Whether you have a clogged sink or bathtub drain, store-bought drain cleaners typically claim to be the cheapest and easiest way to unclog and clean-out your drain. However, the chemical combination used in these cleaners can be incredibly harmful to you, your plumbing hardware, and your environment. Using store-bought drain cleaners can lead to problems in the future. Most store-bought drain cleaners are:
- Not 100% effective
- Can cause damage to your plumbing
- Contain highly toxic chemicals
- Are poisonous to landfills
Store-bought drain cleaners work by breaking down whatever is clogging your drain. For example, if you have a shower drain that is clogged with hair, a store-bought drain cleaner can fight through the hair, but most of it is likely to stay in your drain. This means that your drain isn’t really clean, and your drain will, more than likely, re-clog within the near future.
Whatever chemicals are used to break through the hair in your drain (typically sulfuric acid) will remain in your drain. Over time, the acid may begin to corrode your pipes, leading to an expensive repair. The acids used in store-bought drain cleaners tend to be highly toxic, so they’re unsafe to your children and pets. The lingering fumes, after using store-bought drain cleaner, can harm your skin and eyes. When you throw away the container, the toxins end up in the landfill and slowly make their way into our groundwater, polluting our drinking water.
The best way to clear your pipes and solve your clogged drain issue is to call Eastern Plumbing, a professional plumber. At Eastern Plumbing, we pride ourselves on our effectiveness and professionalism – something that your store-bought drain cleaner can’t offer.
For all plumbing needs, whether that be a clogged drain, new fixtures, or issues with the water heater, the team at Eastern Plumbing is there for you. Call us today at 252-758-7579.
