When you discover clogs in your plumbing, it’s easy to allow panic to set in and turn to the first available quick fix. However, quick fixes are rarely proven to work in the long term. And when it comes to plumbing, some DIY drain clearing approaches can actually be more problematic than the clog itself.
Before you reach for an over-the-counter chemical drain cleaner, consider these three warnings:
1. Chemical drain cleaners can cause serious health damage
The chemical makeup of these popular cleaners can wreak havoc on your health. Inhalation and contact with the skin can lead to chemical poisoning and symptoms such as chest pain, chemical burns, severe abdominal pain, vision loss, and more.
2. Chemical cleaners can corrode pipes
While chemical drain cleaners do often work to dissolve clogs, they can also dissolve the lining of your pipes – especially if your plumbing system is composed of older materials and is more susceptible to corrosion.
3. Chemicals won’t remove all clogs
If your plumbing problem is caused by small clogs or debris, chemical cleaners might help to clear it out. However, chemicals won’t fix larger issues caused by cracks in the plumbing or backups caused by sewer issues. Instead, the chemicals will sit in the pipes, leading to even more potential for corrosion and irreversible damage in your plumbing system.
Drain cleaning alternatives
Just because we don’t recommend chemical drain cleaners doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are better methods out there that can help – some of which you might already have on hand.
- Plunger, snake, or auger. These traditional plumbing tools are extremely effective – not to mention affordable – ways to unclog your drains without using harsh chemicals or damaging your pipes.
- Baking soda and vinegar. Who would have guessed that one of the best ways to unclog a drain comes from using staple ingredients from the kitchen? A mixture of baking soda and vinegar with hot (not boiling!) water poured down the drain can dissolve even larger clogs from your pipes.
When to call a plumber?
If the clog persists after using these DIY methods, then it might be time to consider bringing in a professional plumber. Acting too aggressively to dissolve clogs can cause major damage to your drains, pipes, and plumbing system as a whole. Avoid any unnecessary damage and give Pratt Plumbing a call at (806) 373-7866. With our professional drain cleaning service in Amarillo, TX, and surrounding areas, we will find the source of the clog and fix it fast.
