The (Not So) Hidden Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Posted on:

If you’ve ever had a minor clog in a kitchen or bathroom sink, you’ve probably been tempted to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner to knock it out fast. But this can be just about the worst thing you can do! In addition to not always being effective, chemical drain cleaners can seriously damage your pipes and septic system, and often only put a bandage on a bigger problem!

In certain cases, there are safe ways to use chemical drain cleaners. But before you consider it, make sure you read the following safety tips:

Know What Chemicals are Seriously Harmful

Before you use a chemical drain cleaner, check the label to see if it contains acid or lye. Acid and lye are extremely potent chemicals, and can contaminate waste water and septic systems, damage piping, and cause serious harm to skin and eyes.

You should never have to use these chemicals to clean your drains, but if you have to use them in any case, make sure to take proper precautions:

  • Wear gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles
  • Make sure the room you’re in is fully ventilated
  • Put these chemicals in a safe place when finished

Click here to learn what to do in the event of chemical drain cleaner poisoning.

Always, Always, Always Read Labels Carefully

Some chemical drain cleaners can burn through different types of pipes; others can damage the ecosystem of your septic tank; others can burn through your skin…and many can do all this and more! Before you reach for a chemical drain cleaner, make sure you understand what it’s capable of—and what to do in the event of a spill.

Don’t Mix Chemicals

Chemical drain cleaners are harsher than other types of chemicals, and may create toxic fumes or have other dangerous reactions when mixed. These reactions can not only create an immediate personal hazard, but they can also make cleaning the drains manually in the future impossible.

Don’t put yourself at risk – if you have a clogged drain that you need cleared out, call R.V. Carey’s for drain cleaning services today!

Read more about our drain cleaning services>>