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Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners and Call a Plumber | North Myrtle Beach, SC
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A slow drain is never a good sign. It is a clear sign that there are problems with your plumbing system. When you identify a clogged drain in your North Myrtle Beach, SC home, it is common for you to try to fix the problem first before calling in a plumber.
Regardless of the many ways of dealing with blocked drains, many homeowners tend to opt for the easy way out. You guessed it right. Sitting on the counters of supermarkets and big-box stores, liquid drain cleaners seem like an inexpensive and quick answer when your drain refuses to open up. Please do not fall for it.
It seems too good to be true. Here you have this liquid that you pour down the drain, let it settle for about ten minutes, run water later, then BOOM, your drain is as good as new. Well, unfortunately, it is rarely ever that simple and is, in fact, too good to be true.
No matter how good they may seem, there are numerous disadvantages associated with these cleaner. Liquid drain cleaners should never be your first option. Based on years of drain cleaning here is why:
Cause Damage to Pipes
Highly acidic components are the basis of liquid dry cleaners. Remember to handle with care. One stand out characteristic of acids is that they are corrosive. If we got our chemistry right, acid does not react with very few elements. However, metallic pipes are not one of them.
What happens when you pour a large amount of liquid dry cleaners is that it can sit in the pipe for some time. During this time, the compound eats away at PEX or copper pipes. And although the PVC pipes do not take too much damage, the effect is felt in the long run.
Even if the product does not sit in the pipe for too long frequent use of drain cleaners will often take a toll on your pipes. The pipes also face permanent damage, and the only option will be to call a professional to fix it.
Produce Bad Odors
One of the biggest challenges in the modern-day world is pollution. Using chemicals in your drain cleaning may end up polluting the surrounding area, and even far away. The reaction caused by the acid and metallic pipes produces an unpleasant odor, which is harmful to you and the environment. Some of the smells are worse than decaying materials.
Secondly, the chemicals mixed with water need to be disposed of sooner than later. If your drain drains into farms or water bodies, it can cause the death of wildlife like fish in rivers. In the case of the farm, plants absorb these chemicals, and later human beings and livestock feed on these plants. Call a plumber to prevent these cases from happening in North Myrtle Beach.
Cracked Toilets
The elements used in designing liquid drain cleaners are made in a way that they heat when in use. This feature is what helps to dissolve whatever is causing the clog. If your toilet clogs and cannot be flushed, the chemicals sit at the bottom of the bowl, causing the heated liquid to crack the porcelain.
This process turns what could have been an inexpensive plumber job into an expensive toilet replacement.
Costly and Sometimes Ineffective
Quality drain cleaners are a bit pricy compared to the low-end cleaners. Not forgetting the extra cash, you will have to pay your plumber to replace the pipes once damaged, as mentioned earlier. If you can use one liter of these chemicals to clean your drain, it may prove costly at the end of the year. Some of these chemicals also require a professional plumber to use.
For those in North Myrtle Beach, SC using chemicals to clean their drain, sometimes it may not be the best option. Sometimes all it requires is a professional to run a coil through your pipes to get the clog out. Moreover, the cleaner will not erode all clogs, and this leads to the substance sitting in your pipes, eating away at the metal instead. Make the right decision the next time you have a clog. Call a professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and we will have you unclogged within no time.
Hazardous to Humans and Pets
Many chemical liquid drain cleaners are known to be toxic and harmful to human and animal health, and any plumber will tell you that. The continuous inhaling of such substances when cleaning may put your health and life at risk. Most of these chemicals cause eye irritation, which can lead to partial or total blindness. If stores openly, children can unknowingly drink them, which can lead to loss of life if not treated quickly.
As discussed earlier, many drain cleaner chemicals come from corrosive substances. If the cleaner comes to contact with your skin during cleaning, it may destroy the skin or lead to some skin disorders. Chemicals should be avoided at all costs, and if you are not a professional, we suggest you do not use them.
Do I Have to Call a Plumber if My Drains Are Clogged?
Overall, it is evident that solutions like liquid drain cleaners are not always the answer to your clogging problems. You end up spending more money than you should have, and that does not seem like a solution in our books. Investing in a good plumber ensures that your clog is removed and that any other underlying problems with your drainage are identified and fixed before it is too late. It leaves you with great peace of mind knowing that your property is in good condition.
Are You Looking for a Plumber in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
If you require drain cleaning services in your home and you are convinced that drain cleaners are not good enough, then you are in luck. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a professional plumbing company that has specialized in drain cleaning services over the years.
With this in mind, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing the next time you experience a clog. Our professional plumbing repair team will ensure your drains are clog-free in a way that is safe for you, your pipes, and the environment. You can always trust us to deliver.