Avoid the Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning Products
When dealing with a clogged kitchen or bathroom drain, it’s tempting to reach for a store-bought drain cleaner. However, these products are among the most hazardous chemicals commonly found in homes today. Not only do they pose serious health and safety risks, but they can also cause damage to your home’s plumbing system and the finishes in your kitchen and bathroom.
How Drain Cleaners Work
There are various types of chemical drain cleaners on the market. Alkaline drain cleaners typically contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, while acidic drain cleaners contain sulfuric acid. Other harmful chemicals found in these products include bleach and lye.
While these cleaners can be effective at removing organic matter closer to the drain opening, they often fail to clear obstructions that are further down the pipe, such as those found in toilets or floor drains. The chemical reaction these cleaners create can be extremely caustic, necessitating careful handling.
They must be poured slowly into the drain while wearing appropriate skin and eye protection, as contact with these chemicals can result in severe burns or even blindness.
Because many of these drain cleaners are alkaline, they can corrode your plumbing fixtures and damage surfaces in your home, including plated metals, wood, painted areas, aluminum, and fiberglass. This can lead to repair and replacement that far outweigh the initial convenience of using a chemical cleaner.
The Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning
For a safer and more effective solution, professional drain cleaning by the experienced plumbers at Central is the best option. Plumbers use specialized tools designed to physically remove even the toughest obstructions that chemicals often can’t reach or fully dissolve.
Professional plumbers utilize a range of techniques, including:
Drain Snaking (Augering)
This method involves using a flexible, coiled tool that is inserted into the drain to break up and remove clogs. Drain snakes are highly effective at clearing blockages deep within the plumbing system, far beyond the reach of chemical cleaners.
Hydro Jetting
For more stubborn clogs, hydro jetting is often employed. Hydro jetting is a technique that involves blasting high-pressure water through the pipes. This method not only clears the clog but also cleans the inside of the pipes, removing buildup and preventing future blockages.
Video Inspection
Before deciding on the best approach, many plumbers use a small, waterproof camera to inspect the inside of the pipes. This allows them to accurately diagnose the problem and choose the most effective solution.
Drain Cleaning For Kalispell and the Flathead Valley
By choosing professional drain cleaning, you eliminate the need to store dangerous chemicals in your home, thereby protecting your family’s health and the integrity of your plumbing system.
At Central, we have been providing plumbing, sewer and drain service to homeowners in the Flathead Valley for over 30 years. We ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely, providing peace of mind and long-term results.
Call Central Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical for Expert Drain Cleaning in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside & Somers
