Using Drain Cleaners: 3 Important Facts

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

When a clogged drain stops up in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home's plumbing, you may reach for one of several drain cleaners you have handy. These products are adept at handling small sink or toilet clogs and can help water drain smoothly. However, before you use these liquids, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville wants you to know where they can be used and when they might do more harm than good.

The Chemicals May Damage Older Pipes

Using a drain cleaner to clear a clog may harm your pipes if you have an older home. These liquids can contain several caustic ingredients designed to dissolve hair and waste, and the heat they create once introduced in the line can warp older metal pipes. If this happens, your plumbing problems may multiply instead of being resolved.

The Compounds May Not Remove Clogs

While some drain cleaners effectively clear a clogged drain or bathroom sink, they don't always work on large toilet clogs. Suppose the chemicals are unable to deal with the mass. In this scenario, the product can remain in the pipes and sometimes cause warping or other damage, leading to a massive toilet overflow and the need for a sewage cleaning and removal company. If a drain cleaning product doesn't produce results within 24 hours, it is wise to call a plumber.

The Cleaners May Be Hazardous

Clearing a drain with a liquid cleaner can be convenient, but these products could pose a threat to you, your pets, and wildlife. They sometimes contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled and harm the local environment if they find their way into natural water sources. As such, it's essential to handle these products carefully.

Dealing with a clogged drain in your Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, home can be frustrating. Before reaching for a liquid drain cleaner, it's essential to know the cleaner's facts and its use. Keep your home and family safe today.