What do you do when you have a clogged drain? The easiest solution is to just stick some store-bought drain cleaner down there and forget about the problem. While this may fix your problem quickly, any plumbing expert will tell you not to do it. We’ll tell you why you should stop using store-bought drain cleaner and what to do instead.

How does store-bought drain cleaner work?

There are different types of store-bought drain cleaners that work in slightly different ways to clear a clog. Typically, they are extremely acidic, caustic, and corrosive. When you pour drain cleaner on top of the materials clogging your drain, it essentially eats through them in order to clear the clog. 

What are the downsides of using drain cleaner?

Since drain cleaner is so corrosive, it can be incredibly damaging to your pipes, especially when used regularly. The liquid not only eats away at the materials clogging your drain, but can also eat away at the inside lining of your pipes. Drain cleaner will coat the inside of your pipes as it is poured down. If it is not thoroughly washed away afterward, then this will start to corrode and degrade your pipes, even with tough, cast iron pipes. 

If the clog is too big for the drain cleaner to handle, then the liquid will sit on top of the clog until it is properly cleared. This will do even more damage to your drain pipe as the liquid remains in contact with them. The substances found in drain cleaner also make it extremely dangerous to come into contact with. If it accidentally touches your skin, then it can burn badly. The fumes left behind after using drain cleaner are also dangerous to inhale. 

Drain cleaners aren’t even a particularly effective way of clearing clogs. They are likely to leave debris material behind, making it more likely for clogs to occur again in the future. 

A better solution for clogged drains

The next time you have a clogged drain, don’t reach for that store-bought drain cleaner. If you want to try to clear the clog yourself, then it is better and safer to use a plunger. For a more effective solution or if the plunger doesn’t do the trick, you should call your local plumber to clear the clog for you. They use professional techniques like drain snaking and hydro jetting to make sure the clog is fully cleared with no damage to your drain. 

If you’re having plumbing problems around Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, and Guilford Counties, get in touch with us for our expert services and assistance.