Drain cleaning is for plumbers only
The first time you notice that you have a clogged drain, your first thought may be to use a plunger, and when that doesn’t work, you may think about making a trip to a nearby store to purchase an off-the –shelf chemical. The ones that claim to unclog a drain in minutes. Before you do this, please understand that there are dangers when using these products. The following are three reasons to avoid them.
They Are a Danger to Your Porcelain
When you use these chemicals, they will generate heat that is supposed to help dissolve the stoppage; however, if the stoppage is not cleared quickly, the chemical will continue to make contact with the porcelain. This can happen with a sink, but is most common with a toilet because most of them are made of porcelain.
The damage to your sink or toilet is a real threat because these chemicals are simply not effective. If the stoppage is small and in the trap, it may work, but a large stoppage or one that is farther down the drain line will not be cleared. The chemicals will simply sit in a pool of water, and the damage to the porcelain will be from cracking.
They Are Dangerous When They Overflow
When a clogged drain does not clear after using these chemicals, there is the problem of the water overflowing onto the floor. This is common with toilets, but any drain can produce an overflow. These chemicals can get on your tile and other floor materials where damage will ensue. The longer the exposure to the chemical, the more damage will occur. Once the chemicals are on the floor, there is the additional problem of a poison hazard to children and pets.
They Are Dangerous to Store
Too often, people will attempt to use these chemicals with temporary success or none at all. Afterwards, unused portions are stored away; commonly this will be in a cabinet under the kitchen or bathroom sink.
Children living in the house can easily get into these chemicals and poison themselves. Many of these chemicals have directions telling you to use the entire bottle, so this prevents leftover chemicals from harming children. However, if the chemicals do not work, then you have the two issues explained above.
If you have a clogged drain, it is safer to simply call a plumber. He will come to your home and use professional equipment, to not only to clear the stoppage, but also, to clean the entire drain line. Your drain will then be completely cleared, and your problem solved.
Are the pipes clogged up in your Round Lake home? If you’re having trouble, give Duane Blanton Plumbing a call at (815) 781-2567, so we can get down to the root of the problem.
