Can You Pour Bleach Down the Drain?

A Simple Guide from Steady Flow Sewer & Drain

Many people wonder, “Can you pour bleach down the drain?” Bleach is a common cleaning chemical found in most homes. Sometimes, when drains smell bad or seem clogged, it seems like a quick fix to pour bleach down the drain. But is bleach really a good solution for your drains and plumbing?

Is It Okay to Pour Bleach Down Drains?

The short answer: No, you should not pour bleach down the drain on a regular basis. Here’s why:

Bleach Can Hurt Pipes and Plumbing

Bleach is a very strong chemical used in many cleaning agents. While it might seem that bleach could help a cleaning pipe job, using too much can actually damage your plumbing. Pipes, especially older metal ones, can get corroded by bleach, which might lead to leaks or expensive pipe repair over time.

Bleach Doesn’t Work on Clogs

If your drains are clogged, bleach will not remove the clogs. Bleach can kill some germs and bacteria but does not break up things like hair, grease, or food stuck in your drain. For tough clogs, professional drain cleaning is much better — Steady Flow Sewer & Drain has the right tools and experience to clear drains safely.

Bleach Is Bad for Your Sewer and the Environment

When you pour bleach down the drain, it travels into the sewer system. Bleach can harm the beneficial bacteria that help with wastewater treatment in sewer and septic systems. Killing these good bacteria can make it harder for the system to work and hurt the environment.

Mixing Bleach is Dangerous

Mixing bleach with other cleaning agents or with products like ammonia can create toxic fumes. This is unsafe for both you and your family.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bleach

If you want to keep drains and your plumbing system clean, there are safer alternatives you can try:

• Pour hot water with a few drops of dish soap down the drain.
• Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and then flush with hot water.
• Try using an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals for cleaning.
• If your drains are clogged, avoid using chemical cleaners. Instead, call a professional.

What To Do If Your Drains Smell Bad or Are Clogged

If you notice slow water draining or your drains smell bad, it’s time to call Steady Flow Sewer & Drain. Our expert team offers a range of plumbing services, including:

• Drain Cleaning: Our team can remove tough clogs and help prevent blockages.
• Hydro Jetting: High-pressure water efficiently cleans out your pipes.
• Sewer Repair and Trenchless Sewer Repair: We can fix problems with your sewer line without digging up your yard.
• Trenchless Pipe Lining: We can fix pipes with minimal digging.
• Water Line Repair: We ensure your home’s water is running clean and clear.
• Sewer Line Inspection: We use cameras to find and repair problems inside your sewer pipes.

Protect Your Drains and Your Plumbing

Using bleach for cleaning pipes may be tempting, but it can harm your plumbing and the sewer system. Bleach isn’t designed as a drain cleaner and is not good for regular drain maintenance or for your septic system, if you have one.

If you have drains clogged or need help with cleaning, repair, or inspection, trust Steady Flow Sewer & Drain. Our team is ready to help with any sewer or plumbing problem.

Call Steady Flow Sewer & Drain today at (206) 984-8909 or visit steadyflowdrainco.com for safe and professional drain cleaning, water line, and sewer repair!