At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, we get lots of customer questions about the best and safest way to clean drains. One thing we always emphasize is to steer clear of chemical drain cleaners. These products may seem convenient, but they can be dangerous to you, your family, and your home’s plumbing system. Fortunately, safer and better-performing alternatives exist. Let’s explore why they’re the smarter choice.

Understand the Dangers and Alternatives

Many people turn to chemical drain cleaners for stubborn clogs or slow drains. While these products can sometimes be effective, their performance comes at a high cost. Below, we’ll break down the risks of chemical drain cleaners and the safer alternatives you can use instead.

Protein Clogs

Protein-based clogs often come from everyday materials like hair, soap scum, and grease. Bathroom drains are especially prone to hair buildup, while kitchen drains often suffer from food and grease blockages. Most chemical solutions designed for protein clogs are highly alkaline, with a pH level between 12 and 14. These caustic formulas can burn skin on contact and may soften PVC piping, leading to failures at seals or joints. They also release strong fumes, which can be especially problematic if your home is closed up due to weather. Chemical cleaners also pose serious risks for children and pets, both during use and in storage. If these products are accidentally spilled or mixed with other cleaners, they can create dangerous reactions.

Safer Alternative:

Enzyme-based cleaners are much gentler and safer to use. These products break down organic material like hair and grease without harming your pipes or air quality. They typically take longer, up to six hours or more, and may require repeated applications, but they’re non-toxic and septic-safe. Bacillus-based solutions (beneficial bacteria) are another safe and effective method for breaking down organic film inside drains. These are especially useful for homes with septic systems. If the clog won’t budge, mechanical solutions like drain snakes or hydro jetting are highly effective. Hydro jetting not only clears the clog but also removes buildup along the pipe walls, helping prevent future blockages.

Preventative Tips:

Use drain traps to catch food particles and hair, and avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink. Clean the traps regularly and throw debris in the trash.

Mineral Buildup

Even clean water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can accumulate in your pipes. Over time, these deposits narrow your drain lines and reduce flow. Strong acidic cleaners are sometimes used for mineral buildup, but they can corrode metal pipes and are often dangerous to handle.

Safer Alternatives:

For light mineral buildup, try natural options like baking soda mixed with salt or citric acid. The baking soda reacts with minerals while the salt acts as a mild abrasive. Citric acid, a food-safe ingredient, can also help dissolve deposits. Regularly flushing your drains with these solutions may help reduce early-stage buildup. However, for more serious deposits, you’ll want professional help. Our plumbers can inspect your drains with a camera to confirm the issue and perform hydro jetting to remove the buildup safely.

Long-Term Prevention:

Installing a water softener or filtration system can reduce mineral levels in your water supply, helping prevent future buildup. We’ll test your water to recommend the right treatment for your home.

Root Intrusion

No chemical cleaner, natural or synthetic, can handle root intrusion. Tree and shrub roots naturally seek out moisture and can break into your sewer lines, causing severe blockages and pipe damage.

The Solution:

Mechanical removal is the most effective option. In some cases, we may recommend trenchless drain line repair to replace damaged pipe sections without tearing up your yard.

The Value of Regular Maintenance

Clogs happen, but regular drain maintenance can reduce the risk significantly. We recommend professional drain maintenance every three to five years for most households. This includes camera inspections and hydro jetting to ensure everything flows freely. Some homes may need more frequent service, especially larger households or homes where the drains are heavily used. If you’re experiencing repeat clogs, let’s talk about a maintenance schedule that fits your needs.

Spotting Clogs Early

Catching problems early helps avoid major plumbing headaches. Warning signs include slow drainage, musty or sewer odors, or water stains near floor drains in the basement. These symptoms often signal a developing clog or backup.

By responding early, you can try safe treatments like enzyme cleaners or citric acid before things get worse. And if that doesn’t work, our licensed plumbers are ready to help with fast, effective solutions.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® proudly serves families and businesses in Grand Rapids, MI, and surrounding communities. We offer professional drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and full pipe repair or replacement services. Discounts are available for teachers, senior citizens, military veterans, and first responders, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing service.

A 100% satisfaction guarantee backs our work. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll return until the job is done right.

If you're looking for the safest and most effective way to clear a clogged drain, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Grand Rapids today. We’re here to help keep your water flowing and your home protected.