Nobody likes having a clogged drain, but store-bought drain cleaners won’t get the job done. We are all familiar with how annoying it is to have a shower that won’t drain correctly, leaving us to stand in an inch of water, or with the agony of a sink that takes an hour to empty the dirty dishes.
Although it may be tempting to purchase a drain cleaner from Lowe’s or Target to solve your issue right away, doing so may be counterproductive. The best option for clogged pipes is to hire a plumber. Here are a few examples of why hiring a plumber is preferable to using store-bought drain cleaners in your Collinsville, IL home.
Reasons to call a plumber if your drain is clogged
- What is clogging your pipes will be completely removed by plumbers
Store-bought drain cleaners contain chemical solutions that are designed to break down whatever is obstructing your drain. However, they do not always dissolve the entire blockage. Calling a professional plumber ensures that the whole clog is removed from your drain and that nothing is left behind.
- Professional plumbers can determine what is causing a backup
While liquid drain cleaners may seem like a quick remedy, one of the numerous problems with them is that they may not even solve the problem you’re facing. If you have a problem other than junk in your drains, such as sewage backup or a damaged pipe, drain cleaners will most likely cause more harm than good. Professional plumbers will determine the source of the backup and employ the most effective approach to resolve it.
- Store-bought drain cleaners with a chemical base will eventually cause the pipes to deteriorate
The chemicals in drain cleaners are designed to break down the material that is clogging the drain, but nothing is stopping them from also breaking down the pipe. Drain cleaners will cause your pipes to leak over time. If you reside in an older home, this could be harmful to your plumbing system.
Most natural products are ineffective
- Some drain cleaners advertise themselves as organic and environmentally friendly. Although these items might not damage your pipes, our experience has shown that they don’t perform very well.
Best Practices to Prevent Clogged Drains
- Be mindful of the things you dump down the drain
Nothing can be washed down the drain and left there to be dealt with. Some liquids or food ingredients can damage your pipes. Grease, for instance, should never be poured down the drain because it adheres to the walls of your pipes like jelly. Avoid flushing any food down the drain unless you have a garbage disposal. Be aware of which foods you can and cannot wash down the drain, even if you have a disposal.
- Utilize drain filters
Drain filter covers should be placed over the drainage holes to prevent hair accumulation in areas like your shower and bathroom sink. By doing this, the majority of the hair will not wash down the drain, which will help prevent any future clogs.
The best course of action if you believe your pipes are clogged is to call a plumber for assistance. When DIY solutions are ineffective and the issue persists, Bailey Sewer & Water is available to help. To begin, get in touch with us today.
