What Chemical Drain Cleaners Does To Pipes

If you have a clogged drain, clearing it up is your primary concern. You may reach for over-the-counter and cheap drain cleaners thinking they’re all the same. In reality, many of these products are not only ineffective, but some can actually cause damage to your pipes.

Before you poor a bottle of mystery liquid down your drain, make sure you understand the facts truths about drain cleaning.

Types of Drain Cleaners

Lye-based products – These are the most common drain cleaning liquids, but they are only effective if the clog is very close to the drain and comprised of hair or soap scum. For other clogs like foreign objects, lye based products simply won’t cut it.

Sulfuric Acid – This is the active ingredient in so-called heavy duty drain cleaners but they have the same limitations as lye-based solutions. Additionally, these types of cleaners are extremely harmful to humans and can even erode the plumbing itself.

Bio-based products – Unlike their chemical heavy counterparts, bio-based cleaners such as the ones used by Green Plumbers USA, are much safer to use and can be effective in maintaining your drain health. While still not powerful enough for extreme circumstances, these cleaners have live harmless bacteria that help break down waste to speed up a slow moving drain.

Use A Safe Drain Cleaner

If you do decide to use drain cleaning liquid, make sure to pick one that is safe for the environment, your family and your pipes. Green plumbing products have proven themselves more effective than their chemical counterparts, and periodic use of bio-based cleaners can help you keep your plumbing healthy.

In the event of a heavy clog however, cleaners are a waste and could end up costing you extra. Having a professional drain cleaner inspect your piping using video equipment is the best way to pinpoint the source of your clog to repair it effectively. At Petri Plumbing, we offer a variety of green plumbing solutions as well as highly effective drain cleaning services. If you’re in Brooklyn and Manhattan, give us a call at 718-748-1254 to talk about drain cleaning the right way.