Plumbing is the system of pipes, drains, fittings, and fixtures that distribute potable water and remove waste from residential and commercial buildings. It’s a critical part of every building, as it ensures safe and reliable sanitation.
When a home’s drain becomes blocked, it may be time to call a plumber. However, before doing so, homeowners can try a few simple DIY solutions. Visit https://www.jgplumbingnrooter.com to learn more.
Liquid drain cleaners are cheap, easy to use and provide a temporary fix for minor drain clogs. However, their harsh chemicals can corrode pipes over time, leading to more serious issues down the road. Here are a few reasons to reconsider using liquid drain cleaners.
Caustic Drain Cleaners
Caustic drain cleaners are composed of highly diluted hydrochloric acid, which is often used in industrial cleaning products and can damage your pipes. These cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the materials in your pipes that cause them to dissolve and melt away. The problem is that this chemical reaction also releases heat, which can warp or melt plastic pipes and cause metal ones to expand and bulge.
Another issue with caustic drain cleaners is that they can be toxic to your family, pets and the environment. These cleaners often release strong odors that can irritate your nose, eyes and lungs. In addition, if these chemicals seep into groundwater or soil, they can be harmful to plants and animals that drink or come into contact with it.
Oxidizing Drain Cleaners
Another type of liquid drain cleaner is an oxidizing solution that uses bleach, nitrates and peroxides to clear away organic blockages like hair, soap scum, grease and toilet paper. These cleaners are usually heavier than water, meaning they will move through standing water to reach the clog site and oxidize it. Once the clog is exposed to oxygen, it will break down and be deposited in the sewer system to be removed by the local sanitation company.
Acidic Drain Cleaners
More than just lye, acidic drain cleaners use sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to create a chemical reaction that eats away at the material in your pipes and dissolves it. This process can generate a lot of heat, which can cause polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipes to melt or warp. It can also damage older, metal pipes that have deteriorated over time.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog to dissolve it. They typically come in liquid or gel form and are poured down the drain. Caustic chemical cleaners, which are made of strong bases like lye, have the ability to break up a wide range of organic materials including hair, soap scum, and grease. They also work well on clogs that occur near the drain opening. However, these products are not effective for clogs that are further down the pipe.
Acidic cleaners, which are made of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, are the harshest chemicals on the market. These products create a chemical reaction that transfers electrons to the clog, breaking it apart and dissolving it. They are usually only used in extreme situations because they can damage pipes and cause corrosion. They also generate a lot of heat during the chemical reaction which can melt or warp plastic pipes and can even burn or crack metal ones.
All chemical drain cleaners release a lot of harmful fumes during the cleaning process. These fumes can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose. They can also be very dangerous to breathe if the area is not properly ventilated. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products and to wear gloves, a face mask, and protective eyewear when working with them.
While chemical cleaners can be effective in certain situations, they are not good for the environment and can actually do more harm than good. They can release toxins into the water supply, which can kill organisms and make it unsafe for humans to drink. They can also cause erosion of the pipes and be damaging to the surrounding environment.
There are several natural alternatives to chemical drain cleaners that can be just as effective. One of our favorites is Green Gobbler, which uses a blend of natural bacteria and enzymes to digest organic waste. It’s safe for the pipes and the environment, and it works well on a variety of clogs including hair, grease, and soap scum. You can find it online or at many home improvement stores.
Hydro-Jet Drain Cleaning
If you have a serious clog that’s not easily solved with drain snakes or chemical cleaners, it may be time to call in the heavy artillery—a professional plumber with a hydro jetting machine. This highly effective technique scours pipes thoroughly to completely clear away stubborn blockages.
Before attacking a clog with a hydro jetting machine, the plumber inserts a camera into the line to locate the clog and assess its severity. He then attaches a nozzle to the end of the heavy-duty water hose, which has multiple holes facing in different directions and generates powerful water streams that can blast through even the thickest clogs.
The plumber adjusts the force of the nozzle and the type of spray pattern for maximum effectiveness on the specific type of clog. For example, he might use a nozzle with more forward force to break up grease or hair clogs, then switch to a wider back spray to dislodge and remove tree roots. In some cases, the plumber might need to repeat this process a few times to fully clean out the pipe.
Another advantage of hydro jetting is that it can eliminate clogs without damaging pipes, unlike some other drain cleaning methods. When performed correctly by a trained professional, this technique is safe for most piping materials, including PVC and cast iron. However, this method can cause damage if it’s used improperly or on older, smaller-sized piping systems.
One of the biggest reasons to call in a plumber for hydro jetting is to deal with a sewer line clog that’s causing sewage backup into your home or business. A severe clog in the sewer line is not only an unpleasant problem to have, but it can also lead to toxic black mold and other health concerns for your family or employees.
For this reason, you should always have a professional inspect your sewer lines on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning properly. By scheduling routine hydro jetting services, you can prevent the buildup of unhealthy substances and keep your piping in good condition for years to come.
Ongoing Drain Cleaning Maintenance
The best way to keep drains working properly is to have them cleaned regularly. This will prevent the accumulation of materials that can lead to clogs or worse, full-blown disasters like sewage backup and flooding. It will also help prevent costly repairs and replacements for plumbing pipes that can result from the build-up of materials.
It’s important to have your drains professionally cleaned if you notice any of the following signs:
Foul Odors: Foul smells coming from sinks, showers, or toilets are an indication that a blockage or serious problem is present in your home’s plumbing system. A clogged drain is filled with bacteria and organic matter that can be harmful to your family’s health.
Gurgling Noises: When water or sewage is flowing into your home’s drains, it causes a loud and unpleasant gurgling sound that can be difficult to ignore. It’s an indicator that the drains or pipes are blocked and that a professional plumber is needed immediately.
Slow Drains: If your bathroom or kitchen drains take a long time to empty, it’s likely due to a clog or serious problem. A professional plumber can use a variety of tools to clear the clog quickly and effectively.
Clogged Pipes: A clogged pipe can lead to severe water damage in your home and may even cause the entire sewer line to collapse. It’s important to call a plumbing expert for emergency services as soon as possible to resolve the issue and protect your property.
Regular drain cleaning prevents clogs and ensures that water can flow freely through your plumbing system, keeping it sanitary, functional, and safe. It’s also less expensive than repairing or replacing plumbing pipes that have been damaged by a clog.