You’ve likely seen commercials showing off the efficiency of drain cleaners. That troublesome ball of hair wooshes down the drain with the power of their liquid plumber! But did you know that you could be risking your property when using one?
Is drain cleaner bad for pipes? Titanium Plumbing & Heating is your top plumber in Bergenfield, NJ. We provide industry-leading plumbing services across New Jersey and help keep your pipelines safe and long-lasting.
Is Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes in Bergenfield, NJ?
You can buy two types of drain cleaners.
The first and most familiar type is a non-enzymatic drain cleaner. It uses acids and other corrosive chemicals. Hair, fats, and soap scum clogging your system all break apart and flow down the sewer line, sometimes in 15 minutes or less.
The second type, which some people don’t know about, is enzymatic drain cleaner. It uses enzymes and bacteria to break down tough clogs. It can take longer for an enzyme-based drain cleaner to effectively clear the pipeline.
Chemicals vs. Enzymes: Solving Bergenfield’s Drainage Problem
Bergenfield has been growing its reputation as an international food and shopping center. Businesses or household entertainers would definitely want to avoid clogs in their kitchens and bathrooms.
To get rid of them in these more fast-paced environments, pouring some liquid cleaner down the drain seems convenient. Chemical cleaners could quickly break down the clog instead of waiting on enzyme-based cleaners. But is this really the best idea?
The Problem With Popular Chemical Cleaners
Is drain cleaner bad for pipes? The short answer is “yes.” These cleaners use caustic chemicals that lead to corrosion, damaging your pipelines. Whether copper, PVC, or otherwise, chemical-based options wear down on them over time, creating weak spots and widening cracks. Eventually, you could end up with a burst pipe or open space for tree roots to infiltrate the line.
Moreover, these cleaners harm the environment and present health hazards. If some of the cleaner splashes onto your skin, it can cause swelling, burns, and pain. Even being around the fumes causes problems — eye irritation and nasal or throat pain are common if you aren’t careful.
In addition, residue left behind by the cleaner can have a chemical reaction with other ones you use in the sink or toilet. This process can produce even more hazardous gases and potentially cause unconsciousness or severe injury.
Are Enzyme-Based Cleaners Better?
Enzyme-based cleaners take longer to work, but they are much safer for your plumbing because they break down fats, hair, soap residue, and organic clogs without damaging pipe materials like harsh chemical cleaners can. However, they may not fully clear heavy blockages, recurring slow drains, or deep buildup inside the line. In those cases, professional drain cleaning is the better option because it restores proper flow more thoroughly and helps prevent future plumbing issues.
The Problem With All Liquid Drain Cleaners
We now know chemical drain cleaners harm your health and the environment. We also know that, while it takes longer, enzymatic drain cleaners can get the job done. So, why is drain cleaner bad for pipes regardless of the benefits of enzymatic cleaners?
Simply put, it uses a one-size-fits-all solution for when you may really need detailed care. For example, neither chemical nor enzymatic drain cleaners can remove tree roots infiltrating the pipeline. Sure, you might address some of the gunk cleaning to the roots, but not the roots themselves.
If the roots grow further, they could break the pipe apart, leading to expensive leaks and property damage. Considering the high tree population in Bergenfield, root-based pipeline problems are a real threat.
Pipeline Care That Doesn’t Miss the Mark in Bergenfield, NJ
If you want to try a liquid drain cleaner, we suggest enzymatic ones, which you can order online. However, you can call us if a clog was the least of your plumbing worries.
Titanium Plumbing & Heating provides expert plumbing services 24/7, with much more versatility than store-bought liquid plumbing cleaners. We also offer plumbing tips for winter, plumbing maintenance, and protection against pipe damage.
Is drain cleaner bad for pipes? It certainly is when you could be missing out on savings and plumbing care! Call Titanium Plumbing & Heating at 201-254-8580 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation today!