Why Is DIY Drain Cleaning A Bad Idea?

May 18, 2022 | Columbus, Cleaning, Drain, Maintenance, OH, Ohio, Plumbing

Unfortunately, clogged drains are a common occurrence, and if you haven’t experienced one yet, at some point, most homeowners will come face to face with this problem. However, clogged drains are typically a simple fix you can do independently that doesn’t require a plumber’s help. When homeowners are in a pinch, they ultimately turn to drain cleaner or DIY cleaning methods to help resolve the issue but instead do more harm than good. At Five Star Columbus Plumbing, we understand the attraction of drain cleaners. With that being said, in this blog post, our professionals help explain why it is best to drop the drain cleaner and give us a call for drain cleaning services instead.

How Effective is Drain Cleaner, and is it Toxic?

Although DIY and store-bought drain cleaners may be suitable for minor clogs, they are ineffective for large-sized clogs. Not to mention, they can even damage your pipes. This is because drain cleaners are full of harsh, toxic chemicals that are very corrosive on pipes and plumbing systems. In addition, the chemicals from drain cleaners can linger in the air, even after pouring them down the drain, exposing anyone who enters your home. Therefore, we suggest not taking any chances and calling the plumbing experts for all of your household clogged drains.

Will Drain Cleaning Aggravate a Previous Plumbing Issue?

Homeowners can typically magnify any issues with their residential plumbing by digging around the pipes. Whether it is a sink, toilet, main drain, or mainline, a DIY or store-bought drain cleaners can turn a minor issue into a bigger problem in no time. This includes a leak in a pipe popping up or, worse, a busted pipe. In addition, it is way more expensive to fix issues like a damaged pipe instead of just getting in touch with a plumber to repair the original clog. 

How Does Drain Cleaner Damage Pipes?

Drain cleaners contain high amounts of hydrochloric acid, which is very caustic and acidic. Although this chemical is beneficial for breaking down and remediating minor clogs, your pipes and septic system are in danger of corrosion and damage. In addition, the important bacteria that break down waste stuck in your drains also risk being flushed out by these highly acidic drain cleaners.

For any homeowner, it is difficult to pinpoint precisely what is wrong with your plumbing system when you experience clogs. Although household clogs seem like an easy fix, there could always be an underlying issue that is bigger than it looks. The best way to know is by having plumbers, like the experts at Five Star Columbus Plumbing, come out and check it out for themselves. Our plumbing and drain experts will be able to determine the root cause of your clog quickly and efficiently, using multiple methods to assess and repair the issue. So give us a today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here