Chemical Drain Cleaners – The Real Solution to Drain Clogs? | Drain Cleaning in Bedford, TX
Photo By Dmitry Galaganov at Shutterstock
A clogged drain is a very common plumbing issue which occurs in houses in Bedford, TX. What’s worse is that this happens when you least expect it. A slow-moving drain is one of the earliest signs of a clogged drain. As soon as you notice a clogged drain, the first thing that comes to mind is a chemical drain cleaner.
An inexpensive, easy to use chemical drain cleaner looks like a simple solution for drain cleaning in Bedford, TX. It might be effective in solving your problem in the short run, but this handy can of chemicals can have serious effects on your health, pipes, and the environment.
Drain Cleaners – Mode of Action
A typical chemical drain cleaner used for drain cleaning in Bedford, TX,comes in liquid, gel or powder form. Most of the drain cleaners available in supermarkets contain strong chemicals. These chemicals in the drain cleaner cause organic elements in the clog to dissolve. As a result of this chemical reaction, there is a release of heat and gas.
Typically, drain cleaners are categorized into three broad categories.
Alkaline Drain Cleaners
Alkaline drain cleaners use bases to break up the organic compounds in the drain. When in contact with the clog, alkaline drain cleaners release heat and convert fat into a soap-like substance. As a result of the reaction between the clog and alkaline drain cleaners, there is a release of poisonous gases which are harmful not only to humans but to the environment as well.
Acid Drain Cleaners
Acid drain cleaners contain strong acids like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, which dissolve the organic material stuck in the drain. When this chemical reaction takes place, there is a release of heat and gas. This heat can damage your PVC pipes. If used inappropriately, acid drain cleaners can damage your skin as well.
Organic Drain Cleaners
With growing environmental concerns, there is an emphasis on the use of organic drain cleaners. This type of drain cleaners contains natural enzymes and bacteria that break down the organic matter in the clog. This type of drain cleaner has a slower rate of action compared to acidic and alkaline drain cleaners and is safe for the pipes.
Problems Associated with Chemical Drain Cleaners
The use of chemical drain cleaners is associated with a number of environmental and plumbing concerns. When you are in need of drain cleaning in Bedford, TX, you should be aware of the potential hazards of using chemical drain cleaners.
Health Concerns
Chemical drain cleaners, regardless of their type, dissolve the clog and clear up the pipe for proper drainage. A clog in your kitchen sink may be formed by soap, food particles, and fat in the food. In your bathroom, the clog might be made up of hair, shampoo, or cleaning detergents. Chemical drain cleaners either have powerful acids or strong bases which dissolve the clog.
In the process of drain cleaning in Bedford, TX, heat and toxic gases are released which can have a negative impact on your health. If inappropriately used, these chemical drain cleaners can result in serious burns and allergic reactions on the skin. The toxic gases which are released as a result of the reaction between the clog and the chemical are so dangerous that they can even result in a loss of vision. In case you swallow it, it is poisonous, and if not treated well in time, a chemical drain cleaner can result in death.
When using a chemical drain cleaner, you should always use latex gloves and protective glasses to avoid any unforeseen accident. It is also always advised to keep the chemicals out of the reach of children.
Health of Pipes
The heat which is released as a result of the reaction between the clog and the chemical drain cleaner can be very dangerous for the PVC pipes in your home. This heat can soften the pipes and connecting rubber seals. Apart from the heat, the chemicals in the drain cleaners can also damage the rubber seals. In case you need drain cleaning in Bedford, TX, relying on chemical drain cleaners can cost you in the long run.
Environmental Hazard
Chemical drain cleaners can have a lasting effect on the environment. The strong chemicals present in drain cleaners can not only dislodge the clog but can also flow down into the water system. As a result, these chemicals can pollute the water supply in your community. Also, the chemicals continue to react in the water and release hazardous fumes that can be very damaging to the entire neighborhood.
Alternate Solution
Though chemical drain cleaners are effective in dislodging the clog, they are not an effective solution in the long run. Considering the potential hazards of a chemical drain cleaner, it is always best to seek help from a service that provides professional drain cleaning in Bedford, TX. A reliable plumber can help you solve this problem using various techniques without damaging your water and drainage supply.
Professional drain cleaning in Bedford, TX, relies on the use of technology to identify the location and size of the clog in your drain. Professional plumbers are trained and experienced in offering a permanent solution to the problem of clogged drains. The techniques they use are safe for your drainage system as they do not use any dangerous chemical.
Here Is Your Solution to Clogged Drains
If you are in need of drain cleaning in Bedford, TX, contact Tioga Contractors. With over 50 years of experience, we offer a complete range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Whether you have a clogged drain or some other complicated plumbing emergency, our master plumbers and technicians are available 24/7 to deal with it. Not only do we offer the best services but we also offer special discounts. To know more about what we do and how, visit our website or call (817) 484-5356.