The first thing most people go for when they have a clogged drain is a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. As advertised, these easily available products promise to clear up blockages in no time, but are they really the best option for clogged or blocked drains? At ABA Plumbing & Gas, we are your neighbourhood blocked drain plumbers in Adelaide and have seen numerous blocked drain situations. In this article, we’re assessing the benefits and drawbacks of chemical drain cleaners and assisting you in deciding how to handle those bothersome drain blockages while maintaining the health of your plumbing system. Keep reading as we weigh the pros and cons of drain-clearing with chemicals.

 The Pros of Chemical Drain Cleaners

• Convenience and Speed

• One of the major perks of using chemical cleaners for the drains is the mere convenience – they are easy to source from just about any supermarket or hardware store. Additionally, no special skills, expertise, or tools are required to apply them. If you are facing problems with a slow-draining sink or backed-up shower, pouring in a liquid cleaner seems quite easy and you can see the results within minutes!

• Cost-Effective

• Chemical drain cleaners are a cheap alternative compared to calling a professional plumber. Most bottles can be bought for less than $10, making it a suitable option for anyone on a tight budget.

• Effective on Minor Clogs

• Chemical cleaners work very well for dissolving a blockage normally caused by grease, soap scum, or hair since these products break down the material causing the clog so that it can be flushed away.

The Cons of Chemical Drain Cleaners

• Potential Damage to Pipes

• Chemical cleaners may work in the case of small clogs but they can damage pipes and your plumbing system. Strong chemicals can weaken and damage plastic pipes and can also be corrosive to metallic ones causing long-term problems such as leaks and expensive repairs due to improper or repeated application. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to older plumbing systems.

• Environmental Impact

• Many chemical drain cleaners contain hazardous materials which are harmful to the environment. Because you are draining them into your drains, eventually, they may find their way into water sources, threatening wildlife or even the ecosystem as a whole. Besides, the production and disposable waste of the products cause pollution.

3. Health Hazards

• Chemical drain cleaners are tough on drains and can be harmful for you too. These products contain caustic chemicals, which, if mixed incorrectly, could cause burns, respiratory problems, and irritated eyes. These chemicals must be handled carefully, especially if children and pets are around.

4. Limited Effectiveness on Severe Clogs

• Chemical cleaners can be effective for minor clogs but do not work well for major blockages. A professional blocked drain plumber should clear large blockages to determine a long-term solution.

5. Short-Term Solution

• Chemical cleaners may guarantee temporary quick fixes, but the problem reoccurs after some time. If your drains continue to block up regularly, there may be something serious going on. This is because the use of chemical cleaners masks the problem without actually solving it, which in the end results in frequent blocks and further increase in degradation of the pipes.

Seek Professional Help For Blocked Drains Adelaide

If your drains get clogged regularly and you find yourself reaching for chemical drain cleaners more times than you can remember then it is best to call a professional plumber. ABA Plumbing & Gas is the most trusted plumbing service that you can rely on for any drain problems – big or small. We have the tools and experience to tackle even the most stubborn drain problems. For safe and effective drain cleaning and prompt service, call our 24/7 plumbing helpline today. Avoid the risk of chemical drain cleaners and count on our licensed blocked drain repairs Adelaide – we’re just a call away!