When your drain is clogged, it’s not uncommon to reach for the nearest commercial drain cleaner. And for good reason – they work, often quickly clearing stubborn blockages. But, have you ever stopped to think about why they’re so effective? 

What you don’t know about chemical drain cleaners, their ingredients, and the way they work may surprise you. These products, when used in excess or for regular drain cleaning, can actually make moderate drain issues worse. For products so effective at removing clogs and residue, how is this possible? And, if they can harm your pipes, can they also harm your health or the environment?

In this article, we weigh the pros and cons of using commercial drain cleaners and give our final verdict on whether you should use these products or try safer alternatives.