We have all had to deal with a clogged drain, and each time it is never a fun experience. Unclogging drains are not only an awful experience; they can be time-consuming tasks that can be frustrating. While you may be tempted to go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of drain cleaner to fix the clog, here is why you should hold off on that idea!

Pipe Damage

We suggest that homeowners avoid reaching for a bottle of drain cleaner because of how harsh the chemical agents in these liquid cleaners are on pipes. Typically most common drain cleaners contain a solution that eats away at clogs and pipes, and surrounding seals.

While using drain cleaner one time is not necessarily going to lead to immediate complications, the issue arises throughout repeated use. If you always reach for drain cleaner for every clog, you run the risk of pipe corrosion that can lead to leaks, and a clog will be the least of your worries.

We suggest using proper plungers and plunging techniques to loosen blockages. Even alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar can be less harmful than liquid drain cleaners. Repeated clogs may also signal underlying plumbing issues that will only be resolved with professional maintenance.

Are Drain Cleaners Always Bad?

Drain cleaners do their job of clearing a clog, but the issue is that they genuinely are not effective long-term solutions as repeated use leads to more problems than solutions. Typically you are better off investing in drain snakes or even a good plunger that can minimize damage. While liquid drain cleaners can help in the short term, think of the repairs, you face in the long term usage of drain cleaners.

Preventing Clogs

Avoid clogs in the first place by taking the time to avoid flushing down any other material other than waste and toilet paper. Despite what you may hear, flushable wipes are not truly flushable, so do not flush them down the drain. For kitchen sink clogs, have a drain guard to avoid food and other material clogging up pipes. Also, do not pour grease down any drain, as oil can easily cling to the side of your lines and lead to big clogs that become a hassle to clean up after.

If you have a stubborn clog that won’t go away, call the plumbers at United States Heating & Air Conditioning today at (407) 337-7925