When the kitchen sink is draining slowly, or the bathtub is stopped up altogether, your first instinct may be to add a drain cleaner to your list to the grocery store. And while this may seem like a simple solution when your drains need to be cleared and the options for products are endless, you should think twice before making that purchase. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid store bought drain cleaners and what you should do in place of them.
They are unreliable
Store bought drain cleaners will range in price and effectiveness, but in most cases, you will find even the higher end brands wonāt get the job done completely. If the problem is something more significant like a broken pipe, the cleaner wonāt make a difference at all. The best solution to a clogged drain is going to be to call a plumber in to take care of the job versus buying bottle after bottle of drain cleaners that just donāt get to the root of the problem.
They arenāt good for the environment
Most drain cleaners that you find at the store will be full of chemicals that aren’t going to be good for the environment. By sending the chemicals through the plumbing system, breathing them in while you pour them down the drain, and tossing the residue coated bottles into the trash that often end up in the ocean or other wildlife areas, you can do some damage to the eco-system. Trust, you will be better off getting the professionals involved to ensure you, your family, and the environment are protected.
They can do more damage to your pipes than good
Many store-bought cleaners for drains will have hydrochloric acid and other chemicals in them that actually eat away at the pipes as the liquid settles. This will cause bigger and more expensive problems in the future that can be prevented by bringing in a plumber. Also, if you spill the drain cleaner in your kitchen and bathroom, it can remove those beautiful (but expensive) finishes and enamels that are part of your dƩcor.
If you have clogged sinks or showers, don’t reach for store bought drain cleaners! At SSI, our experienced plumbers will get to the root of the problem and be an affordable and reliable solution. All you have to do is call (703) 968-0606 or fill out our contact form and weāll be happy to assist!