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After washing your face, you notice the water is barely going down the drain. The culprit could be a buildup of hair, soap residue, and other materials in the plumbing. Commonly known as a clog, it may be tempting to buy drain cleaner to get rid of the obstruction. Unfortunately, you’re likely to do more harm than good with this product. Here’s why plumbers advise against using it.

Why Should You Avoid Using Drain Cleaners?

The chemicals in standard drain cleaners—sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid—can cause corrosion in metal, plastic, and PVC pipes. Over time, corrosion may also trigger rust, water leaks, and burst pipes. Drain cleaners can also cause cracks and chips in the finishes on toilets and sinks.

From skin and eye irritation to breathing problems, drain cleaners may be dangerous if you come in direct contact with them. In addition, they can also harm the environment. Once they are poured down drains and toilets, the chemicals make their way to lakes and rivers where they can kill fish, animals, and green spaces. 

How Can You Safely Unclog Pipes?

plumberProtect your home’s plumbing by using safer and more environment-friendly alternatives. To help unclog pipes, pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain, immediately followed with a  half-cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet cloth and let the mixture sit for five minutes. Flush with hot water to clear out the mixture and hopefully, the clog. 

You can also mix a half cup of salt and baking soda and pour it down the clogged drain. Allow it to sit for at least an hour or overnight. Safely pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Use a rubber plunger to help push through any obstructions in the pipes. You may have to repeat the plunging technique a few times to clear the clog.

 

If all else fails and you’re still dealing with an inconvenient clog, the plumbers at Diamond Head Plumbing in Honolulu, HI, can help. Since 1977, the licensed contractor has provided expert care to unclog stubborn backups in homes and businesses throughout Oahu. The family-owned company has a team of experienced and certified plumbers who are available for emergency repairs using state-of-the-art and green-friendly drain cleaning equipment. To learn more and receive an estimate, call (808) 734-4344. Visit the website for information on the full lineup of plumbing services.

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