Why You Should Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners

Almost every homeowner has been in this situation. An unexpected clog has happened in your toilet, shower, or bathroom sink. We all want to fix this annoying problem as quickly as possible. Many people rapidly look under their kitchen sink for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. It all seems so easy. Pour the drain cleaner, wait the recommended time, and flush down the hot water. Hopefully, this will remove the clog, and we can continue using our appliances and faucets as usual. Although this process seems straightforward, our Salt Lake City drain cleaning experts have several reasons why you shouldn’t use standard cleaner solutions.

(801) 601-1298

Here are some potential damages these chemicals can have on your pipes

1. 1. Chemical drain cleaners are toxic to humans and animals. Nearly all common liquid cleaners purchased at grocery and hardware stores use abrasive chemicals. When these materials dissolve, the blockages in your pipes create harmful fumes. These gases can be toxic to breathe in. It is common to experience eye, nose, and throat irritation when exposed to them. These chemicals are also harmful to our water supplies.
   2. Most drain cleaners will eat away at your pipes. The most common ingredient in liquid drain cleaners is hydrochloric acid. This chemical compound will eat away at nearly anything it touches. Frequent use of over-the-counter drain cleaners can cause severe damage to your plumbing pipes. This causes more significant issues than a stubbornly clogged kitchen sink. They can cause steady leaks behind your walls and under flooring that can be difficult to detect until they have caused structural damage to your home or business.
   3. These products don’t always work. Only inevitable clogs are created by hair and soap scum. You won’t always know what is causing your drain or toilet to stop working correctly. Sewer and water mains can become damaged and cracked for various reasons. This is why having a professional perform a camera inspection on your piping system is highly beneficial. This will allow you to see the cause of the clog and properly assess what needs to be done to solve the problem.

What can you do about a clogged drain?

Just because you shouldn’t use chemical drain cleaners does not mean you are completely helpless to fix a simple clog. Below are some non-hazardous solutions you can try before you call a drain cleaning company near you.

Try using vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is a slightly acidic liquid, but it will not cause damage to your pipes. Baking soda is a natural cleansing product. Mixing these two will create a fizzing solution of bubbles that will gently move and dislodge more minor clogs. Leave this solution in the clogged drain overnight and wash it with hot water in the morning.

Boiling water and dish soap can also be used. Start the process by boiling tap water on the stove. Once it has reached a boil, mix in a few teaspoons of regular dish soap. Then slowly pour the mixture down the drain. The hot water may liquify the clog, while the soap will help to slide it down the drain.

Trust a reputable rooter company.

We are on your side if you have tried the abovementioned remedies with no luck. Our rooter experts are here to handle any clogged drain, whether large or small. If you live in or around Salt Lake City, we invite you to call Plumbing Utah Heating & Air at (801) 601-1298 to schedule a professional drain cleaning. We will include a coupon at the bottom of this article to help you save some money on your service call.