Have a stubborn clog in your plumbing system? Your first instinct might be to run to the store and buy a chemical drain cleaner for a quick fix. However, while liquid drain cleaners have long been the go-to fix for home plumbing problems, many have mixed opinions on whether they should be used in moderation or at all. Below, our experienced plumbers in Ocala and plumbers in Gainesville answer one of the plumbing’s age-old questions: are drain cleaners safe to use?
Sunshine Plumbing and Gas is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company offering high-quality services at an affordable price. Contact us today to request a quote on any of our plumbing services!
The Risks Of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Typically, liquid drain cleaners contain highly-toxic chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid and lye, which are used to break down clogs in a drain by dissolving material, such as hair, food, and other things could cause a blockage. Of course, chemicals harsh enough to dissolve blockages can deteriorate your pipes over time, eating away the pipe’s enamel and other layers. With extended use, chemical drain cleaners can deteriorate pipes to the point holes appear, causing leaks. Worse yet, many chemical drain cleaners are only a temporary solution, failing to dissolve clogs completely.
Safe Alternatives
Due to the slow erosion of pipes caused by harsh chemical drain cleaners, it’s preferable to keep the use of drain cleaners to a minimum. Additionally, while there are drain cleaners that don’t use harsh chemicals, they aren’t all that effective. Some safe, effective clog-clearing alternatives to drain cleaners include the following.
Plungers
Plungers are a tried-and-true method of clearing clogs and are much safer chemical drain cleaners. A flat-bottomed plunger is suitable for tubs and sinks, while a tapered-bottomed plunger is suitable for toilets.
Drain Snakes
Drain snakes, also known as pipe augers, are effective tools for manually removing material causing a blockage in drain pipes. Drain snakes can access clogs within reach and break them up so they can be removed.
Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Our Gainesville plumbing company offers comprehensive drain cleaning services to remove even the most stubborn clogs and get your drain working again in tip-top shape. Contact us today to schedule drain cleaning services from a plumber in Ocala, FL or a plumber in Gainesville, FL!