4 Ways to Clean Pipes and Avoid Chemicals

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

A plunger can be used to unplug any drain where it can gain suction

Four Alternatives To Chemical Cleaners

When your sink gurgles, your instant reaction is to reach for the drain cleaner, but it should be your last resort when clearing a clogged drain. First, try these four alternatives to chemical cleaners:

Grab a plunger. It is not just meant for toilets. A plunger can be used to unplug any drain where it can gain suction. Often, it only takes a few minutes of plunging to clear minor clogs.
Use a wire hanger. Bend a wire coat hanger so that you create a long handle by straightening out the corners. Use your newly created hook to “fish” down into the clogged drain and pull the blockage out. This works especially well for shower drains where hair tends to build up.
Mix up some baking soda and vinegar. This classic combination of non-corrosives is used for all sorts of household remedies, so it is not a surprise that it can be used to clear drains. In this case, you use boiling water as a heating agent to create a reaction.
Call a plumber. Even if you get a stubborn clog to move, it doesn’t always completely leave your system, or it clogs up other sewage pipes. Having a sewage cleaning expert take care of the problem right away will save time and money.

By trying some of these methods, you can prolong the life of your pipes.

Why You Should Avoid Chemicals
Drain cleaner is made up of different chemicals that work by creating a reaction to dissolve clogs. The reaction creates heat to break down the blockage. As a result, it can weaken pipes, causing them to break and costing you more when you have to call in a local water damage company to clean up.
Fixing a clogged drain with a chemical cleaner might be easy, but there are other alternatives that are better for keeping both your pipes and the sewage system in North Des Plaines, IL, flowing.