Blocked drains are a common problem and a hardship of owning property. You can have food and debris block the kitchen sink. Alternatively, shower drains can suffer from soap scum and hair. Leaves and tree debris can even block an outside drain and cause you problems inside your home.
Homeowners want to try to fix the problem themselves. In particular, they see plenty of products in the shops and think that they are the perfect solution. But, we are here to say that this is not always the case. Let’s take a closer look at whether chemicals are an effective solution for blocked drains.
Using Strong Chemicals is Not Advised
It is easy to buy into the advertising you see for drain unblockers. They promise to burn away the blockage and ensure your drainage system is clean and functional. Companies are known to use bright colours and cartoons to entice you to buy them. What’s more, these products are usually cheap to buy, which seals the deal for many homeowners.
However, you should know that most experts do not advise using strong chemicals to unblock your drains. These chemicals react together once poured down a drain and create heat. This is when problems can arise.
Many people do not consider the damage that strong chemicals can do when this heat is created. This can happen on various types of pipes. For example, if you have steel or copper pipes, which can appear in traditional homes, you might think you have a strong setup. But, they do wear over time and become thinner. This is particularly true when they are faced with this heat. Unfortunately, these strong chemicals can speed up this process even more if you are using them regularly.
If you have newer pipes, you are not off the hook. For example, uPVC pipes are popular in modern homes and they can also be damaged by this heat. Indeed, they heat up, and this can create cracks and leakages appear. This is a disaster you do not want and can lead to needing a whole new drainage system.
What is the solution? Do not use strong chemicals in your drainage system. If you are having a problem, contact professional services. They have safer equipment that can be used to remedy the issue. For example, you can call FS Drainage in the capital. We clear blocked drains in London without the need for chemicals. Only water is used to blast away the blockages, which is highly effective and safe for any pipes.
Know There are Dangers
In some situations, the chemical unblocker will work. It will dissolve the blockage and you will believe you no longer have a problem. But, you can actually create a bigger one. There is a chance that the chemicals will remain in your drainage system. Then, if you are using other products later on, the chemicals could mix together. This becomes a hazard since you are not supposed to mix certain chemicals.
Bad for Human Health
Have you ever noticed that these products have warning labels on them? Perhaps you just thought this was a precaution brands had to give you. But, there is a good reason why they have them. They are necessary because these products contain strong chemicals. They can be toxic, leading to a range of side effects. You might have eye and throat irritation. You can even have trouble breathing. They can be even more dangerous to your health if they are mixed with other chemicals.
An Environmental Hazard
Note that chemicals are not just bad for the drainage system. They can also be damaging to the environment. They can be dangerous and toxic to animals and hazardous to get into the soil. This is another reason why you should avoid using them on your property. You risk causing a variety of problems that cannot be undone.
Always Turn to Drainage Experts
We know there is a temptation to use drain unblocking products. They are easy to access and cheap to buy. But, you hopefully now understand that there is a huge risk in using them. They can cause damage to your drainage system that cannot be reversed. Plus, they can be dangerous for you and your family’s health, as well as the environment. Instead, know that it is best always to call drainage experts.
Using drainage services will be the best solution in the short-term and long run. It can be faster to clear the blockage and get your house back to normal. Plus, there is going to be no damage to your drainage system, meaning you do not have to replace the pipes later on. They ar more affordable than you think. Plus, you can enjoy peace of mind and get the problem sorted quickly.