The Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners
A clogged drain can be a rather significant inconvenience, and you will likely be looking for ways to clear the blockage quickly. This can often lead to the use of the first chemical cleaner you can get your hands on, even though this is not always the safest or most effective solution. Fortunately, your plumbing repair experts in Las Vegas, NV are here to explain why these chemical cleaners can be so dangerous and which safe and reliable alternatives should be used instead.
The dangers of chemical cleaners
Most chemical drain cleaners use either sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. These types of cleaners are used so frequently because the release of their alkaline properties creates heat that turns grease into a substance that is more readily dissolved. Chemical cleaners that rely heavily on bleach, nitrates and peroxides as active ingredients work by removing the oxygen from the organic material that is causing the clogged mass.
The major problem with using these chemicals, though, is that while these complex chemical reactions are working to break down the obstruction, they could also be wearing down and causing damage to your sinks and drains as well. Each time this heat is generated in order to remove the clog, PVC piping can soften, and the metal of older pipes can weaken. These chemical cleaners could also lead to health issues for those in your home, as they can be dangerous if they ever come into contact with your skin or are inhaled.
How to safely remove clogs on your own
Keeping these chemicals away from your drains and instead using some of the standard items you already have in your home can help you remove some smaller blockages. You might be surprised to learn that flushing the drain with a pot of boiling hot water, followed by a pot of cold water, is often enough to deal with a small blockage. If this doesn’t work, try adding a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar to the drain. Let the mixture sit overnight before flushing with a pot of boiling water in the morning. This method can also be used once a month to proactively help prevent harmful clogging.
The safest and most effective way to handle drain blockages, however, is to call on the help of experienced professionals. Not only will this take care of the immediate clogging issue, but an in-depth inspection might even reveal deeper underlying troubles with your plumbing.
For professional assistance with your plumbing repair in Las Vegas, NV, make sure you give the team at Orchard Plumbing a call. We have seen clogging issues big and small, and our highly trained plumbers have the experience needed to perform a comprehensive drain cleaning so that the blockage is removed and similar issues can be prevented in the future. We look forward to assisting you soon—give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can take care of the drains in your home right away!