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Have you ever found yourself standing in a puddle of water while showering? Or does your kitchen sink give you an itch with all the leftovers floating in your sink? If so, don’t worry. You are not alone. Clogged drains are common household problems. Hence, many people reach out for chemical drain cleaners as their first choice.
But do you know that while chemical drain cleaners promise quick fixes for stubborn clogs, they also have certain side effects? So, think twice before using any drain cleaners.
If you are in Oakland, you must have faced certain drain issues. Several factors contribute to these issues, which might include – an older plumbing system, accumulation of debris, and improper disposal of items.
So, instead of using drain cleaners, it is advisable to keep contact details of local plumbers handy. In this blog, we have discussed the cons of using drain cleaners. Also, we have discussed some cleaners that you can use instead of those harmful and toxic chemicals. So, let’s get started and ensure your plumbing miseries don’t turn into home horror.
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Potential Risk of Drain Cleaners
Commercial plumbers in Oakland, CA, do not recommend using drain cleaners, and here are some convincing reasons why –
1. Corrosion
Strong chemicals included in drain cleaners can corrode your pipes over time. This can result in leaks, fractures, or even pipe bursts. It may also cause significant water damage to your property and expensive repairs. Hence, it is advisable to use drain cleaners carefully and only when required in order to prevent this.
2. Chemical Reactions
Certain drain cleaners dissolve obstructions through chemical reactions. This can work, but it can also result in the production of heat. Certain types of pipes, especially those made of PVC or older metal pipes, can be damaged by excessive heat.
Choose drain cleaners that are safe for the particular pipes in your plumbing system based on an awareness of the materials utilized in them. You can also contact your nearest emergency plumbers to clean your drains. They are well-versed with the needs of each drain type.
3. Effects on the Environment
Many drain cleaners have harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment. These chemicals can pollute rivers, lakes, or groundwater when they are poured down the drain. They may also endanger aquatic life.
When unclogging drains, think about using a plunger or a drain snake to reduce the environmental damage.
4. Risks to Health
Drain cleaners include chemicals that can be dangerous if handled improperly or if they get in your skin or eyes. They may also cause allergic reactions, burns, or irritation.
When using drain cleaners, wear safety goggles and gloves, observe the manufacturer’s safety recommendations, and store the products out of the reach of young children and animals.
5. Temporary Solutions
Although drain cleaners can remove blockages rapidly, they frequently only offer short-term fixes rather than dealing with the underlying problem. Persistent clogging issues could indicate a more serious plumbing issue that needs to be fixed by a professional.
If you don’t find and address the underlying cause of your clogs, using drain cleaners only may result in recurring blockages and possible pipe damage. So, if you face any issues with your drain or pipes, contact the best Oakland plumbers.
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Best Way to Clean Drains (Without Using Chemical Drain Cleaners)
Let’s be clear up front: the things that clog bathtub drains and bathroom sinks differ from those clogging kitchen sinks. Hair, filth, and soap scum are typically the source of bathroom sink clogs, whereas food particles and grease are the main culprits in kitchen sink jams.
Now, depending on the requirement, there are several ways to clean your drains without using harsh chemicals. They not only prevent pipes from getting eroded but also keep the environment clean. Here are 5 effective methods to keep your drain clean –
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is the best natural cleaner. Vinegar is an acid, whereas baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a basic. When these two are combined, carbon dioxide gas is created, which results in an explosive reaction. Most plumbers also recommend using the mixture.
When you mix baking soda with vinegar, the pressure produced by the chemical reaction will cause the clog to break up into tiny pieces (or at least loosen up the blockage).
To remove the tiny clog particles from your drainage system, all you need to do next is flush your drain with hot water. Generally speaking, a one-to-two ratio of vinegar and baking soda will yield the finest results.
Pro Tip: Before pouring the vinegar down the drain, mix it with two cups of hot water if you think the obstruction is distant from the entrance.
2. Dishwash and Water
Applying this DIY cleaner to kitchen sinks will deliver the best results because it works incredibly well on clogs that are primarily formed of grease or other oily materials.
