When you notice a drain in your Mesquite home that is cleaning more slowly than expected, your first thought might be to get some drain cleaner at the grocery store. You know that ignoring the issue will not make it go away. And a $10 jug of drain cleaner sounds like a great solution to avoid a complete clog and flood of dirty water. But there is more that you need to know about drain clogs and that chemical mixture that you will dump into your drain lines before you waste your money and possibly damage your drain pipe.
The Making Of Drain Clogs
Most drain clogs are a combination of grease, oily residue, hair, dirt, soap scum, and some random food particles. Over time, drain lines get coated in the oily sludge from bathing products, soaps, food waste, and washing cookware. As that goop dries inside the drain lines, it becomes sticky and traps all the pieces of debris that would normally flow down the drain and into the city sewer system. Soon, a nasty clump of stuff blocks the drain line and causes your sink or tub to clean more slowly.
The Chemical Drain Cleaners Claim
The jug of drain cleaner you are purchasing is nothing more than harsh chemicals that will form some high heat when dumped into a drain pipe. In the perfect world, the substances would heat up and melt the clog enough for it to wash out of the pipe. But in most cases, the chemicals do more damage to your plastic or metal drain lines than they do to the clog. The heat can damage plastic pipes and eat through older metal drain lines. In addition, they have little impact on the clog because they are only coming into contact with a minimal amount of the surface area.
Other Concerns About Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you read the warnings on the bottle of drain cleaner, chances are you will never touch one again. They warn of the potential for lung damage and breathing issues from the toxic fumes, chemical burns if the liquid touches your skin, and even more alarming injuries if it gets in your eyes. And what they do not tell you is that these noxious chemical fumes can linger in your home for days.
A Safe Solution
If you have a drain clog that cannot be removed with a safe DIY remedy like a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar, it is best to call in a professional. Professional plumbers use a machine that creates a high-pressure water jet to blast away clogs and the sticky residue inside drain lines with only pure water. As a result, there are no hazardous fumes and no danger to your home’s drain lines.
Call (214) 388-4525 to make an appointment for a professional drain cleaning and clog removal from the team at Flow Plumbing. The process is guaranteed to leave your drains spotless and help prevent future clogs from forming.
