Can I put chemical drain cleaner down my drain?
It's tempting: a bottle from the supermarket that promises to dissolve any blockage. Sometimes it helps with a little hair or soap in a basin. But for most real blockages it doesn't work, and it comes with risks to you and your pipes. Here's when chemical drain cleaners are worth avoiding and what to do instead.
Why chemical cleaners often don't work
They can't reach the blockage
If the blockage is metres down the line, the chemical sits in the trap or pools on top of standing water.
They don't touch roots
Tree roots in the sewer, the most common cause of whole-house blockages, aren't cleared by drain cleaner.
Set fat and wipes
Hard fat build-up and wads of wipes need to be physically cut and flushed out.
Broken pipes
If a pipe has collapsed or sagged, no chemical will fix it.
The risks
- Burns: many drain cleaners are strongly caustic or acidic. They can splash back and burn skin and eyes, especially if the drain then has to be plunged or opened.
- Pipe damage: repeated use can damage older pipes, seals and some fittings.
- Dangerous mixes: mixing different products, or with bleach, can release harmful fumes.
- A risk for the plumber: if it doesn't work, whoever clears the drain has to deal with chemical-laden water. Always tell your plumber if you've used it.
What to do instead
- For a slow basin or shower, remove and clean the grate, pull out hair, and clean the trap. See traps explained.
- Use a plunger on sinks and basins, covering any overflow.
- If more than one fixture is slow, or water backs up elsewhere, the blockage is further down. That needs proper equipment.
We clear blockages with a high-pressure jetter and check the cause with a camera, so you get the right fix rather than a repeat blockage. You get a fixed price before any work starts. See drain jetting.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Most of the whole-house blockages we clear in Matraville, Maroubra and Botany are tree roots or wipes in old clay pipes, which no chemical will shift.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Is chemical drain cleaner safe for pipes?
Repeated use can damage older pipes and seals, and the chemicals are hazardous to handle.
Will drain cleaner clear tree roots?
No. Roots need to be cut out with a jetter, and the pipe repaired for a lasting fix.
I used drain cleaner and it didn't work. What now?
Stop using it and call a plumber, and tell them what you used so they can work safely.
What's the best way to unblock a drain?
For simple blockages, cleaning the trap or plunging. For anything deeper, a high-pressure jetter.
Related help: blocked drains, drain jetting, blocked sinks, white build-up in drains and root foaming treatments. Local pages: blocked drains Matraville, blocked drains Maroubra, blocked drains Botany and blocked drains Malabar. Browse all our plumbing guides.