What Do Plumbers Recommend Instead Of Liquid Drain Cleaner?

When your sink or toilet is clogged, reaching for a liquid drain cleaner might seem like the easiest solution. However, these chemical products can do more harm than good. At Service Squad Plumbing, we recommend safer and more effective alternatives to keep your drains clear and your plumbing intact.

We’re here to help you understand the problems with liquid drain cleaners and highlight both DIY and professional techniques to handle stopped-up plumbing.

Reasons To Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners might seem like an easy solution for addressing clogs, but they come with several significant drawbacks. Here are the main reasons why professional plumbers — like those on our team — recommend avoiding them:

• Chemical hazards — Liquid drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to your health and the environment. These substances can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and even severe burns if mishandled.
• Potential pipe damage — While these cleaners may offer a temporary fix, they can corrode your pipes over time, leading to costly repairs. The chemicals can eat away at both metal and PVC pipes, weakening them and increasing the risk of leaks.
• Ineffectiveness on severe clogs — Liquid drain cleaners are often ineffective against severe clogs. They might clear a minor blockage, but for tough, persistent clogs, they usually fall short.
  Instead of relying on chemical drain cleaners, consider safer and more effective alternatives that professional plumbers recommend.

Explore DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

When faced with a clogged drain, there are several DIY methods you can try before calling in the professionals. These techniques are simple and cost-effective ways to resolve minor blockages.

Clear Clogs With A Plunger

One of the simplest and most effective tools for clearing a clogged drain is a plunger. To use it effectively, start by ensuring there’s enough water to cover the plunger’s cup, whether you’re working with a sink or toilet.

Next, position the plunger over the drain, creating a tight seal. Then, plunge vigorously by pushing and pulling the plunger rapidly to create suction and dislodge the clog. Plungers are best for simple clogs and serve as a great first step in addressing a blockage. However, if the blockage persists, other strategies may be necessary.

Unclog Pipes With A Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible, slender tool designed to navigate through pipes and break up clogs. Here’s how it works:

• Insert the snake — Push the snake into your drain until you encounter resistance.
• Rotate the snake — Turn the handle to break up the clog.
• Extract the debris — Pull the snake out, bringing the source of the clog with it.

Drain snakes are ideal for more stubborn clogs and can be very effective when used correctly. However, if you find that the clog is still present after using the snake, it may be best to call in a professional plumber, such as one from our team. We can use advanced snaking techniques and equipment to ensure the blockage is completely cleared.

Invest In Professional Drain Cleaning Services For Efficient Results

When it comes to stubborn clogs, professional drain cleaning services offer the most reliable solutions. Our experienced team at Service Squad Plumbing provides advanced techniques that go beyond what DIY methods can achieve.

Turn To Us For Advanced Drain Snaking

When DIY drain snaking isn’t enough, professional plumbers can use advanced drain snaking equipment. These tools are more powerful and effective at reaching deep clogs that DIY tools can’t handle. Professional expertise ensures the clog is removed without damaging your pipes.

Schedule Hydrojetting Services

Hydrojetting is a powerful and safe method for clearing clogs in your plumbing system. It involves using a high-pressure stream of water to blast away objects accumulated inside your pipes. This technique not only removes the blockage but also thoroughly cleans the pipes, preventing future clogs.

Unlike chemical cleaners, hydrojetting is environmentally friendly and is safe for pipes. Our experts use specialized equipment to perform hydrojetting, ensuring the process is both effective and safe for your home’s plumbing.

Ask About Our Camera Inspections

To diagnose the exact problem causing your clogged drain, our team can perform a camera inspection. This involves inserting a small, waterproof camera in your pipes to get a clear view of the blockage. This process identifies the exact location and nature of the clog, allowing our team to understand the best way to provide an effective solution.

Toilet Tips — Explore The Best Toilet Drain Cleaning Practices

From your kitchen to your bathroom, our drain cleaning tips can help you tackle a variety of clogs! However, we understand that toilets play an especially important role in your home, which is why we’re taking the time to clarify the best toilet drain cleaning techniques.

Plungers and toilet augers are effective tools for tackling clogs. While a plunger creates suction to dislodge simple blockages, a toilet auger is designed specifically for toilets, reaching deeper clogs that a plunger can’t. Chemical drain cleaners should be avoided as they can damage your toilet’s porcelain and plumbing.

Resolve Your Stopped Up Plumbing With Professional Service

While liquid drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, they often cause more harm than good. At Service Squad Plumbing, we recommend safer and more effective methods for resolving clogs.

Whether you have questions about DIY techniques or want to schedule professional services, our team is here to help. Contact us today to keep your drains clear and plumbing in tip-top shape.