As a professional plumber, we’ve seen a large amount of clogged drains and I want to urge caution when using chemical drain cleaners. Sure, they are great for a quick fix, but there is a lot more to consider than meets the eye.
Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes. They have harsh ingredients that can eat away at your pipes over time, causing leaks and costly repairs. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with a burst pipe in the middle of the night.
Pipes aren’t the only thing to worry about when using drain cleaners on your clogged pipes. The chemicals in drain cleaners are not good for the environment either. When you pour the drain cleaner down your pipes, the chemicals can contaminate the local water supply. We try to do our best to protect our habitat, right?
And don’t forget about your own or your loved one’s health! Those strong fumes, skin or eye contact can cause burns or irritation.
For more info on what is in chemical drain cleaners, check out Wikipedia online.
If you are dealing with clogs caused by tree roots or large debris, the chemicals in the drain cleaners will not cut it. You’ll end up throwing money down the drain. Pardon the pun.
Let’s explore some safer options, shall we?
What We Recommend
First, I recommend using a good old plunger. It may be simple but it is effective at dislodging tough clogs.
If the plunger doesn’t work for you, try a drain snake or auger. They are great at unblocking pipes with solid objects. Just twist and turn it and then check to see if your problem has been fixed.
For clogged pipes caused by hair or grease, a simple solution of baking soda and vinegar can work very well. Follow it up with hot water, can help even more. Do not using boiling water as it can damage PVC pipes.
Sometimes, these clogs can be very pesky though and if you’ve tried all the above on your clogged drain, it’s time to call a pro. We have the experience and equipment to tackle the toughest clogs without causing damage to your pipes or risk anyone’s health.
Regular maintenance goes a long way, and disposing of your waste properly can help prevent clogged drains. And if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, you know who to call! Also see our drain cleaning page to if you’d like more info on what services we offer.
