When you’re trying to take a relaxing shower after a long day, it is irritating to watch the water rise around your ankles. In this case, you likely have a clogged drain. While you may think of going to the store to buy a chemical drain cleaner, this solution might not be as helpful as advertised. The below guide details why other drain cleaning techniques are superior.

Effects of Chemical Drain Cleaning on Your Plumbing

While it might be a quick and easy solution, chemical drain cleaners are harmful to your plumbing system. Essentially, they work like stomach acid—using harsh chemicals like peroxide, caustic potash, and lye to eat through clogs. Unfortunately, this usually only eliminates part of the blockage, pushing a small remainder further down the pipes, which will gather debris and turn into a clog again. As a result, you’ll have to use the solution repeatedly, and the chemicals will erode the inside of the piping. In time, you may experience a plumbing leak or backup and have to cover expensive repairs.

What Are Alternative Methods for Removing Clogs?

Instead of dealing with these potential consequences, try a few home remedies to clear up slow drains. Start by boiling a pot of water and pouring it down the drain—the temperature alone should break up the blockage without harming your pipes. Next, try using a natural drain cleaning solution. Pour half a box of baking soda into a dry sink. Then, measure a half cup of vinegar. After pouring in the vinegar, seal the drain with a metal stopper to allow the ingredients to bubble and fizz. After about 30 minutes, you can clear away the clog with a little boiling water.

If these home remedies don’t work, call a plumber who can use a drain snake to fish out the clog for good. In Cincinnati, OH, Joe Klosterman Plumbing offers drain cleaning services to Tri-State area residents. Their team of licensed master plumbers is involved with St. Jude Children’s Research, and their company has been family-owned and -operated for nearly 40 years. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (513) 941-6766 to schedule your appointment.