Think twice about using liquid drain cleaner
When you have a clogged drain, your first instinct may be to pour in some liquid drain cleaner. In fact, you probably have a bottle stored under your bathroom sink right now, just in case.
Most liquid drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction — right in your pipes. The chemicals either give or take away electrons to the stuff blocking your drain, loosening the clog.
But you may want to think twice about using a liquid drain cleaner. Why should you call the professionals at Sam Pollard and Son instead?
1. The chemicals in liquid drain cleaner typically generate heat — and the heat may damage your pipes. Plastic (PVC) pipes could partially melt and deform. Metal pipes could be weakened so cracks and leaks are more likely to develop later.
2. The fumes released when you pour liquid drain cleaner may irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
3. The caustic chemicals can burn you if they come in contact with your skin. If a little bit splashes on you when you’re pouring it, wash it off immediately. Wear a pair of latex household cleaning gloves to to proetct your hands. And be extremely careful that it does not splash into your eyes; wear safety goggles to protect them.
4. Liquid drain cleaner can be fatal if it’s ingested. It’s important to keep the product away from children and pets.
5. If your clog is caused by something other than grease build-up or a simple hairball, the liquid drain cleaner won’t work — so you’ve wasted your money on the product.
Instead of using liquid drain cleaner, try a plunger.
And if that doesn’t do the trick, call Sam Pollard & Son in Greenville, NC, at 252-752-3661. Our plumbing professionals can not only unclog the drain, but we also can diagnose the cause of the blockage.
