According to technicians at a number of Dallas plumbing companies we interviewed, one of the most annoying plumbing problems to face home-owners, is when sinks and bathroom fixtures clog and backup. There are many tools available to help eliminate clogged drains, especially chemical clog removers. Before you reach for the chemical cleaners, you need to understand the differences between them and the risks involved in using them.

No matter how 'safe' a manufacturer's claim is, remember that this is a very caustic chemical mixture. Special care must be taken when using these chemicals. Safe should never be implied that it is safe for animals or humans. The chemical fumes and possible chemical reactions can produce serious health risks. The word 'safe' is typically in regards to certain types of plumbing and to septic tanks according to the professionals we spoke to at several San Diego plumbing companies.

The first decision most people need to make is between the gel and liquid clog removers. The gels are typically considered the better of the two. Gels cling to the pipe and the clog longer and work faster than traditional liquids that may run through the clog with little results. This also means that gels may cling to surfaces that they should not, such as skin. If you do use liquids take special care when pouring into the drain. Avoid pouring it too quickly and splashing it on yourself or outside of the sink.

Go over the manufacturer's claims of safe. Make sure that it is safe for the type of plumbing that you have in your home. Some of the clog removers are dangerous to use on PVC, while others are not. While it may not cause immediate problems, pipes that suffer internal damage are more likely to clog again according to some of the plumbers we interviewed at a variety of Boston plumbing companies. If you have a septic system, make sure to choose a chemical that is safe for septic systems. Septic systems have bacteria that break down waste, the chemicals in most clog removers will kill that helpful bacteria.

Make sure to have the room well ventilated, when working with drain cleaners. The chemical reaction and the cleaner itself can give off fumes that can cause skin, eye, and throat irritation. Wear a breathing mask, or at least a piece of cloth over the mouth to help protect your lungs. It is always recommended that you wear gloves and make sure that skin is covered on your arms. Eye protection is strongly recommended because of the fumes and the risk of drain cleaner getting into your eyes. Read the safety instructions, prior to use, for what to do if the cleaner gets into your eyes, comes in contact with skin, or is ingested.

Chemical clog removers are 'safe' to use, in a general sense. However, if you become too reliant on using them, you may often be ignoring a more serious problem that is causing the clogs. Use chemicals in moderation and look for those that are easier on the environment. Remember that every time the clog remover is used, it ends up in our soil or waterways. Use them only when needed and make sure that you have a professional licensed plumber inspect your plumbing for better ways to prevent clogging.