If you find a clogged drain at your Huntington Beach, CA home, you might notice there are several solutions available. One of the most popular ones involves drain cleaning chemicals you can pour down and wash off. This solution is convenient and simple, but it also has some disadvantages. Learn more about the positives and negatives of drain cleaner, in addition to some suitable alternatives.
Advantages of Cleaners
Liquid cleaner can sound appealing to many homeowners because it is easy to use. In most cases, you pour a limited amount where the clog is and then wash it off with hot water after a few minutes. It is a fast solution that requires no additional tools or resources. The chemicals in the fluid are also strong enough to clear tough clogs. Therefore, you can expect an effective solution for little effort.
Potential Risks
While a cleaner sounds like the best resource for a clogged drain, it does have some drawbacks. The liquid may be too strong for:
Plastic pipes
Older and rusted metal pipes
Complete clogs and blocks
This can cause leaks that require water damage remediation since either the material is too weak or the complete clog forces the cleaner to sit and dissolve the pipes. Additionally, the chemical may have a harmful impact on the environment and on your own health, so handle it carefully.
Alternative Methods
While sewage cleaning with cleaners is both easy and effective, there are weaker alternatives that can unclog pipes without these risks. For smaller clogs, you can use tools such as augers and plungers to physically remove the blockage. If you still want to use chemicals to remove organic clogs like grease or hair, you can use an enzymatic cleaner that consumes the material. It takes longer to act, but it lacks the intensity that damages pipes.
A clogged drain can create major problems, but it does not always require a strong response. Explore other drain clearing options before using chemicals.
