When Should You Use Drain Cleaners?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

If your home has water damage or sewage, call SERVPRO, we have professional machines to clean up and restore your home efficiently.

When Is It Appropriate To Use Drain Cleaners?

When you encounter a clogged drain at home in Chicago, IL, you want to fix the problem as soon as possible. Though you may be tempted to immediately use a drain cleaner, it’s not always an appropriate fix for every problem.

• With Newer, Stronger Pipes

Pipes that have been installed recently will be significantly stronger than older pipes, and therefore will be able to stand up to the cleaner’s chemicals. Older pipes are particularly susceptible to damage from chemical drainage cleaners. Using harsh cleaners with older pipes could create a more serious sewage issue, costing you additional time and money to clean. If you have plastic pipes in your home, do not use a chemical cleaner regardless of how new the pipes are, as the plastic will immediately erode upon contact with a chemical cleaner.

• If You Have Appropriate Tools

It’s essential to only use drainage cleaners if you can do so safely. Just as the chemicals in drain cleaner can damage pipes, it can also be harmful if it makes direct contact with your skin. When using drainage cleaner, take precautions to ensure that your skin will not come in contact with the cleaner itself. If you do not have access to protective gloves and other safety equipment, it’s best not to use chemical cleaners.

• Minor Blockages

Using harsh cleaners can create more issues if used when a drain is entirely blocked. If you are certain that your clogged drain is not entirely blocked, then you can use a cleaner to remove the blockage. However, a drain that is wholly blocked will cause the drainage cleaner to remain in the pipes, which can result in even the strongest of pipes becoming eroded and damaged.

Clogged drains can disrupt your day-to-day life in your home. If you encounter an issue with your drains that can’t be easily fixed, contact professionals in sewage cleaning who will ensure your drains are safely and quickly cleaned.