Why Is Using Bleach to Unclog Drains a Bad Idea?

It can be challenging to get rid of nasty blockages in your plumbing. It’s not only unpleasant to deal with the stench of dirty stagnant water, but it’s also unsanitary.

It’s a frequent misconception that pouring chemicals down the drain would clear a clog. When it comes to clogged drains in your home, however, everyone has an opinion on solving or preventing the problem. Read on to learn about common drain myths – and to brush up on the facts why getting a plumber Melbourne expert makes sense.

It’s challenging to find the correct approach Blocked Drains Melbourne wide, especially with so many individuals sharing advice on what worked for them.

One of the most commonly recommended drain clog clearing “hacks.” “Just pour Bleach down your drain,” they say. “It’s inexpensive, simple, and you probably already have it.”

Is that true, though? Is Bleach effective at unclogging drains? Is it safe to pour down your drains, moreover? Let’s take a look.

Why Is Using Bleach to Unclog Drains a Bad Idea

So, does it work?

Bleach is a highly disinfectant. It isn’t very effective in unclogging drains.

Bleach has little effect in dissolving the common culprits of domestic drain clogs, like hair, food crumbs, and grease. Also, splashing Bleach might destroy the integrity of your drains and pipes. It’s a no-win situation.

Yes, those poisonous vapours…

Bleach is a respiratory and ocular irritant. Both Bleach and its fumes can cause health problems. Bleach, if applied undiluted, will:

  • Eyes that have corroded
  • Skin and mucous membranes are irritated.
  • Those with asthma or cardiac disorders may experience breathing complications.

If Bleach comes into touch with other home cleaners, such as ammonia, it can produce a deadly gas.

Even in tiny amounts, Bleach and ammonia can produce chloramine gas, which irritates your respiratory system.

When Bleach get mixed with acid, chlorine gas is produced, which can cause breathing difficulties, burning eyes, vomiting, pneumonia, and even death if inhaled. Many toilet bowl cleaners, glass and window cleaners, drain cleaners, and rust removers contain acids.

One of the most common household accidents is the unintended mixing of chlorine with ammonia or acids, which causes hundreds of injuries each year.

Moreover, it adversely affects the plumbing!

A substantial amount of heat gets produced by the volatile mixture of Bleach and acid. The heat from the reaction can damage your pipes and, in difficult situations, cause them to burst if you pour Bleach down the drain after using a drain de-clogger.

Bleach’s corrosive properties can stain your sink or drain, ruin trash disposal blades, disintegrate rubber gaskets, and corrode plastic and lead pipes (in older homes).

Due to a reaction between the two metals, Bleach can cause even more significant damage in regions where lead pipes will mend with brass fittings and copper pipes.

There are more effective and superior alternatives.

The truth is that the only method to remove a clog safely and dependably is to use the instruments available to experts. So, there’s no reason to flush Bleach down. 

If you choose not to use chemical drain cleaners, there are now bacteria-based enzymatic drain cleaners. Therefore, calling an experienced and trained plumber Melbourne wide who offers is safe and effective for dealing with minor blockages.