Drain Cleaning Solution: When to Use It and When to Skip It

There have been incredible advances in technology that have made almost every facet of our lives easier. A great example of something that has made plumbing issues faster and more affordable, are the over the counter drain cleaning solutions sold at the drugstore and supermarket. They seem to miraculously break up debris and detritus and get the water flowing again. The thing is, while they are a wonderful fluid, they are not the right solution in every situation. Using these products incorrectly can result in more costly repairs and also damage to the system. The secret is to know when to use them and when to call in a professional, so here are situations where things are best left to a plumber or plunger.

Generally speaking what these products do is that they clear clogs. This is true but that does not mean that they should be the first defense in drain cleaning. These liquids are designed to clear out only certain types of problems, generally just the most common kind. These are a gradual build up of grease, hair, soap, food, and other grimy gunk. They are recognizable by the fact that they gradually slow the flow of water and may eventually stop it entirely. The "liquid plumber" works by assaulting this clump with caustic chemicals, and dissolving it. The time to skip using these chemicals is when the pipes suddenly stop.

Typically a sudden lack of flow is due to a large foreign body or a broken pipe. These chemical solutions will not work because they can dissolve things but they will not cut through them. That means that in all likelihood the caustic components of this liquid will simply end up pooled behind the blockage. This will corrode the inside of the pipes and can cause leaks or harm the person who comes out to fix the problem. Make sure that when the sink stops you make the right choice between an over the counter product and calling a professional.

Another instance that the use of these drain cleaning liquids should be avoided is in the toilet. The way a toilet work involves a change of pressure in the bowl that forces the soiled water through what is called an "S trap" that traps bad odors from coming out of the sewer. What it means for the homeowner is unless you can flush the toilet; there is no way to get the chemical solution down to the problem. Instead, get familiar with the use of a plunger. It should be the first line of defense in the war against toilet clogs.

Over the counter drain cleaning products offer convenience and effective results. However, they are best left to those who need to simply improve the flow of water, not those who need to repair it.