If you have noticed your sinks are draining slower than usual, you probably have a blocked drain. Grease, hair and detergents are always flowing through your drains and a build-up of these particles can cause a clog. The most obvious and cost-effective solution is to buy chemical drain cleaners and flush out your drainage. These drain unblocker chemicals aren’t quite as magical as they seem, in fact, plumbers and drain specialists are constantly dealing with the repercussions of chemical drain damage.
Chemical Drain Cleaners are not effective
Drain cleaning chemicals can provide a fast, easy solution to your drainage problems. However, this solution is only short-term! To really notice some of the major signs of a blocked drain, the blockage would have to be fairly substantial. Drain cleaning solutions won’t have much of an effect on large clogs, sewer problems or broken pipes.
Drain Unblocker Chemicals are toxic
The chemicals used in drain unblockers, especially the cheaper ranges, are highly toxic and bad for the environment. Inhaling the fumes is unhealthy and cause irritation to your nose, eyes or throat. The fumes will stick around a lot longer than you expect, long after the substance has been flushed away. This will continue to cause irritations and unpleasant smells. If you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, follow the usage instructions very carefully.
Chemical Drain Cleaners cause damage
Because the chemicals used in drain unblockers are so strong, these cleaners can actually cause damage to your drainage system. Chemical drain damage is caused by acids from drain unblocker chemicals eroding the finish drain pipe. Chemical drain damage will start a process that can weaken your drainage, which could lead to drain fractures or collapsed pipes.
How to unblock your drains
If you believe your drain is blocked you should invest in a plumbers snake to rod out your drains. If this fails, you should contact your local drainage experts. Maintain Drains are based in Poole and our expert team offer 24-hour service to Dorset and the surrounding area. Contact the team for your free, no-obligation quote.
FAQs
Is using a 1 shot drain cleaner effective for clearing blockages?
1 shot drain cleaners can be effective for clearing minor blockages in drains, but they may not always provide a permanent solution to more stubborn clogs or underlying issues. These products typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and debris, helping to restore proper flow in the drain. However, they can also be harsh on pipes and may cause damage if used excessively or incorrectly. For persistent or recurring blockages, it’s advisable to consult a professional drainage service provider.
What types of drain cleaners are available on the market?
There are various types of drain cleaners available on the market, including chemical-based cleaners, enzymatic cleaners, and mechanical cleaners. Chemical-based cleaners contain powerful ingredients that dissolve organic matter and debris, while enzymatic cleaners use enzymes to break down organic waste. Mechanical cleaners, such as drain snakes or augers, physically remove blockages from the drain. Each type of drain cleaner has its advantages and limitations.
What makes a good drain cleaner?
A good drain cleaner is one that effectively clears blockages without causing harm to the drainage system or the environment. It should be safe to use, fast-acting, and capable of breaking down a wide range of organic matter and debris. Additionally, a good drain cleaner should be compatible with different types of pipes and plumbing fixtures.