When you have a clogged drain, it is very tempting to run to the nearest hardware store and grab an over-the-counter drain cleaner to pour into your sink or tub drain. This is a bad idea because it is only a temporary fix and has the possibility of doing more damage than good.
If you need drain cleaning in Hinsdale, IL, it’s important to call a team of plumbing professionals. You don’t just want to put a bandage on a plumbing problem; you want to fix it completely so that you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Keep reading to learn why chemicals like over-the-counter drain cleaners are no substitute for professional drain cleaning.
Types of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Hardware stores typically carry two types of drain cleaners. They come in a variety of forms like powder, liquid, and gel. An oxidizing drain cleaner works by creating gas and heat to clear clogs, while also breaking down any material that is in your plumbing. A caustic drain cleaner is made up of hydroxide ions and alkaline chemicals. First, the hydroxide ions initiate a reaction to clear any clogs, then the alkaline chemicals create heat to help dissolve, grease.
The problem with both of these types of drain cleaners is that in addition to breaking up clogs, they cause harm to your actual plumbing system. Using an over-the-counter chemical once or twice over the life of your plumbing system may not be a big deal, but if you are using them frequently, then you’re actually adding to the wear and tear inside your plumbing. Plus, you’re always behind the problem instead of preventing clogs, to begin with.
Professional Drain Cleaning
When you call an expert plumber, we clean your drains in a more efficient way that isn’t going to damage your pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Our two most common methods for clearing out clogs are drain snaking and hydro jetting.
A drain snake is just what it sounds like, a very long cable that can be up to 50 feet in length that we insert into your drain pipes. The idea is that we push the snake far enough down so that it breaks through the clog and helps it clear away.
We can also use a method called hydro jetting. This cleans your pipes using high water pressure. First, we may use a video inspection to determine exactly where the clog is. Then we insert a nozzle as close to the clog as we can. High-pressure streams of water then shoot through the pipe to loosen clogs so that they continue moving through your plumbing system.
If you do need a DIY solution to clear a drain clog, try a plunger instead of a chemical drain cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you can give us a call and we would be happy to help.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!