Convenience has become commonplace in modern society. Even clogged pipes have a convenient solution — chemical drain cleaners. You can easily find them at home improvement and hardware stores and use them to quickly fix your clogged bathroom or kitchen drain. However, it's vital that you know the damage you could be doing to your pipes.
The Real Truth on Chemical Drain Cleaners
When applied to clogged drains, these cleaners unleash several simultaneous chemical reactions. The reactions generate heat and gas that dissolve clogs. Unfortunately, when eating away at the debris blocking your plumbing system, they also eat away at your pipes.
When you use them for major clogs, they're likely to fail to clear the blockage completely — and that's when the damage they can cause becomes worse. As they sit in your pipes, they generate more reactions and heat than some pipe materials can withstand. They can cause cracks in older pipes and make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes break. They can also corrode old metal fittings, seals, and caulking.
Better Ways to Deal with Plumbing Clogs
Safe DIY ways to deal with clogs include using a plunger or vinegar and baking soda. However, these only work for minor clogs. If you have a major clog or have been sending the wrong things down the drains, DIY solutions won't cut it. You can even end up making the problem worse.
For a safe and reliable solution to clogged drains, call a professional plumbing company. These companies have the latest drain cleaning equipment such as root cutters and motorized snakes to locate, loosen, and remove clogs of all sizes. Their expertise and methods help them protect your plumbing from damage during repair.
There's always a price to pay for convenience. Rather than using chemical drain cleaners and face expensive plumbing repairs or replacement, you're better off seeking the help of a professional.
If you need drain cleaning services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the plumbing experts at Air Assurance. With more than 50 years of experience, our master plumbers can clear away all stubborn clogs and help you prevent future blockages.