On the other hand, if you have to clear a hair-clogged drain, dish soap and hot water are probably not going to assist. The dish soap facilitates the process by breaking the fatty molecules in the water, which helps the hot water melt the accumulated grease in the pipe. Contact your local plumber. They will know how to unclog your drains.
You can clear out a significant quantity of fat from the drainage system that is obstructing the water’s flow and reducing the pipe’s diameter.
3. Vinegar and Salt
This is another potent combination that works really well. Their combined beneficial effects will eliminate the majority of blockage in a drainage system.
Because both components are antimicrobial, you may accomplish two goals with one mixture –
- It will neutralize offensive smells
- It will assist in clearing the obstruction
The hot water removes the last bits of the clog from its location, while the salt and vinegar mixture breaks down the accumulated debris and loosens it.
4. Tartar Cream, Salt, and Baking Soda
These natural ingredients make cleaning slow-draining sinks simple. This formula can also be used to keep your drains clear of debris and odors by applying the mixture once every two weeks.
Tartar cream is a byproduct of the winemaking process. It is frequently used as an ingredient in baking recipes and possesses potent cleaning abilities. It can dissolve and get rid of accumulations and unpleasant smells in the drainpipes when combined with baking soda and salt.
5. Use a Plunger
A plunger can be very beneficial in unclogging drains and pipes. Ensure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger cap. Then, create a seal and plunge vigorously.
However, if the drain still does not unclog on its own, contact emergency plumbers in Oakland. They can help you with complex issues. It also reduces the risk of injury and ensures long-term plumbing health.
Safety Precautions for Using Drain Cleaners
When utilizing drain cleaners, the most important thing to remember is safety. Whatever kind of drain cleaner you use, there are a few crucial safety measures to bear in mind –
- To begin with, make sure you understand how much is too much. There may be particular usage instructions for each drain cleaner that need to be followed. You can use these instructions to determine what safety precautions and actions to take when using the product.
- Second, make sure you’re wearing the right safety equipment. It’s important to use protective gloves, goggles, and clothing when using chemical-based drain cleaners, as they can cause harm to your skin and eyes. Even while enzymatic drain cleaners are typically less dangerous, precautions are still advised.
- Finally, keep in mind how to properly store drain cleaners. Make sure they are stored in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and keep them out of the reach of children and dogs. The risk of unintentional exposure is decreased, and the product’s shelf life is increased with proper storage.
You can also ask your plumbing contractor in Oakland to help you with cleaning the drains. They are equipped with safety materials and protective gear.
When should we call commercial plumbers in Oakland, CA?
There are times when calling a licensed plumber is the best decision. Even if many drain clogs can be cleared with the use of drain cleaners or other unconventional techniques, it’s best to seek expert treatment.
Expert plumbers are equipped with the skills, know-how, and specific equipment needed to remove difficult obstructions successfully.
Leave the work to the experts if your pipes are brittle or you have an older plumbing system. Harsh drain cleaners or improper handling can further deteriorate the pipes, necessitating expensive repairs.
Also, if you frequently have to clear the same blockage in your drains, it may indicate an underlying problem. An expert plumber is able to determine the source of the issue and offer a durable fix. You can prevent needless damage and make sure your plumbing system is properly taken care of by understanding when to call the plumbing company in Oakland.
Takeaway
Maintaining the health of your drains can be achieved by understanding the kinds of blockages that might occur, taking the appropriate safety measures, and thinking about other options.
You can make sure your plumbing system lasts a long time and performs well by doing routine post-cleaning maintenance, preventing frequent blunders, and getting professional assistance when necessary.
Remember that a home with a well-maintained plumbing system is more pleasant to live in.
Get Your Drain Cleaned By Experts!
For the best drain cleaning experience, contact Preferred Plumbing and Drain. We are one of the best 24 hours plumbers Oakland, as we do not follow the 9-5 schedule. Plumbing issues can arise at any time and at any moment, and we love to be prepared for what’s coming.
We are known for our expertise in cleaning clogged drains and providing comprehensive plumbing services. Our plumbers investigate the root cause of the issue and use advanced tools like hydro-jetting and drain snakes.
