Clogged drains are a common household nuisance. They can come about for any number of reasons. Some of the most common are washing grease or large chunks of food down your drain. These items can quickly accumulate in your pipes, leading to obstructions that cause your sink to back up. The sooner you deal with this issue, the better.

Why You Should Never Use Draino

There are a number of reasons why plumbing industry experts advise homeowners against using Draino for sink clogging issues. Some of the most significant ones are listed below.

Draino Can Cause Serious Respiratory Issues

Draino is a product that is composed of a number of inorganic chemical compounds. Once mixed in the correct proportion, these chemicals are employed to remove obstructions from sinks and pipes in household and commercial locations. However, the chemical reaction that the process entails can result in serious risk to your health.

One of the biggest reasons not to use Draino in your home is the noxious and potentially fatal fumes that it can produce. These fumes can lead to serious health issues, including risks to your respiratory system. They can irritate your nasal passages and lungs while also inducing serious chemical burning and scarring.

If these fumes enter your bloodstream, the results can be debilitating and even potentially fatal. They can do so by being absorbed accidentally into your mucus membranes. This is an issue that can happen so quickly that you are not initially aware of it.

People who suffer from COPD, asthma, or other respiratory system conditions are advised to avoid the use of Draino. This is because the fumes and other byproducts associated with it can put you at a very high risk of serious health issues. This is all the truer when it comes to any children or pets who may be living in your home.

Draino Can Lead to Severe Plumbing Damage

Instead of Draino, it is always better to use organic substances that are much healthier on the environment. These substances are best applied by a trained plumbing expert who can save you a great deal of time, trouble, and risk.

One of the most serious issues to be aware of is the fact that using Draino can cause long-term damage to your plumbing system. This is because Draino can mix with other chemicals that may be present in your pipes or extended plumbing system. If this should occur, the results can lead to cracked, leaking, or broken pipes.

You should also note that some of the chemical reactions caused by the use of Draino can lead to serious health hazards. For example, you can be hit by boiling water pouring out of a bursting or exploding pipe.

The damage that Draino can do to your plumbing system can be more costly in the long run than you may initially realize. This is due to the fact that cracks and fractures in your pipes may not be readily apparent. However, given enough time, they can suddenly burst, causing an immense amount of costly damage.

What Are the Best Clogged Drain Solutions?

Keeping your pipes free of obstructions is a full-time job. This is an area that requires the prompt assistance of plumbing professionals. Some of the solutions they adopt are simple, while others require a bit more effort. The most effective of these drain cleaning solutions are listed below.

Soap and Hot Water

Many sink clogs come about due to the buildup of grease. If this is the case, your plumber may be able to solve the problem in a matter of minutes. They can do so by simply pouring a mixture of soap and water down the drain. Once they have done so, they will follow it up with the contents of a large pot full of boiling water.

The clog may resolve itself due to a quick application of a half cup to one cup of soap and a gallon of boiling water. This can prevent the backing up of grease and other impurities that can wreak havoc on your drains. If this does not solve the problem, your plumber can move onto another solution.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Hot Water

A simple solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may be all that is needed to fix the problem. This will generally be the case with clogging issues that are resistant to soap. Vinegar is a mild form of acid, while baking soda is a common household base. Between the two of them, they can work to quickly unclog your drain.

These two substances mixed together form a potent chemical reaction. This process will work to create pressure on the source of the clog. The ultimate aim is to dislodge and dissolve it.

Your plumber can quickly pour a half cup of baking soda down your clogged drain. Once they have done so, they will follow it up with a half cup of white vinegar. After that, they will add a generous helping of hot water. This mixture should be enough to cure even the most resistant clogs.

Applying Specialized Plumbing Equipment

If the problem proves to be a stubborn one, your plumber can easily apply a number of specialized tools for the job. These may include such items as a plumbing snake. This is a long coil of metallic pipe that is designed to plumb your sink in order to dislodge the obstruction.

Your plumber may also use items like an industrial-sized plunger in order to break up the clog. These types of plungers are usually much larger and more effective than the ones that are commonly available in retail stores. Once employed, they can quickly break up a clog and send it down your pipe to be flushed harmlessly away.

It’s Always Best to Hire Expert Help

Keep in mind that these are solutions that are best applied by a trained professional. Plumbing is a field that contains more than its share of potential hazards. You do not want to apply a self-help solution that ends up making the problem even worse than it already is. For example, you do not want to end up with burns from carelessly handled hot water.

The best way to avoid such mishaps is to hire the services of an expert local plumbing service. Doing so will give you instant access to the latest plumbing solutions. Your plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the issue while also giving you expert advice on related matters.

Contact Crystal Blue for Expert Drainage Solutions

Crystal Blue is here to be your full-service plumbing contractor in Sacramento, CA and the surrounding metro area. We offer full drainage and plumbing services. We can also assist with all issues regarding cooling and heating systems. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your drains in tip-top shape.