Why Not to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy fix when a sink, tub, shower, or drain starts running slow. You pour it in, wait, and hope the clog clears.

But chemical drain cleaners are not always the best choice, especially if the drain is fully stopped, keeps clogging, or may need to be opened and serviced by a plumber.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Be a Problem

Chemical drain cleaners are made to break down material inside a drain, but they can also be harsh on the plumbing system.

They may:

• Sit in the pipe if the drain is completely blocked
• Be harsh on certain pipes, fittings, seals, or older plumbing
• Create fumes or strong odors
• Splash back if the drain does not clear
• Make the work more hazardous if the drain still needs to be serviced
• Fail to remove the real cause of the clog
• Give temporary relief while the problem keeps building up

Sometimes the clog is not just hair or buildup near the drain opening. It may be deeper in the line, caused by grease, wipes, debris, pipe slope, roots, venting issues, or a larger drain concern.

Chemical Cleaners May Not Fix Recurring Clogs

If the same drain keeps slowing down or clogging again, there may be a bigger issue than surface buildup.

Recurring drain problems may point to:

• Grease buildup
• Hair and soap buildup
• Food scraps
• Wipes or paper products
• A partial blockage farther down the line
• A venting issue
• Pipe damage or poor drainage
• A sewer or main line concern

A drain that keeps clogging usually needs the cause addressed, not just a temporary chemical treatment.

What to Try Instead

For minor slow drains, you can try safer first steps, depending on the fixture:

• Remove visible hair or debris from the drain opening
• Check and clean the sink stopper
• Avoid putting more water down if it is backing up
• Use a plunger carefully if appropriate
• Notice whether other drains are slow too
• Stop using the fixture if water is backing up or overflowing

If a drain is completely stopped, sewage is backing up, or multiple fixtures are affected, it is better to stop using water and call for help.

Drain or Sewer Concern?

When to Call a Plumber

Call a plumber if the drain is completely clogged, keeps coming back, smells bad, gurgles, backs up into another fixture, or if more than one drain is affected.

You should also call if you already used a chemical drain cleaner and the drain did not clear. Let the plumber know before service so they can take proper precautions.

Drain or sewer concern?

Call or text Shanks Onsite Services at 470-531-3956 with a photo or short video. Let us know which drain is affected, how long it has been happening, and whether any chemical cleaner has already been used.

Local West Georgia Plumbing • Licensed Master Plumber • Family-owned

Shanks is on it.

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