When to Avoid Using Drain Cleaner

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid Using A Cleaning Product In The Following Situations

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain in your Lenexa, KS, home, you may turn to drain cleaner as a quick and easy fix. However, this product may end up causing more harm than good. It’s best to avoid pouring chemicals down your drain and contact a professional to solve the problem instead. Be sure to avoid using a cleaning product in the following situations.

1. Old Pipes

If you have older pipes, it’s generally not a good idea to use a cleaning product. Older pipes likely have more wear and tear and may have a difficult time handling the chemicals you pour down your drain. In most cases, using drain cleaning products can damage your pipes and force you to pay for costly repairs or replacements. Try to use a plunger or auger to fix the clog if you have old pipes.

2. Metal Pipes

Metal pipes might also struggle to digest the chemicals in a drain cleaner. If you use a cleaning product to repair your clogged drain, make sure that your pipes aren’t made of metal. These pipes tend to be weaker and are more vulnerable to damage. Metal may also become warped as a result of the heat produced by chemical cleaners, and the same can happen with plastic pipes. Check the material of your pipes before you attempt to use a cleaning product.

3. Severe Clogs

The more serious a clog is, the more difficult it will be for your cleaner to fix it. When the product fails to clear a clog, the chemicals remain trapped in your pipes and can lead to more damage. If you’re dealing with a drain that is completely blocked, it’s best to try unclogging it mechanically or calling a professional for a sewage cleaning if you can’t do it on your own.
A clogged drain can cause water damage as well as serious plumbing issues. Don’t wait to call water damage repair experts to have your home restored immediately.