The safety of using chemicals to clean out clogged drains is a hot topic of debate amongst homeowners and even plumbers…
Some claim that chemicals are fine to use as long as it isn’t done too frequently.
Others vehemently advocate that pouring chemicals down the drain is one of the single worst things you can do to your plumbing system.
Most professional plumbers seem to agree with the latter opinion. And this is because chemical cleaners can wreak serious havoc on your pipes.
Here are two reasons why professionals advise against using chemicals to clean out your drain.
If your house is old, it’s possible that the pipes are as well. And in the event of a pipe leakage, which is fairly common in older houses, the chemicals you pour down the drain may taint your entire water supply.
Certain chemical cleaners may cause your pipes to corrode. So, in an attempt to clear your clogged drain, you may end up creating even bigger problems.
Chemicals may not be the proper solution to your drain issue, but if you’re in a pinch, these natural alternatives may be able to help.
Baking soda with vinegar/lemon
Baking soda is a well-known natural cleaning agent with many uses. And fortunately, cleaning out stuck drains is one of them.
Pour a cup of baking soda down your drain and follow it with a cup of vinegar. The reaction between the alkali and acid will cause the mixture to fizz. And this fizzing is what should help unclog your drain.
If you happen to be one of those people that hate the smell of vinegar, then citrus fruits like lemon are a great alternative to it.
Borax and hot water
For this trick, you’ll need to mix one cup of borax with four cups of water. It may not look like it’s working at first. But you’ll need to allow the mixture to sit for some time to get its benefits.
Within an hour, your drain should be unclogged.
Plunger
If the tricks above didn’t work, then it might be time to bust out the old plunger. After all, there’s nothing more natural than a little elbow grease.
Grab the plunger dedicated to your kitchen or bathroom and cover your drain with it. You’ll need to plunge until whatever clogged your sink is dislodged and water goes down smoothly.
While these tricks are nifty, natural drain cleaners can only temporarily solve the problem. And while using them, you can never be 100% sure that your drain is completely unclogged.
Failure to properly remove the debris can lead to an internal build-up. And this will eventually cause a lot of avoidable damage to your home’s plumbing. It’s always better to call in a professional plumber when these kinds of issues arise. So give us a call anytime at (714) 602-1299, or schedule an appointment online!