Why You Should Never Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaners

The quick fix of a store-bought drain cleaner is tempting when you have a clog. But these cause significantly more damage to your plumbing system than you realize. They sometimes cause more damage than the clog itself! Here’s why you should never use store-bought chemical cleaners for your drain cleaning in Olympia.

How the Science Shakes Out

Store-bought drain cleaners rely on powerful chemicals to dissolve clogs. These chemicals create a reaction that forces its way through grease, hair, and food. It’s effective in theory; the chemicals eat through your clog and make it so you can use your drain again. However, the reaction is often so intense that it damages your pipes.

Homes with PVC piping are at risk of the chemicals melting or warping the plastic, leading to leaks. If you have iron or steel pipes, the cleaners can slowly eat away at the metal. So while the store-bought drain cleaner might temporarily fix one problem, it sets you on a sure path toward another, much more expensive one.

Chemical drain cleaners aren’t very safe to have around, either. Getting these chemicals on your skin can irritate at best and cause chemical burns at worst. If the drain cleaner doesn’t work, that corrosive water sits in your sink, creating a problem for your sink and the plumber when they eventually arrive to fix it.

Why You Should Hire Professionals

Professional drain cleaning in Olympia is not only safer for your pipes but also more effective at tackling the issue. Store-bought cleaners often only make a hole through a clog. This leaves the bulk of it behind, guaranteeing that you’ll have a new clog within a few months or even weeks.

When you hire professionals, you’re fixing the cause of the problem. Professional plumbers use mechanical methods, like snakes, to find and remove the entire blockage. This clears the pipes without putting any corrosive elements through your system. 

Clear Your Clogs With Professional Drain Cleaning in Olympia

A few dollars a bottle isn’t worth the damage you could do to your pipes by using store-bought cleaners. Contact Brooks Plumbing Company today to learn more and schedule your appointment with one of our plumbers to take care of your clog naturally.