Are Drain Cleaners Really a Solution for A Clogged Drain?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Use precautions when using drain cleaners for a drain clog.

Chemical drain cleaners are found in almost every household. They are widely available in stores, and millions of people use them regularly. Is a drain cleaner really the quick-fix solution for a clogged drain? According to plumbing experts, they should be used as a last resort. Follow these three tips for responsible cleaner use that can help extend the life of your drain and pipe system.

1. Avoid Using Cleaners on a Completely Blocked Drain The truth is that if your drain is suffering from a stubborn block, a chemical cleaner may do more harm than good. Many drain cleaners contain potent chemicals such as:

• Lye and potash
• Bleach, peroxides and nitrates
• Sulfuric acid and muriatic acid

These chemicals work to break down a clog until it can be flushed away. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the materials of the clog to move down a drain and form a new blockage. Then you may have to resort to professional services for a clogged drain that is deep in your pipe system, which can be expensive.

2. Do Not Use Drain Cleaners on Weak Pipes If you have an older home or live in an old apartment building, be wary of drain cleaners. They’re chemical solvents that produce heat in order to target the material of a clog. The heat can warp and damage soft piping, especially plastic pipes.

3. Try Safer Alternatives First There are safer and more effective alternatives. Try using a plunger or auger to clear a clog first. If that doesn’t work, purchase an eco-friendly biological cleaner that contains natural enzymes or bacteria that eat away at the material in a drain. Follow the above three tips to keep your drain and pipe system in top condition.

If you have a water loss due to a clogged drain, call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388.

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