A clogged drain is always a drag! You know how stressful it's to unclog a toilet, backed-up kitchen sink, or blocked bathtub. Unfortunately, you have to deal with the clog before it gets out of hand. But does that mean you should use chemical drain cleaners every time you want to clear your plumbing system? Chemical drain cleaning seems like it's the easiest way to go, but it does more harm than good. There are so many drain cleaning alternatives out there! Try them out before you turn to chemical drain cleaners.

Why You Should Avoid Them

Here are some reasons why chemical drain cleaners should be avoided.

Health Hazard

Using chemical products to unclog your drain lines isn't entirely safe. These products tend to produce unhealthy fumes and can even burn your skin if they accidentally come into contact with it. Remember these chemicals are potent enough to dissolve tough clogs, and they would definitely cause health problems if misused.

If you have to use chemical drain cleaners, be sure to read the label and check for any instructions relating to hazardous warnings.

Fixture Damage

As you'd expect, chemical products contain strong acids that will ruin most metallic fixtures. Avoid any scenario where you're going to use chemical drain cleaners on your metallic bathtubs or sinks. In any case, you'll just be ruining the finish and dissolving the metal.

Damaged Plumbing Pipes

You might not have metallic fixtures, but chances are you have metallic drain pipes. If that's the case, the strong acid in the chemicals will corrode your plumbing pipes and cause them to burst. Now imagine the cost of replacing the drain lines and pipes. Is it worth it?

Not Always Effective

As much as chemical drain cleaners are strong, they won't work every time. Sometimes, the clog in your drain might have come about because of various reasons other than a build-up of grease or hair. Such clogs require the intervention of a plumber.

Alternatives to Chemical Drain Solutions

If you're dealing with a stubborn clog, you try using homemade remedies such as hot water and dish soap or the vinegar and baking soda technique. Some clogs can even be solved using a plunger. On the off chance that you're unsuccessful, you should call in a plumber to deal with the situation.

Plumbers are experts when it comes to unclogging drains. It doesn't matter what kind of clog you're dealing with; a professional plumber will take care of it in the best way possible. Chemical drain cleaning might seem like the best solution, but it causes more damage than you'd expect if done wrongly. Reach out to a plumbing professional for assistance.