Express Plumbing Heating & Air Blog

Should you hire drain cleaners for a clogged drain or use chemical drain cleaners? The first thing some people may grab is a chemical drain cleaner. Although most store-bought chemical drain cleaning solutions are affordable and easy to grab in times of urgency, they’re not always good for your plumbing system. Here are some reasons why you should cut back on using store-bought chemical cleaners.

Why?

More often than not, clogged drains are a result of a buildup of hair, grease, soap, human waste, food, and other debris that collect over time. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners used chemical reactions to unclog drains. The chemical mixtures in these cleaners give off noxious fumes, which are unpleasant for everyone as well as pets. If one drain cleaner doesn’t work then the easiest step would be to try a different one, right? NO, when using these chemical drain cleaners, mixed chemicals can sometimes cause a cement-like reaction. On the other hand, if the chemicals being mixed are quick-tempered then that could cause an eruption in your drain.

Damage is Inevitable

These chemical reactions are also very harsh on your porcelain, stainless steel, and aluminum bathroom fixtures. Some chemical combinations can cause corrosion and sometimes eat through the fixtures. Drain cleaners can also damage PVC, old or corroded pipes as well. This is an instance

where a simple clogged drain could end up becoming a huge re-piping/ plumbing job.

Alternatives?

Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, you could try the old-fashioned way. Using one cup of baking soda and one cup of cider vinegar is a little trick to get rid of clogs. Once that sits for a few minutes you can start to see the mixture cleaning, run lots of hot water over it when it’s done. Another home trick is 1/4 salt, 1/4 borax, and 1/4 vinegar. This mixture would take some time to work its magic, but should clear the clog as well.

Who to Call

If these home remedies don’t seem to fix the clog then be sure to call Express Plumbing Heating & Air. We will always be there for your plumbing needs!

Express Plumbing Heating & Air

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