Homeowners often encounter clogged drains at some point. This common plumbing concern typically occurs because substances like grease and oil accumulate in the pipes. Many turn to commercial drain cleaning products in an effort to resolve the blockage, but this can actually harm the plumbing system. Here’s what you need to know about drain cleaners.

How Drain Cleaners Work

Liquid drain cleaning products contain either chemicals or enzymes that are designed to cut through the blockage in the pipes and efficiently break it down. There are three types of cleaning products: acid, caustic, and oxidizing. Each of these is designed to either deliver electrons or take them away from the substance inside the drain that’s causing the clog. When this electron exchange occurs, heat naturally develops. The heat then demolishes the clog, and you can rinse the remaining debris with water.  

Although they do occasionally offer an effective temporary solution, they can also do significant harm to the pipes in the process. Because of the heat that they produce, they can warp aging plumbing systems, damage already weak metal, and cause it to corrode. As it eats through the pipe, it can even lead to leaks—a far more significant problem than a drain blockage.

How to Handle the Problem

Drain service professionals offer a variety of reliable methods that will successfully cut through the blockage without causing damage to the pipes. The first technique that most experts use is snaking, which involves feeding a piece of lengthy equipment through the drain into the blockage.

But for a more significant clog, or one that is deep inside a long pipe, your technician may elect to use a water-jet tool instead. Commonly known as hydro-jetting, the process involves flushing the affected pipe with a powerful rush of water. It’s so strong that it can easily cut through common culprits, like hair and grease, as well as more stubborn ones, like tree roots and sand. This method is beneficial because it also cleans the pipe in the process, leaving it completely free of debris.

Are you seeking a trustworthy professional to resolve your drain cleaning concerns? Turn to the team at American Rooter in Watertown, CT. Serving all of Connecticut and Rhode Island since 1980, they offer a variety of services, including sewer and septic tank cleaning, as well as drain repairs. Visit them online for more information, or call (888) 863-4638 to schedule an appointment.