Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Harmful For Your Plumbing
Most chemical drain cleaners contain sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide (also called lye or caustic soda). These are very corrosive chemicals to metals and organic materials. These chemicals are bases which means they give the clogging substance electrons and the hydroxide ions generate a reaction that clears up the clog. Heat is released by the alkaline chemicals which result in grease turning into a soap-like substance that is easier to dissolve. Since drain cleaners are a lot heavier than water is, they sink through the standing water that is attached to the clog.
There are other cleaners that contain nitrates, peroxides, and household bleach. Those chemicals cause organic materials that are generating the clog to become oxidized and lose electrons.
What Happens When Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Used
Heat is produced by most of the chemicals which can eat away at old metal pipes and soften PVC pipes.
Along with the chemicals harming your pipes, they can be harmful to your health as well. If you don’t take precautions to not inhale them or don’t wear gloves they can also be dangerous to your skin.
Like so many other aspects of home repair, the best way for residents to keep their families and homes healthy, and unexpected repairs under control, is through proper maintenance. Pipes throughout your house carry waste water out of your house, underneath the home, through your yard, and to the city sewer connection or your septic system eventually. It is very important these the plumbing lines be kept clean, and the drains continue to flow well.
What can you do to keep drains clean?
Dirty pipes can be hidden but their effects may still be manifested throughout the entire house. A major consideration is any foul smells coming from dirty pipes. At times fumes coming from the pipes might come come up and then exit your home smelling similar to a sewer. The foul smell may move through the interconnected household piping system from one room to the next until the entire house is filled. Another concern is that dirty pipes might harbor bacteria, molds and germs. Those microorganisms pose serious health hazards and might cause your family to contract numerous illnesses. Think about the kitchen sink drain along with the germs inside of it. Whenever you are preparing food, those germs can get into the food and contaminate it. Therefore, keeping your pipes clean is necessary.