Can Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

Drain Cleaners and Damaged Pipes

Drain cleaners work by filling your pipes with powerful chemicals that break down clogs. However, these same chemicals can damage your pipes if you don't take proper care. The best way to protect your pipes is to avoid using drain cleaners altogether—but if you do use one anyway, here's what you need to know:

Choosing a Drain Cleaner

If you have a drain clog, you're probably looking for a quick and easy solution. While there are plenty of options out there that will get the job done, some can be harmful to your pipes and septic tank. So before you run out and grab the first bottle you see in the store aisle, take some time to read the label and make sure it's safe for your home.

Drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. In addition to the chemical reaction that allows drain cleaners to dissolve clogs, they also cause corrosion in pipes and fixtures. The corrosion causes erosion of metal surfaces, which can lead to water leakage or blocked drains.

Drain Cleaners Damage Septic Systems, Tanks, and Pipes

Drain cleaners can damage pipes. Drain cleaners can also damage septic systems, as well as septic tanks. If you have a drainage system for your home or business, it's important to understand how drain cleaners work and what their effects are on the pipes, pumps, and other equipment that make up your system.

Alternative Options

The alternative solution is a plunger or plumber's snake. Plungers work by creating a vacuum suction that can break down blockages in sink drains and shower drains. You just have to stick the plunger over the drain opening and plunge up-and-down until you've cleared your clog! Plumbers' snakes are long flexible rods with small hooks on one end which are inserted into your pipes so they can pull out debris from within them like grease buildup from cooking oils (a common source of clogs). Both methods take more time than using chemical drain cleaners but will save you money on repairs later down the road when those corroded pipes start leaking water everywhere!

Drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to clear a clogged drain, but they come with risks. If you have any concerns about the safety of using them in your home or business, it’s best to avoid them altogether. There are other ways to remove blockages from your pipes that won't damage them—such as using a plunger or hiring professional plumbers—and these methods are usually much safer for both humans and their surroundings than harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach or lye-based products.

If you have a water leak from a clog, give SERVPRO of NW Wichita a call! We will have your Wichita home back to normal in no time!