What do you do if the tub starts draining slowly, or the kitchen sink appears to be backed up? Do you reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner? Hold on a second, because that product might not be as helpful as you think. In fact, it actually might be causing more problems than it’s solving.
The promise sounds nice – just pour some of the liquid or gel down the drain, and this powerful product will do the rest. They supposedly “eat” through tricky clogs like hair or grease. But here are three good reasons never to use liquid drain cleaner again.
1. They don’t always work
In some cases, a liquid drain cleaner can do what it’s supposed to do – loosen up the clog and allow water the drain quicker. But this only happens in some cases for some types of clogs. For example, if there’s a solid object stuck in a pipe, the liquid cleaner isn’t going to budge it. Or, if a pipe is broken, liquid cleaner isn’t going to fix it. So before you squirt chemicals down your plumbing, it’s important to know what type of issue you’re dealing with.
2. They contain toxic chemicals
Have you read the warning label on your liquid drain cleaner? It may make you think twice about opening up that bottle in your home. These products use harsh, potentially dangerous chemicals. The fumes of the clean can come back up through the pipes and into your kitchen or bathroom. Is risking the health of your family worth the convenience? We don’t think so.
3. They can ruin your pipes
Not only are the chemicals bad for your health, but they can also cause damage to your plumbing. One of the most common ingredients in liquid drainer cleaner is hydrochloric acid, which can break down the interior of your pipes. This can cause a leak or burst down the road, meaning a giant mess and expensive repair.
What to do instead of using liquid drain cleaner
Instead of reaching for the bottle of liquid drain cleaner, most minor clogs can be resolved with a plunger or by using a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
Of course, if these safe methods don’t do the trick, you can always call the plumbing experts at Rick’s Plumbing. We’ll fix your clog the right way, right away. Schedule an appointment at (203) 874-6629.