Can You Use Drain Cleaners In A Toilet?

image of a toilet bowl and toilet paper depicting toilet drain cleaner

A clogged toilet is bad news, especially if it is the only one in the house. Act fast to prevent further inconveniences for the family. Just be careful about your methods because what seems useful may be harmful. For example, some people pour a chemical drain cleaner down the toilet. While it is a cheap and easy solution, it can worsen the situation and make you regret your actions. Read on to see better alternatives for a toilet drain cleaner.

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The Problem with Using Drain Cleaners In Your Toilet

To understand the incompatibility, you must understand how these chemicals work. They do not push clogs out of the way. Instead, they dissolve the material and barrel right through to the other side. Unfortunately, they can also affect other things besides the blockage. They also have their limitations. Of course, you can do whatever you want with your toilets, but remember that experts do not use them because of the high risk and low reward. Keep the following in mind before you pick up a liquid drain cleaner:

1. An Ineffective Solution

liquid drain cleanerSink clogs are often due to grease and food bits. The pipes have a small diameter, so even a bit of solid material can block the flow. Liquid cleaners can easily dissolve them. However, toilet clogs do not disintegrate readily because of their mass. The chemical is also denser than water, so it tends to drop to the bottom of the bowl. It does not travel up the curve where clogs usually are. Its potency does not matter if it cannot reach the target. If you check the labels, they may explicitly state that they are not for toilets.

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2. Dangerous Chemical Contents

You need to be careful when handling these dangerous chemicals. If they can dissolve waste materials in pipes, think about what they can do to your skin and eyes. Even a small amount can bring searing pain and other ill effects. Indeed, just opening the bottle will expose you to toxic fumes. Open all the doors and windows to improve ventilation whenever you use these. Wear protective gloves, clothes, and eyewear because you never know where droplets might land. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Of course, the safest bet is to seek out nontoxic options instead.

3. Plumbing System Damage

image of water pipes made of pvc

The liquid triggers chemical reactions when melting the clogs. These can produce intense heat that may soften PVC pipes in modern homes. For older homes, using these drain cleaners may further corrode the metal pipes. You may already notice signs of corrosion, which means the walls are getting weak. Drain cleaners may push these to their limits and create holes. You may clear the clogs, but you could see plumbing leaks afterward. It is just trading one problem for another while your expenses compound.

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4. Environmental Pollutant

Even if you are confident about handling these chemicals, you must still consider their environmental effects. They contain pollutants that can harm your surroundings. If there is a leak along the sewer line, the liquids may spill into the soil and contaminate the groundwater. Pay attention to the label and read the list of ingredients. You can learn about these through quick online searches. Are you comfortable using them despite the possible ecological damage?

Better Alternatives for Toilet Cleaning

image of a homeowner using plunger for a clogged toilet drain

Now that you know the potential issues with drain cleaners, you are probably eager to find better alternatives. The truth is that you do not need any miracle products to solve toilet clogs. Tried and tested solutions work best. You can use traditional tools or ask a professional to help you. Let us go through your options:

  • Plunger: The plunger is a simple yet reliable tool that should always be in your toilet. Learn how to use it to fix minor clogs in a snap. Its suction power is usually enough to move clogs out of the way. Put the wide end over the hole of the toilet bowl and pump a few times to encourage movement at the bottom. Take it out and see things go back to normal. Do not give up if you are not successful right away. Sometimes you will need to repeat the process to remove the blockage.
  • Auger: Plungers are great for shallow clogs. If the blockage is further down the line, they will not be as effective. You may need a toilet auger, otherwise known as a drain snake. It looks just as it sounds: a long tool that can bend through the pipes and reach your target. You can find these in different lengths, so pick one that suits your needs. Remember that using a toilet auger can be messy. You might want to call a plumber to deal with the problem instead of doing everything alone.
  • Plumber: Plungers and augers may not be enough when dealing with deep clogs. You can work hard to fix it, but the problem will remain. If you are facing this situation, call an experienced plumber. They will use their knowledge to pinpoint the clog no matter where it is along the line. Watch them remove it fast with minimal mess.
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Related Article: Is Your Toilet Running Up The Water Bill?

 

Conclusion

Toilets are essential. Anything that prevents them from working deserves immediate attention. Do what you can with what you have, such as a toilet plunger. Avoid using drain cleaners which may harm your plumbing system. If your efforts don’t fix the problem, rely on trusted local plumbers for fast relief.

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Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services

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Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from water heater replacements, toilet repairs and replacements, drain clogs, water leaks, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your home and budget.

Find yourself dealing with an unexpected plumbing problem in the middle of the night? No worries! You can count on the expert plumbers at Robinson Plumbing to take care of you. We offer reliable 24-hour emergency plumbing services. You can count on us to get the job done quickly and correctly and, best of all, at an affordable price.

We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.

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