When your drain is slow, you want a quick solution. That chemical cleaner will guarantee results within a few minutes. Pour, wait, flush, done! But chemical drain cleaners bring more harm than good. At least in the long term. 

The next time you are about to pick up that product, think twice. This is what these cleaners are doing inside your pipes.

They damage your pipes

Most of these products use very corrosive materials, such as:

• Sodium hydroxide 
• Sulfuric acid. 

These chemicals produce heat to dissolve clogs. That is not the only place where heat attacks. It also stresses your pipes.

Old systems have metal pipes. These chemicals increase corrosion. With PVC pipes, it can deform joints. This can, over time, elevate the chances of:

• Leaks
• Cracks 
• Joint failure.

Finally, you may have to replace the whole system.

They do not often solve the real problem

Chemical cleaners are a quick solution. Many times, they partially dissolve an obstruction. That leaves behind a residue. In turn, this creates a new anchoring site for more dirt. So the same issue recurs.

A drain obstruction can be due to:

• Tree roots
• Solid obstructions
• Collapsed piping
• Heavy grease.

Chemicals do not address the root problem. But Calgary plumbers can locate the root cause and solve it once and for all.

They create safety risks

Chemicals are dangerous:

• The fumes may irritate your lungs. 
• Splashes on the skin can result in burns. 
• Combining various products, even accidentally, may cause poisonous gases.

Sometimes, your drain might be completely obstructed. As a result, the chemical solution remains in the pipe and is active. That standing chemical can create a high risk of injury when a plumber services the line later.

Moreover, storing such products at home is risky. Especially when you have children or pets.

They harm septic systems

Septic systems are dependent on bacteria to degrade waste. Chemical cleaners can destabilize the bacterial decomposition. This makes it less efficient and more prone to backups.

It is much more costly to repair or replace a damaged septic system than it is to deal with a clogged drain appropriately.

They are not environmentally friendly

After going through your plumbing, those chemicals get into the wastewater system. Treatment processes exist. But cleaning aggressive corrosive elements strains the environment.

There are safer options like:

• Mechanical drain snakes
• Enzyme-based cleaners 
• Routine maintenance.

These practices offer good results without any corrosive effect.

The bottom line

Chemical drain cleaners can be a tempting, fast solution. However, in most cases, they are an avoidable cause of loss. When you have constant clogs, handle it like a system problem. Avoid temporary solutions. Invite a licensed plumber to assess the system. They will fix it in the safest way possible.