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Here are 4 reasons why quick drain cleaners are bad for sewerage pipes
Clogged drains are filthy, inconvenient, and inevitable. Cleaners are the first thing we try when drains get clogged. There are many drain cleaners available at the stores for quick fixes. However, they cause more harm than good. Here is how drain cleaners damage your pipes.
Effect Of Chemicals On Pipes
- Drain cleaners have caustic chemicals inside them that can eat away your pipes, even the tougher types. If you use the solution repeatedly, the chemicals can cause the pipes to weaken over time. Plastic pipes succumb to chemicals in drain cleaners faster than metal pipes. Most pipes cannot withstand the repeated use of drain cleaners.
The chemicals in the drain cleaning solution work to break down the clogs. As a result of the chemical reaction, heat is released. This causes pipes to weaken and in worst cases, it can lead to pipe explosion.
Chemicals Can Damage Sink And Toilet
- Sometimes when you pour the solution into the clogged sink or toilet bowl, the chemicals may end up sitting there. As the solution generates heat it starts to damage the areas it comes in contact with. Moreover, if the solution is allowed to stay for long in the toilet it can cause the toilet bowl to crack.
The outcomes may end up much more costly than the services of a plumber. When you encounter issues with the drains, it is advisable to call a professional plumber. A plumber will use a drain snake to unclog the drain and safely clear out the pipes.
Hazard To Environment And Health
- The cleaners bought at the store are composed of toxic chemicals. When poured down the drain they enter the water supply. This chemical enriched water then travels down the pipes into the septic tank. These chemicals ultimately end up in the water supply thereby endangering both humans and wildlife.
In addition, the chemicals and acid in the cleaners give off toxic fumes that are harmful to anyone who inhales them. Even when the cleaner solution disappears down the drain the fumes stay in the air for a while.
Drain Cleaners May Not Work Effectively
- Sometimes the pipes get clogged due to underlying issues with the sewage system. For instance, sewage backup clogs the pipes. In this case, drain cleaners are ineffective in solving the problem.
If a broken pipe is the cause of the problem then you are pouring the toxic cleaner down the pipe to unknown places. It is therefore wise to hire a plumber to take a thorough look at your plumbing system and pinpoint the issue and offer adequate solutions.
Plumbers Use Safe Methods For Cleaning
- A professional plumber does not use chemical products to break down the clog. Instead, the plumber works by using two of the common methods. These include:
Drain Snakes
- The easiest way for professionals to remove the clog is by using a snake to clear the drain. A drain snake is a device that consists of a long cord with an attached auger at one end. The arrangement that looks like a snake is then inserted into the drain.
The cord can bend and reach all areas. In this way, professionals can easily find and remove the clogs and debris. Depending on the length of the pipe, the snake can be bought in any size. They are readily available and are inexpensive.
Hydro-Jetting
- This process is a little complicated and requires more control than the drain snakes. Water is forced at high pressure into the drain using a hose. The pressure of the water is sufficient to blow the clog through the system without requiring any chemicals.
It can be moved around to reach the areas where it is needed. However, older pipes may not be able to withstand such high pressure. In such instances snake is used by the plumbers.
For all sorts of sewer line issues give us a call at 832-772-5501. We, at Proline Plumbing, are plumbing and sewer line specialists operating in Houston Texas. We will inspect your plumbing and give you the best solution.