes warping.
- It accelerates corrosion, especially in metal plumbing.
In homes in Mankato and around Minnesota, long-term and frequent use of these chemical drain cleaners will certainly lead to deteriorating pipes, leaks, and other damage. At the end of the day, any of these chemical drain cleaner risks can cost you a lot more than just hiring a plumber to handle the clog through professional drain cleaning services.
Your Best Alternative Pipe Cleaning Methods
Is drain cleaner bad for pipes? Yes, the risks of pipe damage from drain cleaners and other hazardous chemicals are high. Instead, homeowners might consider these safer alternatives for unclogging drains in Mankato:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Sometimes, a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar breaks down minor clogs. First, pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, and then pour a cup of vinegar on top of it. After the mixture stops fizzing, flush it with boiling water.
Plungers
Your standard plunger does not involve any chemical reaction, just good, old-fashioned pressure. It uses the power of suction to dislodge the clog a bit and, hopefully, break it up to more easily flow down the drain.
Drain Snakes
Plumber’s snakes are another great non-chemical tool against drain clogs. These flexible augers work down a drain to reach a clog and break up the organic material stopping up the pipe. A drain snake can also remove some of this material when pulled up.
When To Call for Professional Help in Mankato, MN
Have you tried using the baking soda and vinegar method, a plunger, or even a drain snake, and nothing has worked? Call the experts before you think about harmful chemical drain cleaners! Southern Minnesota locals like Babe Plumbing, Heating and Air are happy to help with their professional-grade tools and expertise to clear all types of clogs.
Plumbers don’t cause further damage to your plumbing system or expose your home and family to dangerous chemical reactions. The team will also recommend the most cost-effective solution in the event of leaks or other damage.
Contact Babe Plumbing, Heating and Air for Professional Plumbing Services in Southern Minnesota
Is drain cleaner bad for pipes, no matter what? Buying chemical drain cleaners from a store might seem like an easy fix, but your plumbing system won’t thank you for going this route. Preventative measures and safer drain-clearing alternatives are much better choices.
Can a bath and toilet share the same drain? For this and other plumbing answers, get in touch with the friendly professionals at Babe Plumbing, Heating and Air. Call 507-443-3427 to schedule services in Mankato, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas!
FAQs About Drain Cleaners
Here are some questions our customers in Mankato ask about drain cleaner safety.
How Often Should I Clean My Pipes To Prevent Clogged Drains?
There’s no set answer to how often you should clean your pipes to prevent clogged drains, but regularly checking your drains is a good start. If you notice gunge or slow drainage, you could try natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar or plunge the drain. If you’re finding that doing this every few months isn’t working, it’s time to get professional help.
What Should I Do if a Drain Clog Doesn’t Clear With a Plunger?
If your drain clog doesn’t clear with a plunger or a drain snake, you should immediately call professionals like Babe Plumbing, Heating and Air to avoid further damage to your property’s pipes. To avoid clogs, use drain guards to catch hair and other natural debris and avoid pouring grease, oil, or large pieces of food down any drain.
Can Using Drain Cleaners Frequently Cause Health Problems or Contaminate My Water Supply?
Yes, drain cleaners can cause health problems and contaminate your water supply. Is drain cleaner bad for pipes or health if you can avoid the toxic fumes of chemical reactions? Even if you avoid the fumes that pose respiratory risks and irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, drain cleaner pipe, damage may still lead to water leaks or cross-contaminate your water supply.