When water begins moving too slowly down sink drains, or the pipe becomes completely clogged, it’s tempting to dump some chemical drain cleaner into the drain and hope for the best. Professionals who provide service for Plumbing in Palm Desert CA strongly encourage people to avoid doing this, and it’s not just so they can get some extra business unclogging drains.
Toxic Fumes
Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners are available in powders and liquids. All these products are highly toxic and say so on the labeling. If somebody actually is going to use one, this should only be done in a very well-ventilated area. A bathroom without a window is not the place to use a toxic chemical drain cleaner. The fumes have no fast way to disperse and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and skin. They can irritate the lungs and sinuses if someone breathes the fumes.
Caustic Characteristics
The chemicals are not only toxic to humans and animals; but they can also damage metal plumbing pipes because of their harsh acidic characteristics. The metal can become corroded when the chemicals stay in contact with it for any length of time. Consider that the contents of the solution must be caustic enough to actually dissolve hair and lint from fabric, and it becomes more clear just how strong these chemicals are.
Recurrence Risk
The solution typically doesn’t eliminate the entire clog but does reduce it enough so that water again flows more smoothly. People who use these products tend to find that slow drains keep recurring until eventually, they call for assistance from a company such as All Seasons Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Professional Plumbing Strategies
Individuals who provide professional service for Plumbing in Palm Desert CA tackle these issues in other ways. Depending on the extent of the problem and the location of the drain, the plumber might use a manual or motorized auger to break up the clog. Water jet equipment may be used. Taking the pipe apart and manually clearing out the debris that has accumulated is another common strategy. This is often done with pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
