Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem most have experienced. There are many ways to clear a clogged drain. You may be tempted to use a chemical drain cleaner, but there are a lot of reasons not to.

Most drain cleaners are made using caustic, highly toxic chemicals. They include sodium hydroxide (lye), hydrochloric acid, and bleach and other oxidizing agents. These chemicals dissolve and break down the hair, grease, food waste, and other organic materials that can clog a drain.

Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid using chemical cleaners to clear a clogged drain:

• They can be harmful to your health. The fumes released by chemical drain cleaners can irritate your skin, eyes, sinuses and respiratory system. Ingesting even a small amount of these chemicals can cause severe chemical burns that can damage the tissues lining mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and digestive system.

• They’re hard on your pipes. The same chemical reactions that break up clogs can also damage your pipes. Both metal and plastic pipes can be corroded by drain cleaning chemicals, resulting in leaks and other problems.

• They’re bad for the environment. Chemical cleaners can be harmful for the environment if they leach into the soil through cracks or enter the water supply.

• They offer only a temporary solution. While they may temporarily clear a clog, chemical drain cleaners often only provide a short-term solution and may not address the root cause of the clog.

ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS

When it comes to clearing a clog, there are many safe and effective alternatives to chemical drain cleaners:

• Baking soda and vinegar. A natural, effective, and inexpensive way to unclog drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a glass of vinegar down the affected drain. Wait an hour and rinse the drain out with hot water. This mixture safely breaks down fatty acids from grease, food, and soap.
• Plungers. Plungers take a little physical effort but can be very effective at clearing a clogged drain.
• Drain snakes. Drain snakes are slender augers that can be used to loosen and remove a clog.
• Dish soap and hot water. Dish soap and hot (not boiling) water is effective at dissolving grease blockages.
• Hydro-jetting. For deep, stubborn clogs, nothing works like hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is a professional plumbing service that uses jets of high pressure water to break up and wash away clogs.

PROFESSIONAL DRAIN CLEANING SERVICES IN POMONA

If DIY solutions aren’t getting rid of your clog, give Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service a call. We’re available 24/7 to tackle even the most stubborn clogs. We can clear your clog and repair any damage it’s caused. Our professional Pomona drain cleaning services can reduce the possibility of future clogs and extend the life of your drain pipes.

You can reach Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Service through our website or call us at (877) 298-8105 to schedule a visit from one of our licensed Pomona plumbing contractors. Be sure to ask about our drain cleaning specials – clear your drains without draining your pocketbook!