When one of your drains becomes fully or partially clogged, all you want to do is get it fixed as quickly and easily as possible. That’s why so many Seattle and Bellevue area homeowners turn to liquid drain cleaner – it seems like a quick, cheap solution to a frustrating problem. However, if you ask the Best Plumbing team, they’ll tell you that liquid drain cleaners come with their own set of issues. Here are three reasons to avoid them:
1. They Can Be Damaging to Your Pipes
Most liquid drain cleaners do their work by creating a chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid. This chemical is hard on pipes, especially if it sits on them for an extended period of time. It can melt or deform plastic pipes, and weaken or crack metal ones. Such damage can result in broken, leaky pipes down the line.
2. They Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Liquid drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that aren’t good for you, your family, or your pets. These cleaners often release strong fumes that can irritate your nose, eyes, and throat. If your space doesn’t have enough ventilation, these fumes can also hang in the air for a while afterward. Some liquid drain cleaners are also dangerous to touch, and can if they come into contact with your skin, may cause burns.
3. They May Not Be Effective
There are many possible causes of a clogged drain or pipe. Liquid drain cleaners may dissolve blockages of hair or grease, but they won’t fix more serious issues. If your clogged drain is caused by a broken pipe or sewer backup, it will likely take professional help to resolve it.
The next time you encounter a blocked drain, think twice before using liquid drain cleaners in your Seattle home. If you can’t fix your clogged pipe with a plunger or drain snake, call Best Plumbing for professional help. One of our expert plumbers will be able to diagnose the problem and find the right solution.
Photo Credits: © Kanttila, available under Creative Commons CCO.
