Should I Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Clogged drains can quickly bring your home to a halt. You need your drains to get back to working condition quickly. Many Chicagoland homeowners consider using a chemical drain cleaner when they have a clogged drain. These products promise a quick and hassle-free solution, but are they really a safe choice?
Should homeowners use chemical drain cleaners? The short answer is no. While they may provide temporary relief, chemical drain cleaners can cause long-term harm to your pipes and plumbing systems, which could lead to more costly repairs in the future.
At Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, we want to help you maintain your drains so they work properly for years. Here’s what you need to know about chemical drain cleaners.
How Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?
Chemical drain cleaners typically contain strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. When poured into the clogged drain, they create heat and react with the material clogging the drain to dissolve it quickly.
While this might sound effective and often clears the blockage, the reaction can be excessively harsh, damaging your pipes’ integrity over time.
Is It Bad To Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Using chemical drain cleaners can be risky. These solutions can corrode metal pipes, deteriorate plastic pipes, and wear away the glue holding pipes together. Beyond the potential damage to your plumbing, these chemicals also have health risks.
They can cause severe burns if they come into contact with your skin or emit harmful fumes that can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. If ingested, they can be fatal, making them a dangerous item to have around the home, especially in households with children or pets.
Best Ways To Unclog a Stubborn Drain
Not using chemical drain cleaners doesn’t mean you’re stuck with slow drains. For safer and often equally effective alternatives to chemical drain cleaners, consider these DIY methods:
- Baking soda & vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain, wait an hour, then flush with warm water. The chemical reaction between these household items helps break down fatty acids, allowing the debris to wash down the drain more easily.
- Boiling water, baking soda & lemon juice: Mix a pot of boiling water with a few tablespoons of baking soda and the juice of one lemon. Pour this mixture down the drain for a fresh-smelling, natural cleaner to help break down buildup.
- Plunger: A good plunger can often create enough suction to dislodge clogs without any chemicals.
- Drain snake: A drain snake reaches deep into the pipe to physically remove clog-causing debris.
These methods are safer for your home and health and are environmentally friendly.
Call Us for Drain Cleaning in Chicagoland
If you’ve tried these methods and still have persistent clogs, it might be time to call the professionals. Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling offers expert drain cleaning services that are more effective and longer-lasting than any DIY solution. With our experience and skill, we can help ensure your drains stay free-flowing and functional.
Choosing professional drain cleaning services also helps prevent future issues, saving you time and money in the long run. Remember, at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling, making you smile is our favorite.
Schedule drain cleaning services in Chicagoland with us today.
