Clogged drains present a major inconvenience for any homeowner whether it is in the kitchen, laundry room or bathroom. Often, homeowners resort to store bought chemical solutions in an attempt to unclog the drain and restore their service. However, many fail to realize the dangers associated with chemical drain cleaners and the harmful effects they have on your plumbing system.
Why They Rarely Work
Many types of matter can lead to clogged drains. It might be a clump of hair, food particles, grease, fat, bio scum or a combination of these. The truth of the matter is, without a high-tech camera or disassembling the plumbing, you do not really know what is clogging the pipe. Chemical solutions are not recommended to unclog an unknown blockage. Some might be effective on hair while others are suited for grease. Since you do not know what is clogging the pipe, how could you know which type of solution to buy? You might consider buying several varieties in an attempt to cover all the bases. However, this is the worst possible thing you could do and a very dangerous one at that. Mixing chemicals can create poisonous gases, become combustible and present a serious health hazard.
How They Can Damage Your Plumbing
Chemical drain cleaning solutions are corrosive materials. They are designed to break down the matter that is clogging the pipe. However, they can also eat away at your drain system, eventually resulting in costly repairs or replacement. If your home has a septic tank, these harsh chemicals can harm or kill off the bacterial organisms that break down solid wastes. If this occurs, your septic system will fail and result in costly septic tank repairs as well as potential home repairs caused by overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs.
The Best Way to Unclog a Drain
Professional plumbers use specialized tools to unclog drain pipes. Often the tool of choice is a mechanical plumbing snake. This device utilizes an auger and cable to push through and removes the blockage. If tree roots cause your blockage, a special cutting tip might be necessary to cut through them.
Hiring a plumber to unclog a drain is an unforeseen expense most homeowners would rather not face. However, the cost to have your drains professionally unclogged is mild when compared to the costs you will incur should that liquid plumbing solution damage your drainpipes or septic tank system.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
