Do You Have a Clogged Drain in Your Buffalo, New York Home?
A clogged drain can be a real bummer and hindrance for homeowners. Buffalo, New York homeowners know that, when it comes to a plumbing system, often clogged drains cannot be avoided. The quick and, what may seem like an easy solution, typically involves grabbing a store-bought chemical drain cleaner to clear the blockage. The “quick easy fix” could lead to plumbing problems down the road.
Not only do store-bought drain cleaners often not work, they can cause damage to your plumbing, and most cleaners are highly dangerous and could lead to serious health issues if not handled properly.
There Are Two Main Types of Home Drain Cleaners
Caustic drain cleaners
These cleaners contain substances such as lye and caustic potash. They give electrons to the clogging substance, and their hydroxide ions create the reaction that clears the clog. Their alkaline, or basic, chemicals release heat and turn grease into a substance that’s more easily liquefied. These drain cleaners are typically heavier than water, which enables them to reach the clog through standing water.
Oxidizing drain cleaners
These contain substances such as household bleach, peroxides and nitrates; these chemicals trigger the organic material of the clog to lose electrons and become oxidized. The product is heavier than water, so it can move through standing water, and it releases heat and gas to help clear the blockage.
These store-bought products generate heat, and they can soften the polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipes found in Buffalo homes. Damage is also likely to occur when home drain cleaners are used on older, metal pipes.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Drain Cleaning Services
Before you grab a bottle of store-bought drain cleaner, you should consider the advantages of hiring a professional plumber. Hiring an expert for a clogged drain has many long-term benefits. Among them, we can count:
Identifying the True Cause of the Clog
It may seem like all drain clogs are caused by various bits of debris blocking the pipes; however, there are several issues that can lead to a clogged drain. All clogs are not created equal and some require unique solutions. While you may think that home drain cleaner has fixed your problem, the solution may not last long. Some clogs may be lodged in a place that is impossible to reach with regular household tools and chemicals. An expert plumber can diagnose the true cause of your drain issues and use the proper devices and methods to effectively fix the problem from the start.
Damage to Your Plumbing
As we reviewed, home drain cleaners contain extremely harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals. While these chemical mixtures can sometimes be effective in destroying a clog, they can also damage your pipes in the process. You may not notice immediate effects of damage, but over time your pipes can develop leaks or cracks that require expensive repairs. The chemicals in a store-bought cleaner can make it easier for clogs to form in your pipes in the future.
Handling Hazardous Situations Safely
Standard drain cleaning solutions can produce toxic fumes and create dangerous situations in your home if used incorrectly. A trained plumber has the knowledge to safely remove a clog. Plumbers often have tools that can remove a clog without the use of harsh chemicals. When you trust an expert to fix your plumbing issues, you don’t have to worry about putting yourself or your family members in danger.
Expert Plumbers in Buffalo, NY
At Reimer Home Services, we have the proper tools and expert knowledge to understand the true cause of your home’s plumbing problems and to help fix your Buffalo, New York home’s clogged drain.
When you have a slow or clogged drain or need emergency plumbing assistance, we can find and fix the problem quickly and safely. If you have a clogged drain in your home, contact us now for Day or Night emergency drain cleaning in Buffalo and Western New York.
