Reconsider Reaching for the Drain Cleaner

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

A clogged drain is one of those hassles that eventually happens

A lot happens in your Nashville, TN and it’s not always something wanted, such as a clogged drain. While it may be easy to reach for the drain cleaner to get things flowing down as they should, it may not be the best option. It’s important to consider what these cleaners are made of and the potential damage they may cause.

Types of Cleaners

Most off-the-shelf cleaners are formulated with ingredients that produce heat to help break up clogs. There are three main types:

• Caustic – Lye and caustic potash
• Oxidizing – Bleach, peroxide, and nitrate
• Acid – Sulfuric and muriatic

Each of them is designed to transfer or remove electrons to organic substances, such as hair and food, to produce the heat needed to break them down. Unfortunately, you may not always know the true reason for the clogged drain. If oils, grease, or fats are the culprits, the cleaner only pushes the clog further down and may not resolve the problem. For homes with older metal or plastic pipes, the chemicals can begin to warp or melt the piping, which may lead to a burst pipe that requires the assistance of water damage and restoration specialist.

Save Your Pipes

Instead of grabbing a chemical solution, it’s often better to consider a mechanical or biological one. A plunger or drain snake is often more efficient in clearing out the clog without doing any damage. Another option is an enzymatic cleaner. It contains natural living bacteria that eat away at the clog and are more environmentally friendly. For situations in which a clog keeps returning or it won’t come unclogged, it may be time to call in a professional for proper sewage cleaning. As experts in their field, they will be able to solve your problem without damaging your pipes.
A clogged drain is one of those hassles that eventually happens. Even though it seems like a small ordeal, unclogging it the right way is important to avoid a much bigger problem down the road.