Drain cleaners supposedly “eat” away at the tricky clogs like grease and hair, but how valid is this claim?
What should you do if your tub starts to drain slowly, or your kitchen sink looks to be backed up? Do you reach for that bottle of liquid drain cleaner that you own? Hold on a second, just because that product may not be as helpful as you think. In fact, it might actually be causing more issues than it’s solving. The promise sounds very nice, just pour down some liquid or gel down your drain, and this powerful product will do the job. They supposedly “eat” away at the tricky clogs like grease and hair, but how valid is this claim? Read on for a few good reasons you should avoid using drain cleaners!
They Do Not Always Work
In some instances, a liquid drain cleaner can do what it is intended to do: loosen up a clog and allow water to drain quicker. But this only occurs in certain cases for some kinds of clogs. For example, if there is a solid object stuck inside a pipe, the liquid cleaner is not going to budget it. Or, if a pipe is broken, the liquid cleaner will not fix it. So, before you consider using squirt chemicals for your plumbing system, it is important to know which type of problem you might be dealing with.
They Contain Many Toxic Chemicals
Have you ever read the warning label on your liquid drain cleaner? It might make you really think twice about opening up the bottle inside of your house. These products use harsh, possibly dangerous chemicals. The fumes of the cleaner can come back up through your pipe system and into your bathroom or kitchen. Is risking the health of your family really worth the convenience? We don’t think so, which is why you should trust our plumbing crew if you need help with your drains.
They Could Ruin Your Pipes
Not only are the chemicals in these cleaners bad for your health, but they can also cause damages to your plumbing system. One of the most common ingredients in your liquid drain cleaner is hydrochloric acid, which can break down the inside of your pipes. This can also cause a burst or leak down the road, meaning a huge mess or expensive repair.
What to Use Instead of a Liquid Drain Cleaner
Instead of grabbing that bottle of liquid cleaner, a lot of small clogs can be fixed with a plunger or by using baking soda and vinegar. If these methods don’t work, then give us a call!
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!