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What Issues Come With Over the Counter Drain Cleaner?

Oct 21, 2021

What To Think About When Choosing Store Bought Drain Cleaner?

You may think store bought drain cleaner is a great idea, but if you are going to be using one you should probably know what problems can occur. Drain cleaners come in several different varieties, from very hazardous chemicals to the more safe and eco-friendly varieties available on today's market.

generic cleaner bottles

Store Bought Products Can Be Harmful To Your Body

Store bought drain cleaner can have many harmful effects on your skin as well as your lungs. Store bought drain cleaners can cause your skin to burn or sting when they come in contact with your skin. They may also irritate your respiratory tract if inhaled. If swallowed, these chemicals can be extremely dangerous. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that chemical drain cleaners can cause health problems - especially in young children and the elderly.
The following are a few home options courtesy of HGTV .
  • Baking Soda + Vinegar
  • Baking Soda + Salt
  • Salt + Borax + Vinegar

Follow with a pot of near boiling water to flush the mixture. Before trying any of these, be sure to first remove your drain screen or stopper and wipe out any visible blockages with a paper towel.
When at the store you should also attempt to find a drain cleaner that is as environmentally friendly as possible. Although they will not be as effective as the ones with higher acidity content, they are much safer for use around pets and small children. It is recommended that if you have a child in your home under the age of five then you do not purchase any type of solution without consulting a professional first.

Will Store Bought Drain Cleaner Damage My Septic Tank?

Since most home septic tanks have a thin membrane lining that covers porous concrete, there is a chance that the corrosiveness of the drain cleaner will cause damages to this layer and thus allow leaks in the membrane and/or seepage from within or underneath of the septic system into your water table. Additionally, strong alkaline substances such as lye may also alter the pH of the effluent water that leaves the septic system. If this happens, there is a risk that microorganisms will grow too fast and overload the treatment process. This could potentially cause untreated sewage to enter surface or ground water sources.
Store bought drain cleaners will not damage a septic tank as long as the label instructions are followed properly.

OTC Drain Cleaners Can Damage Pipes

Some store bought drain cleaners are corrosive because they contain acid. Corrosive acids can dissolve metals including copper, lead, brass, iron and zinc piping which are usually found in homes' kitchen and bathroom plumbing. The dissolved metal makes its way into your drinking water and can be very toxic. For instance, ingesting small amounts of oxidized copper contributes to liver disease - especially for children.
People often become alarmed when they find out that their drain cleaner is poison, but it's important to remember not all of them are created equal; some are worse than others on account of what they contain mainly by way of active ingredients, pH levels and corrosiveness (how quickly the chemicals work).

When To Call A Pro?

If you have a serious or recurring problem that simple drain cleaners don't resolve, it's time to call Lutz Plumbing who will be able to use more effective treatments involving high-pressure water jets to physically remove debris from the system. This is often the only way to get rid of really tough jobs like tree roots or grease blockages that are up around pipes rather than just down at the bottom where most drain cleaners do their work.
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