Chemical drain cleaning, aka dumping a bottle of Liquid Plumber or Drano down your slow or clogged drains, is certainly the simplest way to handle the problem. But is it the best way? Here are some of the pros and cons of using chemicals for your drain cleaning in Glendale CA.
Pros
Chemical drain cleaners work by introducing caustic, oxidizing, or acidic compounds into the drain. These compounds interact with the clog chemically, releasing heat that can dissolve greasy clogs and gas that can push the weakened materials down the pipe. The biggest advantage of this process is that it is quick and easy. Most types of cleaners take just one application, and after 15 minutes the clog is gone. They are also cheap and convenient.
Cons
There are several drawbacks associated with chemical drain cleaning in Glendale CA. The first is that the chemicals have the potential to damage pipes and plumbing fittings, especially after repeated or prolonged use. The second drawback is that chemical drain cleaners are not recommended for all types of clogs. For example, a toilet clog is usually not a good candidate for chemical drain cleaning, because if the clog is located beyond the bowl siphon, the cleaner will not be able to reach it. Drain cleaners are heavier than water, so they would sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl instead of going up and over the siphon curve. The third drawback to chemical cleaners is that they can be dangerous if accidentally splashed on skin or in eyes. Their fumes can also be a problem in enclosed spaces, and if there is a leaky sewer pipe somewhere in your system, hazardous chemicals could end up in soil or groundwater.
Alternatives
While the ease and convenience of chemical drain cleaners make them quite tempting, the truth is that there are plenty of alternatives that actually provide safer, more effective drain cleaning in Glendale CA. Basically, the best way to deal with a clog once and for all is to call in a professional drain cleaning service. Many services are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, and they can immediately come to your aid. Best of all, they won’t quit until the clog and its root cause have been eliminated. They might use a plumbing snake, auger, or high-pressure hydrojetting device to ream out the pipes and eliminate the clog. They might also clean out your sink and sewer traps, remove and replace a troublesome section of pipe, or even use an in-line camera to look for problems and do a complete analysis of your system.
So remember, while chemical drain cleaners can provide a viable one-time solution for minor clogs as they come up, the best way to permanently eliminate persistent drain problems is to call a professional.
