Why You Should Think Before You Use Liquid Drain Cleaners

Picture this. You’re taking a shower after a long day at work. You quickly notice the water puddling up at your feet. Next thing you know, it’s all the way up to your ankles. When you turn off the shower, it takes the water an hour to drain—you guessed right, it’s clogged!

Clogged drains are frustrating—not to mention a bit gross. Quick, bargain-priced solutions may seem like the best fix, but before you head to the grocery store to pick up a liquid drain cleaner, consider this: chemical drain cleaners are not safe!

Based on our experience as professional plumbers, here are four reasons you should never rely on liquid chemical drain cleaners for your bathroom, shower, or kitchen sink.

Liquid Drain Cleaners are Toxic

Liquid drain cleaners are made up of chemicals—most of which can be harmful and toxic. The fumes have a tendency to irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and they are not healthy to inhale. Not to mention, if you have children in your home, it is unsafe to have toxic substances in a place where they are easily accessible. If ingested, fatality could occur.

Damage to Your Plumbing

In most drain cleaners, the primary chemical is hydrochloric acid. While it is powerful enough to dissolve buildup on the walls of your pipes, it’s also a bit too corrosive. Once down your drain, the chemical can gnaw at your pipes to the point of severe damage.

Not Environmentally Friendly

Drain cleaners and the environment? They are not friends. Any unused liquid drain cleaners should be treated as hazardous waste, and you should never attempt to recycle bottles of drain cleaner. If recycled or thrown in the trash, leftover chemical residue can harm animals and water supplies wherever they end up.

They Don’t Work

Some liquid drain cleaners don’t work, especially if the clog is deep. Other times, when your shower or sink is backed up, it has nothing to do with a clog. It could be a sign of a much more serious issue—like sewer line problems or a broken pipe.

When it comes to plumbing problems, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Next time you find yourself with a backed-up shower or an overflowing sink, put that bottle of drain cleaner down and pick up the phone. Call a professional plumbing service that specializes in drain cleaning services—it’s a much safer alternative!

Drain Cleaning Services in Ellicott City and Columbia, MD Area

If you need drain cleaning services in Ellicott City, Columbia, or in a surrounding area, Heil Plumbing & HVAC is prepared to help! We offer reliable plumbing and sewer services throughout Howard County, MD.

Why Choose Heil

• Years In Business
• Customers Helped
• Service

The Heil Difference

We’re dedicated to offering the highest quality residential and commercial plumbing services for every customer. Our plumbers are available to respond to your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our residential and commercial plumbers in Columbia and Ellicott City cover every need, from simple fixture repairs to complex drain and sewer problems.

While we are based in Jessup, Maryland, our plumbing contractors also service Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Odenton, Clarksville, Elkridge, Fulton, Laurel, and Severn.