Using drain cleaner on your pipes is not recommended. Drain cleaners are harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes, and potentially cause serious harm to you and your home. Often sold as “one shot drain cleaner,” in some cases, these products can even eat through the pipes, causing them to leak or burst, which will cause even greater complications and hassles for a homeowner. Even homemade drain cleaner can have lackluster results, causing more of a mess without achieving the desired result of decreasing congestion and increasing flow in a sewer line.
Instead of using chemicals, there are several safer and more effective methods for clearing clogs in your pipes. One method is to use a plunger. Plungers work by creating suction that can help to dislodge the blockage and allow water to flow through the pipes again. To use a plunger, simply place the rubber end over the drain and push down firmly several times. This should help to break up the clog and allow water to flow through the pipes.
Another method for clearing clogs is to use a plumbing snake. Opinions vary, but many people will attest: a plumbing snake is the best drain cleaner option available for most people. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the pipes and can be used to break up or remove any blockages. Plumbing snakes come in different sizes and can be used on a variety of different types of pipes, making them a versatile tool for clearing clogs. To use a plumbing snake, insert the end into the drain and slowly push it through the pipes. As the snake moves through the pipes, it will break up any clogs and allow water to flow through again.
If these methods do not work, it is best to contact a top rated local plumber. A top rated plumber will have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively clear any clogs in your pipes, without causing any damage. They will also be able to provide advice on how to prevent clogs from occurring in the future.
In addition to the potential damage that these harsh chemicals can cause to your pipes, they can also be harmful to the environment and to your health. They contain chemicals that can be toxic if ingested or inhaled, and they can also pollute the air and water if they are not used properly. It’s important to handle all dangerous chemicals with care and to follow the instructions on the label to ensure that they are used safely, at the very least, in ideal conditions. However, in real world situations, pipes are often cracked, have small leaks underground, and will absolutely be vector for contamination.
Furthermore, using chemical drain cleaners can actually make the problem worse in the long run. This is also true with so called “natural drain cleaners,” which have fantastic claims but rarely live up to the hype. When the chemicals in these concoctions come into contact with organic material, such as grease or hair, they can cause it to congeal and form a harder, more difficult-to-remove clog. This can lead to more frequent clogs and the need for more aggressive cleaning methods, which can ultimately damage your pipes.
In conclusion, it is not advisable to use drain cleaner on your pipes. These harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and potentially cause serious harm to you and your home. Instead, try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear any clogs in your pipes, and if these methods do not work, contact a top rated plumber for help. By using safer and more effective methods for clearing clogs, you can protect your pipes and avoid potential damage to your home. It is important to handle clogs with the best drain cleaner possible, and the best way to clear a clog is with mechanical drain cleaning equipment.
