Liquid drain cleaners are popular because they provide a no-fuss way to clear out clogged drains. They might work in some cases to solve the problem of clogging, but only temporarily. Plumbing professionals like MasterTech in Columbia do not recommend liquid drains cleaners as a long-term solution for drain maintenance.
How can liquid drain cleaners harm you?
Here is a list of four reasons to not use a liquid drain cleaner.
- Hydrochloric acid is a primary component of liquid drain cleaners and it can cause serious damage to the drains, especially if used on a regular basis. The chemicals can actually erode metal and other materials. This could lead to holes and cracks in the drain pipes, thereby increasing your problems rather than solving them.
- The chemicals in these liquid cleaners can also harm the user. The fumes can irritate the eyes and the respiratory tract. Even a little splash of these cleansers can cause severe burns on the skin. The chemicals are also dangerous to store at home, especially within easy reach of kids. Even if a small portion of it is consumed by accident, it can prove to be fatal. Liquid cleansers are also harmful to pets, if ingested.
- The chemicals in liquid cleansers can also damage other hardware like your sink and taps. If the liquid falls on the floor, it can damage tiles and flooring, as well.
- Drain cleaners are not always effective and users end up wasting a lot of time and money on it. Often, you may need to keep reusing it without any positive results.