Homenext iconBlognext icon

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners are Bad For Your Home

Design Element | Countryside Plumbing Sewer Septic

If you have a slow-moving drain, chemical drain cleaners may seem like a great option to clear the pipes. They may even be the only accessible option at hand and may seem like a convenient choice, but you should know that the chemicals in them are harmful to your home, your plumbing system, and your health.

We understand that a clogged drain is quite an emergency. Applying a chemical drain cleaner may seem like a quick fix, but it is temporary and more disadvantageous than helpful. After a while, you will most likely be faced with the same issue, as drain problems are usually an indicator of something bigger.

The problem is that these store-bought chemical drain cleaners are packed with dangerous chemicals and are highly toxic to the extent of causing severe damage to your home. Most drain chemical cleaners promising an instant fix are made up of powerful chemicals like lye, alkalines, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite. They will corrode all of the metal in your plumbing system if they are not used correctly. Not all drain cleaners will do this, so ensure you read the label before buying any products to help your plumbing.

To prevent unnecessary expense and a far bigger problem than a clogged drain, reach out to a qualified plumbing professional to take a look at the situation and recommend the best line of action.

Reasons to Not Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

It Ruins Your Plumbing

Your property’s plumbing is a delicate system that requires precision to function correctly. Plumbing pipes are made from a combination of materials that need specific temperatures to work as planned. When you use chemical drain cleaners, you put your pipes in a precarious position. Often, the high temperatures required to unclog your drain melt or break apart your piping and throw off the temperature balance of your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners will also corrode your pipes over time and cause dangerous damage that may not be immediately apparent.

It can be harmful to health

If you have children or members of your household who are already at risk from airborne irritants, it is best not to buy and store chemical drain cleaners in your home. The health and environmental dangers of chemical drain cleaners are pretty significant. They can pollute the air and water and, if swallowed, can burn the skin or cause serious internal harm.

The toxicity of the chemicals in these drain cleaners can cause the development of allergies and asthma, particularly in children. Generally, exposure to these is not advised, and continuous use of these chemicals will prove to be hazardous to health.

Also, using these chemicals may lead to contamination of your water supply. The fatal effects of this on health are enough reasons not to use them.

When drain clogs occur, it is best to contact the experts to sort them out. However, you may sometimes need a quick fix on short notice. In such cases, as chemical drain cleaners damage pipes and water supply, it is preferable to use non-toxic alternatives before your plumber can fix the problem. Baking soda or hot water can be a quick fix for unclogging drains with minor clogs. It does not harm the pipes or your plumbing system

Got a plumbing or septic emergency? Countryside Plumbing, Sewer, and Septic have the solution you need. We are a five-star rated and licensed service company, and you can consult with us for free here.

Reviews

Customer Testimonials

See why homeowners trust us for reliable, responsive service and lasting plumbing solutions.

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!

EVH Player
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan is a great guy who seems to genuinely care about delivering quality work. Not only did he fix the problem quickly and efficiently, but also pointed out that the ejector pump in my basement had installed the wrong kind and that there were some other parts used that are not up to code.

TJ Geurtsen
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Had a great experience with Countryside.  Called with a fairly urgent issue and Jordan was responsive and out the house fast.  Spent hours diagnosing my problem.  Prices were competitive and he took the time to explain the situation and options.  Highly recommend.

Chuck Haling
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

I reached out to Countryside this past June when the pipe from my house to the septic tank broke.  Jordan responded to my call quickly, gave me a very reasonable quote, and immediately fit me into his schedule- which I was extremely thankful for because my yard was getting pretty smelly.  Jordan is an expert in his field. 

Patricia Kolo
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan and his crew at Countryside just installed and hooked up a new septic tank for us.  We could not be happier with the result!  They are professional, easy to talk to, and kind.  We highly recommend them,

Troy McGee
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!

EVH P.
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan is a great guy who seems to genuinely care about delivering quality work. Not only did he fix the problem quickly and efficiently, but also pointed out that the ejector pump in my basement had installed the wrong kind and that there were some other parts used that are not up to code.

TJ G.
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Had a great experience with Countryside.  Called with a fairly urgent issue and Jordan was responsive and out the house fast.  Spent hours diagnosing my problem.  Prices were competitive and he took the time to explain the situation and options.  Highly recommend.

Chuck H.
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

I reached out to Countryside this past June when the pipe from my house to the septic tank broke.  Jordan responded to my call quickly, gave me a very reasonable quote, and immediately fit me into his schedule- which I was extremely thankful for because my yard was getting pretty smelly.  Jordan is an expert in his field. 

Patricia K.
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan and his crew at Countryside just installed and hooked up a new septic tank for us.  We could not be happier with the result!  They are professional, easy to talk to, and kind.  We highly recommend them,

Troy M.
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!

EVH P.

Flexible Financing Options

Get the service you need now pay over time with easy, affordable financing plans.

Design Element | Countryside Plumbing Sewer Septic

Blogs

Stay updated with our latest blog posts.
Why Your Basement Floods During Heavy Rain in Antioch
Why Your Basement Floods During Heavy Rain in Antioch
Emergency Backed Up Sewer Service
Guide
Emergency Backed Up Sewer Service
Recognizing them early is key to minimizing damage.
Facing Sewer Line Issues in Lake Villa? Here's What You Need to Know
Guide
Facing Sewer Line Issues in Lake Villa? Here's What You Need to Know
Dealing with a backed-up sewer line is stressful. It’s messy, disruptive, and can signal serious underlying problems.