Drain cleaners have been somewhat of a hot topic lately. While there are several different kinds of drain cleaners, some products are better than others if your main goal is to clear your drain, but also maintain the integrity of your plumbing system.
What’s the problem?
When you think of drain cleaners, the first thing that comes to mind is probably some variation of a caustic cleaner. These types of cleaners work by essentially eating away at whatever the obstruction might be to free up the water flow.
As exhibited by their warnings on the label, these substances are corrosive and can be harmful to the skin if contact is made. Similarly, overuse of these types of cleaners can damage your plumbing system.
While they are very effective at clearing hair and soap buildup, they aren’t going to clear a foreign object that is clogging your drain.
Don’t go straight for the drain cleaners.
First, inspect the problem area so you can isolate the problem. If your shower is draining slowly, then you are probably dealing with hair/soap build-up. Try removing the stopper first to clear out any hair that might be obstructing water flow. In most cases, this simple step is all it takes.
If you have a slow draining kitchen sink, the problem probably rests in the P-trap. Food and grease can accumulate in this area, as it is designed to do in order to prevent clogs deeper in your plumbing system. You can easily unscrew the two slip nuts to remove and clear out the trap.
If the water is still slow to drain after trying these quick methods, you can then try using a drain snake. If you don’t already have a snake, you can grab one at your local hardware store.
If you still have a drain problem after trying all of these methods, then give us a call. We are happy to help! One of our experienced plumbers will be able to assess the problem and give you an accurate estimate before any work is done.
Ask us about BioSmart Drain Maid!
While most drain cleaners are effective, they can be damaging to your pipes over time. We recommend using BioSmart Drain Maid, a blend naturally occurring microbes that will help keep your system clean without damaging your pipes. If you’d like to hear more about BioSmart Drain Maid, then give us a call today!
(270) 443-1067