If there is 1 question that's been requested of plumbers time and time again, it's exactly why drain cleaners easily available in local stores do not seem to get the job done. The customer tried using one of the store bought chemical uncloggers to no avail. If you've ever wondered the same matter, I have the explanation.
The method by which drain cleaners work is by inducing a chemical reaction among the clog and the chemical. There are pretty much 3 forms that can be bought, each one using a different process to clear the drain and each one reliable on a variety of substances. However, each one is damaging in several ways as well. It helps to recognize the variations.
Caustic Drain Cleaners
These products use caustic chemicals to bring about a reaction amongst hydrogen ions and the clog, consequently discharging the clog. These types of cleaners basically tackle grease and hair and might be really harmful to plumbing, this is especially true in larger quantities.
Acidic Drain Cleaners
Blockages are broken down through a chemical reaction involving acid and the crud. Though these cleaners work on clogs comprised of of a lot of compounds, they are one of the most damaging on pipes. Apply with care as the majority of these types of product lines are accessible to professionals only. On the other hand, some are found in particular retailers.
Enzyme Drain Cleaners
These cleaners use naturally occurring bacteria that reacts with particular refuse to clear clogs. These product lines only tackle specific organic substances such as hair, grease and many other food particles. They will not work on objects such as tissues or other contaminants that at times winds up down the pipe.
Given that these cleaners consist of potentially harmful chemicals, it's definitely necessary to check the labels prior to using and only apply based on these instructions. I would definitely advise using other tactics first, ahead of invoking the chemical products, as damage could arise if you use larger amounts frequently.
One other very important reality to think about: If you use a septic system, stay away from chemical drain cleaners entirely. Such chemicals are going to upset the balance of microorganisms in any septic system, inflicting a lot more inherent issues.
Why Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Not Always Work?
Since now you should realize why you probably shouldn't make use of these common drain cleaners, you need to also know that they usually aren't very effective anyway, so trying out other procedures first is definitely a really good option. Here's why.
To start with, given that your drain is clogged, water is no doubt standing in the pipe and sink. Drain cleaners will naturally become diluted when dumped into water. Besides that, these chemicals must travel through the water to get to the clog. Both of these realities mean by the time the chemical gets to the clog, if it gets to it at all, it may be substantially less powerful and therefore, not effective.
Secondly, when the clog is past the "p-trap," it's less certain they will work. The "p-trap" is that curved portion of drainpipe you will see just beneath your sink drains. The purpose of this segment of line is to keep unhealthy sewer fumes from seeping into the residence. For this function it does the job successfully. On the other hand, it likewise traps waste and sediment easily and usually has a little water remaining at the bottom of the curve - even when absolutely no clog exists. Whenever your drain is clogged and it's just before this particular part of pipe, the chemical drain cleaner has a very good likelihood of getting the job done. On the other hand, the chemical won't get to the clog effectively if it's on the other side of this portion of pipe. A way better choice is to unscrew the pipe fitting, get rid of the waste, and reattach it. Straightforward, practical, and a much improved alternative.
To sum up, if you have a clogged drain, consider a plunger first, next try to snake the pipe with a plumbers snake. If that still does not work, a manual cleaning if possible, and ultimately, a store bought drain cleaner. Most of the time, plungers are going to manage the issue, especially the ones that provide excellent suction.
Similar to a lot of things at present that use chemicals, caution should be taken. With any luck, stopped up drainpipes may not be an issue for you. If you do experience a problem though, for simplicity and comfort, there's no solution more desirable than calling a pro plumber.
The method by which drain cleaners work is by inducing a chemical reaction among the clog and the chemical. There are pretty much 3 forms that can be bought, each one using a different process to clear the drain and each one reliable on a variety of substances. However, each one is damaging in several ways as well. It helps to recognize the variations.
Caustic Drain Cleaners
These products use caustic chemicals to bring about a reaction amongst hydrogen ions and the clog, consequently discharging the clog. These types of cleaners basically tackle grease and hair and might be really harmful to plumbing, this is especially true in larger quantities.
Acidic Drain Cleaners
Blockages are broken down through a chemical reaction involving acid and the crud. Though these cleaners work on clogs comprised of of a lot of compounds, they are one of the most damaging on pipes. Apply with care as the majority of these types of product lines are accessible to professionals only. On the other hand, some are found in particular retailers.
Enzyme Drain Cleaners
These cleaners use naturally occurring bacteria that reacts with particular refuse to clear clogs. These product lines only tackle specific organic substances such as hair, grease and many other food particles. They will not work on objects such as tissues or other contaminants that at times winds up down the pipe.
Given that these cleaners consist of potentially harmful chemicals, it's definitely necessary to check the labels prior to using and only apply based on these instructions. I would definitely advise using other tactics first, ahead of invoking the chemical products, as damage could arise if you use larger amounts frequently.
One other very important reality to think about: If you use a septic system, stay away from chemical drain cleaners entirely. Such chemicals are going to upset the balance of microorganisms in any septic system, inflicting a lot more inherent issues.
Why Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Not Always Work?
Since now you should realize why you probably shouldn't make use of these common drain cleaners, you need to also know that they usually aren't very effective anyway, so trying out other procedures first is definitely a really good option. Here's why.
To start with, given that your drain is clogged, water is no doubt standing in the pipe and sink. Drain cleaners will naturally become diluted when dumped into water. Besides that, these chemicals must travel through the water to get to the clog. Both of these realities mean by the time the chemical gets to the clog, if it gets to it at all, it may be substantially less powerful and therefore, not effective.
Secondly, when the clog is past the "p-trap," it's less certain they will work. The "p-trap" is that curved portion of drainpipe you will see just beneath your sink drains. The purpose of this segment of line is to keep unhealthy sewer fumes from seeping into the residence. For this function it does the job successfully. On the other hand, it likewise traps waste and sediment easily and usually has a little water remaining at the bottom of the curve - even when absolutely no clog exists. Whenever your drain is clogged and it's just before this particular part of pipe, the chemical drain cleaner has a very good likelihood of getting the job done. On the other hand, the chemical won't get to the clog effectively if it's on the other side of this portion of pipe. A way better choice is to unscrew the pipe fitting, get rid of the waste, and reattach it. Straightforward, practical, and a much improved alternative.
To sum up, if you have a clogged drain, consider a plunger first, next try to snake the pipe with a plumbers snake. If that still does not work, a manual cleaning if possible, and ultimately, a store bought drain cleaner. Most of the time, plungers are going to manage the issue, especially the ones that provide excellent suction.
Similar to a lot of things at present that use chemicals, caution should be taken. With any luck, stopped up drainpipes may not be an issue for you. If you do experience a problem though, for simplicity and comfort, there's no solution more desirable than calling a pro plumber.
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