A blocked drain can really ruin your day. No one wants to discover that sewage or wastewater has flooded their property. To avoid this worst-case scenario, it is vital that you take action as soon as you discover your drain is blocked. Your first instinct may be to reach for chemical drain cleaners. However, before you go ahead and pour these down the drain, you should think carefully about the possible drawbacks of using this method.
Below is a guide to 2 reasons why it may be better to call in a professional plumber rather than using chemicals to unblock your drain.
Using a chemical drain cleaner could damage the pipes
By their nature, drain cleaning fluids are highly caustic. The corrosive properties of the cleaning fluid allow it to break down and dissolve the matter which is blocking your drainage pipes. However, unfortunately, the corrosive action of the drain cleaning fluid can also attack the pipes themselves. This problem normally occurs when the cleaning fluid builds up behind a blockage. If it takes some time for the drain cleaner to dissolve the debris, this could lead to sections of pipe being exposed to high levels of corrosive liquid.
If you repeatedly use chemicals to clean your drains, this could seriously compromise the integrity of your drainage pipes. By calling out a professional plumber, you can ensure that you do not damage the drainage pipes in your home. A plumber will use non-corrosive methods to clear your drains which will help to protect the plumbing system in your home.
Using a chemical drain cleaner isn't a long-term fix
While chemical drain cleaners are effective at removing blockages, they do nothing to address the underlying problem. This means that the problem could easily return. For example, if the blockage has been caused by a build-up of fat and food debris being washed down your kitchen sink, using a chemical cleaner will not alert you to this fact, meaning you cannot remedy the source of the problem. However, if you call in a professional plumber, they will be able to fully investigate the cause of the blockage before using plumbing snakes and high-pressure air to remove the blockage. The plumber will also be able to give you some top tips on how to keep your drains clear.
If you would like to find out more, you should contact a plumbing company such as P1 Plumbing & Electrical.
Hello! My name is Paula and on this blog, I will be taking you on a fascinating journey through the world of plumbing. Not many people like to think about plumbing as it can seem like a very dry and boring subject. I used to think plumbing was really dull. However, once I got talking to a plumbing contractor who had called around to fit a new tap, I discovered that plumbing is, in fact, a quite fascinating subject. Since then, I have done all I can to learn as much as possible about the plumbing industry. I hope you find what I have written here useful.