Thinking about using drain cleaner to attack a clog in your
Marietta home? Turning to an over-the-counter chemical shouldn’t always be your
first move — nor is it ever the best move. To break up certain types of clogs,
a drain cleaning product employs elements that generate a chemical reaction,
essentially creating heat and movement inside the pipes to dislodge or eat away
at clogs. The problem with these products, however, is that they don’t help
homeowners know the cause of the clog.
Put drain cleaner to use on a serious blockage in the depths
of your plumbing, and you’ll think that you’ve solved the problem. What you’ve
really done, however, is delayed the inevitable — a more costly, messier
plumbing fix.
No one faults you for wanting to use drain cleaner. It seems
like a cheap, simple fix, and using it gives you the feeling of accomplishment.
Blockage problem solved!
Or is it?
In the long run, turning to the liquid product to fix a clog
can lead to bigger problems down the road.
The Solution Damages Your Toilet
Pour it into the toilet bowl, and the product just sits
there. Because toilets are full of water and slow-draining, the caustic liquid
clog-buster starts to damage the bowl. The solution generates heat, which can
cause the bowl to crack. Worse, the chemical reaction that occurs under water
can lead to an explosion. Either way, these two outcomes are much more costly
than one service call to a plumber. If you call a plumber first, he will use a
drain snake to get to the clog — wherever it may be — and safely clear out the
pipes.
The Solution Corrodes Pipes
Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your
pipes — even the tougher types. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the
solution sparingly, if at all. It can even eat away at metal pipes. Use the
solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Use it repeatedly,
however, and you’re asking for trouble. Most pipe materials can’t withstand
repeated use of the chemicals.
When Should You Use It?
In general, homeowners should avoid using the product
repeatedly for any reason. Use it at your own risk, but you’ll stay on the safe
side if you use it to break up a suspected hair ball clogging a shower or sink
drain, or you suspect soap buildup has clogged a pipe. If you take good care of
your plumbing, however, and avoid putting grease and food scraps down the
drains, a clog is likely a sign of a more serious problem. Get help from a pro
with the right tools to identify and reach clogs, and the experience to know
when you’ve got a serious problem on your hands.
Drain cleaner isn’t your friend. It’s a foe. Unless you have
a plumber’s expertise, it’s best not to mess with DIY remedies. Instead,
contact a professional to identify the root cause of the blockage, and you’ll
rest assured that you won’t meet a serious plumbing problem head on down the
road.
For more information about plumbing problems or clearing
blockages, contact Reliable Heating & Air today!