When a sink stops draining properly, many people turn to a miracle in a bottle solution. Although drain cleaners can alleviate a drain clog sometimes, there are many downsides to utilizing a drain cleaner for your health and your pipes. As experts in the plumbing industry, the team at FitzGerald and Sons Plumbing Company have seen some stubborn clogs. Before you choose a drain cleaner solution, find out what you are getting into:
Drain cleaners are damaging to skin and eyes—If you decide to try a drain cleaner, use gloves and safety goggles. Damaging your health is not worth the risk! Also, if you try a drain cleaner and still end up needing a professional, make sure to inform your plumber that you have used a drain cleaner for their safety.
Drain cleaners are made from strong chemicals—Most chemical cleaners have sulfuric acid in them. This acid is extremely corrosive for metal and organic material. Although they may be effective for bursting through a clog sometimes, there may be more damage taking place than you realize.
Drain cleaners can damage your pipes—Drain cleaners work by causing a chemical reaction which produces heat and clears the clog. The problem with encouraging this reaction is that your PVC pipes will be softened. If you have older metal pipes, they could be eaten away. Eventually, you could have greater plumbing problems from your damaged pipes.
Drain cleaners can mask a more serious problem—Your clog from improper disposal of grease could just be a symptom of a broken pipe, a deeper clog, or even a backed-up sewer line. When trying to fix your drain, you need to clear more than just the symptoms, but the actual source as well.
Call FitzGerald and Sons Plumbing Company—We have the experience and equipment to assess your situation and remedy the problem without damaging your pipes. Our team is standing by to help with your clogged drain!