Do Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?
When you run water or pour some down the drain only to find it back up on you, it can be not very pleasant. It's also a common enough issue that liquid drain cleaners are popular items on store shelves. Are these options safe for use? Before you reach for that bottle, it's best to understand the potential risks and explore safer and more effective options. Steve's Waterworks Plumbing in Waterford, MI, is here to delve into these potential problems and present some alternatives.
Liquid drain cleaners are a convenient and effective way to dissolve blockage that has been caused by hair, soap scum, and grease. What makes these products effective, however, is the harsh chemicals they contain.
Liquid drain cleaners often contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, each of which can pose significant risks to your plumbing system.
One of the ways in which liquid drain cleaners can damage pipes over time is from the intense chemical reactions they rely on to generate heat.
With extended use, this heat can soften or warp the PVC pipes in a plumbing system.
The chemicals can also corrode metal pipes, particularly older ones. This problem can be made worse if the blockage isn't fully cleared and the harsh chemical becomes trapped in the pipe.
As these products are used more and more in the same pipes, the degradation gets worse. Eventually, it can result in leaks, cracks, or even burst pipes. Each of these problems is far costlier to solve than the clogged drain that led to them. While occasional use may be okay, repeat problems require another, safer solution.
Fortunately, there are safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical drain cleaners that can effectively tackle clogs without damaging your pipes.
If you need to use liquid drain cleaners every once in a while, there's probably not a serious problem. Although, you should try the other DIY methods before resulting to those harsh chemicals.
If the clogs persist or recur frequently, however, there's likely to be a deeper issue.
This could be tree root intrusion, pipe misalignment, or a buildup too tough for standard methods to solve.
In these instances, a professional plumber can perform a thorough inspection with specialized tools to diagnose the problem accurately. Then, they'll be able to make recommendations regarding the most effective solution.
Maintaining clean and clog-free drains will ensure the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system. Rather than turning to harsh chemical cleaners, adopt preventative measures that can be used regularly and safely to prevent the problem in the first place. If your drain won't stay clean, or if you just need to be sure the problem won't come back, contact Steve's Waterworks Plumbing today.
Is it Okay to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners?
Liquid drain cleaners are a convenient and effective way to dissolve blockage that has been caused by hair, soap scum, and grease. What makes these products effective, however, is the harsh chemicals they contain.
Liquid drain cleaners often contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, each of which can pose significant risks to your plumbing system.
One of the ways in which liquid drain cleaners can damage pipes over time is from the intense chemical reactions they rely on to generate heat.
With extended use, this heat can soften or warp the PVC pipes in a plumbing system.
The chemicals can also corrode metal pipes, particularly older ones. This problem can be made worse if the blockage isn't fully cleared and the harsh chemical becomes trapped in the pipe.
As these products are used more and more in the same pipes, the degradation gets worse. Eventually, it can result in leaks, cracks, or even burst pipes. Each of these problems is far costlier to solve than the clogged drain that led to them. While occasional use may be okay, repeat problems require another, safer solution.
Safer Options to Drain Cleaners
Fortunately, there are safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical drain cleaners that can effectively tackle clogs without damaging your pipes.
- Mechanical Methods: Sometimes, the simplest method is all you need. Tools like plungers and drain snakes are excellent for clearing minor to moderate blockages. A plunger uses pressure to dislodge the blockage, while a drain snake reaches deep inside the pipe to break up or retrieve the obstruction.
- Homemade Solutions: Some chemicals are safer than others. You've likely seen the results of mixing vinegar and baking soda. That same fizzy force can be put to use removing blockages. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain first and then the same amount of vinegar. After about 15 minutes of fizzing, flush with hot water. This method is safe to use regularly and can keep pipes clear.
- Enzyme Cleaners: Another type of treatment that's safe for repeated use is enzyme cleaners. These use natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic material in clogs. Because they're non-corrosive, they are another excellent option for frequent use as a preventative measure.
- Hydro-jetting: For more severe blockages, hydro-jetting is a professional service that uses high-pressure water to blast away clogs and clean the inside of pipes. This method is highly effective and does not involve harsh chemicals.
When to Contact a Professional
If you need to use liquid drain cleaners every once in a while, there's probably not a serious problem. Although, you should try the other DIY methods before resulting to those harsh chemicals.
If the clogs persist or recur frequently, however, there's likely to be a deeper issue.
This could be tree root intrusion, pipe misalignment, or a buildup too tough for standard methods to solve.
In these instances, a professional plumber can perform a thorough inspection with specialized tools to diagnose the problem accurately. Then, they'll be able to make recommendations regarding the most effective solution.
Get Clean Drains the First Time
Maintaining clean and clog-free drains will ensure the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system. Rather than turning to harsh chemical cleaners, adopt preventative measures that can be used regularly and safely to prevent the problem in the first place. If your drain won't stay clean, or if you just need to be sure the problem won't come back, contact Steve's Waterworks Plumbing today.
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