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Plumbing · Sourced answer

What causes persistent drain clogs, and are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?

Homeowners want to know if hair, grease, or foreign objects are responsible, and whether chemical cleaners will corrode pipes.

The answer

Chronic clogs stem from fats, oils, and grease (FOG), hair/soap scum binding, flushed wipes, or root intrusion in main lines. Trade associations strongly advise against caustic/acid chemical cleaners because exothermic reactions warp PVC/ABS, corrode cast iron, ruin gaskets, and create chemical burn hazards for plumbers. Use mechanical snaking, augering, or hydro-jetting, followed by enzymatic treatments.

Sources

This answer is drawn from the standards and guidance below. It is general information about how these systems work — not a diagnosis of your property.

  1. IAPMO Drain Cleaner Standards & Safety
  2. IAPMO Hydroblasting Standards