Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Should Only Be Used as a Last Resort

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Should Only Be Used as a Last Resort

If your sink in Centerton, AR experiences a particularly stubborn clogged drain, you may need a chemical solution to handle the matter. Be forewarned, however, that these caustic products can cause serious damage to your plumbing. Never use them until all other reasonable options have been exhausted.

Chemical Cleaner Types

Drain cleaner solutions use three different types of bases:

  1. Acidic, such as muriatic or sulfuric acids
  2. Caustic, such as lye or potash
  3. Oxidizing, such as nitrates, bleaches, or peroxides

By producing heat via exchanging electrons with whatever accumulation of organic material is causing the stoppage, the offending mass is broken down, creating the appropriate condition for your clogged drain to smoothly flush away. Although these drain cleaner options remain effective, they come attached to serious disadvantages.

Chemical Cleaner Negatives

Among the biggest drawbacks, these sewage cleaning choices pose is the potential for environmental harm. Besides their awful smell, they sadly have a tendency to end up in lakes, rivers, and landfills. Always dispose of the unused portions of these toxic products as recommended by official guidelines.

Also concerning is their propensity for damaging older pipes, as well as those made of plastic. Because they produce warmth to complete their assigned task, warping and other structural breakdowns can result, compounding an already distressing situation.

Harsh cleaners pose an equally perilous threat applied to seriously block drains. When such solutions fail, the potion merely sits. The longer this persists, the greater the chance corrosion will occur.

Should a complete plumbing breakdown be the end result, you might need to contact a water damage expert to conduct a thorough sewage cleaning.

Keep in mind that a cornucopia of easily obtainable non-toxic cleaners exists. Although they require muscle power, a plumber’s snake may also do the trick without presenting the same risks posed by chemicals. Try one of these before introducing a harsh elixir into your kitchen.

All chemical drain cleaners come with potential downsides. When a clogged drain happens to you, only attempt one of these solvents after all other methods have failed.

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AT NWA Restore It, INC. WE protect
our customers and Employees

All of our professionals follow preventative safety measures

  • We stay at least 6 feet away from clients and others in clients’ homes, including pets, when possible.
  • We use an appropriate mask for the task.
  • We regularly wash our hands or use hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
  • Before the visit, we discuss the details of the service and may request that you send photos via text or by email,  to help reduce the amount of time spent inside your home.

What you need to know Before scheduling services or repairs?

Per CDC Guidelines:
  • Ask the service provider to wear a mask.
  • You and other household members should wear masks.
  • Stay at least 6 feet from the service provider, and limit interactions between the service provider and other household members and pets.
  • After the service is completed, clean and disinfect any surfaces in your home that may have been touched by the service provider.

NWA Restore It Inc. also provides Covid-19 Cleaning & Disinfection Service Needs