Drain Cleaner Deterioration and Your Home

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Chemical cleaners can be an effective solution for removing problematic clogs.

Deterioration of Drain Cleaners and Your Home

Chemical cleaners can be an effective solution for removing problematic clogs. However, they come with inherent risks and are not always superior to physically removing an obstruction with tools such as plungers or snakes. Consider the following factors when dealing with a clogged drain in Vanderbilt Beach, FL.

1. Health Concerns

Chemical treatments are typically made of lye, bleaches or certain acids. These cause a chemical reaction that changes the molecules of the clog, dissolving them in the drain cleaner substrate and producing heat and gases as a byproduct. Changing the composition of the clog is a potent remedy, but the resulting fumes can health effects. Backsplash or residue from the caustic agents can also eat away at skin.

2. Ecological Issues

Because of the reaction byproducts and leftover active liquid, chemical cleaners can also pose a hazard to waterways and wildlife further down from your residential sewer system. Enzymatic cleaners using natural bacteria may be a better option for the environmentally conscious homeowner facing a clogged drain.

3. Delaying the Inevitable

Because of the aggressiveness of the method, using store-bought chemical agents to remove tough clogs may result in ripple effects in other aspects of your plumbing. Certain acid-base reactions can wear down pipes more quickly than under normal water flow, resulting in cracked pipes. This is especially true of larger grease clogs where the chemical cleaner fails to break through and builds up at the point of constriction, concentrating at a metal juncture.

Furthermore, the breakdown of the mass can be incomplete and simply move it down the line, resulting in the need for an even larger and more expensive clog removal operation later on. These factors, if neglected, can result in the need for sewage cleaning by a qualified restoration service.

A clogged drain can be a major hassle, and the temptation to use the most potent products available is strong. However, judicious use of the full range of options is important to maintain the integrity of your pipes and appliances.