When a sink stops draining or a tub starts backing up, the first instinct for many Lake Elsinore homeowners is to run to the store and buy a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. It is cheap, fast, and claims to dissolve any clog. However, professional plumbers rarely, if ever, use these chemicals. Here is why.
How Chemical Cleaners Work (And Damage Pipes)
Most over-the-counter drain cleaners rely on a chemical reaction to generate intense heat. The goal is to melt away the grease, hair, and soap scum causing the blockage. The problem is that this heat is largely uncontrolled.
If you have modern PVC or plastic pipes, the extreme heat can literally warp, melt, and deform your plumbing. If you have older metal pipes, the highly corrosive nature of the acid can eat away at the interior walls, accelerating rust and thinning the pipe until it inevitably bursts or leaks.
They Rarely Fix the Root Problem
Chemical cleaners are gravity-fed. They will follow the path of least resistance. If you have a solid blockage, the chemical will often just sit on top of the clog, burning a small pinhole through it while leaving the majority of the blockage intact. The drain might flow slowly for a few days, but the clog will quickly return.
Worse, if the chemical fails to clear the clog, you now have a sink full of highly toxic, caustic acid standing stagnant in your home.
The Professional Solution
Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, professional plumbers use mechanical methods to safely and effectively clear drains. A professional drain snake (auger) physically breaks apart the clog and scrapes the pipe walls clean. For severe blockages, Hydro Jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the entire pipe interior, restoring it to a like-new condition without any toxic chemicals.
If you are dealing with a stubborn clog, step away from the chemicals. Visit our Professional Drain Cleaning page to learn how we can safely clear your pipes, or return to our Home Page to explore our full range of services.