Stop Pouring Money Down the Drain: The Dark Side of Chemical Uncloggers
The Dark Side of Chemical Uncloggers
We’ve all been there: the sink is draining slowly, and a R100 bottle of liquid "unclogger" seems like a bargain compared to calling out a pro.
But at Drainology, we frequently see how these "quick fixes" turn a minor blockage into a multi-thousand-pound repair job.
Here is why your DIY chemical habit might be destroying your plumbing:
They Are "Corrosive by Design"
Most store-bought cleaners use heavy-duty alkaline chemicals or acids to dissolve hair and grease.
The problem? These chemicals don't know when to stop.
If you have older metal pipes or PVC joints, the heat generated by the chemical reaction can soften plastic or eat through lead and copper, causing pinhole leaks behind your walls.
The "Toxic Soup" Effect
If the chemical cleaner doesn't clear the blockage, you are left with a sink full of standing water and highly caustic chemicals.
This makes it significantly more dangerous for a professional to fix, as we then have to deal with "toxic soup" that can burn skin and eyes.
Environmental Impact
Anything you pour down your drain eventually interacts with the wider ecosystem.
These harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of septic systems and water treatment plants, whereas Drainology’s mechanical methods (like high-pressure water jetting) use nothing but pure, recycled water.
The Drainology Alternative: Precision Clearing
Instead of guessing with a bottle of acid, we use:
- CCTV Surveys: To see exactly what the problem is (it might be a toy, a root, or a collapsed pipe—none of which chemicals can fix!).
- Electro-Mechanical Cleaning: Physically removing the scale and grease so your pipes are like new.
