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Clogged drains can create a state of nuisance, as one finds oneself in a disgusting and smelly situation. While the overflowing drains add to the inconvenience, they also add to different health risks. Every homeowner experiences a blocked drain at some point, and many may face an even more of a nasty situation, depending on where they live and how they use the drains.
There runs a range of many possible reasons behind a blocked drain; and the most common of those reasons include the build-up of hair and dirt, blockage due to foreign objects and poorly installed pipes along with several others. One should take all the essential precautionary measures and steps to keep away any blockages and as an important precautious measure, use drain cleaning products. However, if you think you are not able to get rid of the issue on your own, it is best to call in a professional company that deals with blocked drains and pipes. The experts know what methods to employ and the right drain cleaners to use for a perusal situation.
The Products Used For Drain Cleaning
The most commonly used drain cleaners are usually chemical based, and these chemicals play the integral role to unblock clogged wastewater drains. Chemical drain cleaning equipment are usually applied to get rid of a single clogged drain, such as, toilet, tub, sink or shower drain. These chemicals help to soften obstructions, such as, hair and grease that gradually accumulate near the drain inlet and, thus, help get rid of those blockages. However, for a more complicated situation where more than one plumbing fixture and pipes are blocked, one may need to employ powered drain cleaners and mechanical devices to clean the entire length of the drain piping system.
Alkaline And Acidic Drain Openers
There are both alkaline and acidic products used for drain cleaning, which are available in liquid or solid form. An alkaline drain cleaner contains sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide that helps to dissolve greases and hairs. These corrosive mixtures are poured in the drains, and once inside, the chemicals create a dense foaming action to coat the inside of the drain pipe and further help to dislodge more of the substances. Acidic drain cleaners, typically, contain high concentrations of sulfuric acid that help to dissolve cellulose and proteins with the help of acid hydrolysis. Because of the vigorous reaction between the acid and water, it is best to handle these cleaners with caution, or one can face health hazards if contacted or ingested accidentally. Let experts handle the issues of drain cleaning and take care of the blocked drains.
Home-Based Drain Cleaners
Most homeowners prefer to employ home-based remedies for drain cleaning, and the most common method is to make use of boiling water into drain openings to get rid of any grime and hair clogs. Sometimes baking soda followed by vinegar can also help clear the drains of any minor blockages. One can store a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and use it to keep the drains free of any congestion. However, the simple home-based remedies may not be effective to get rid of major and stubborn blockages in the pipes and rains. The main benefits of home remedies for drain cleaning are its easy availability and environmental safety. However, when compared to professional drain cleaners, they seem to be limited in effectiveness.
There are other tools and devices used for drain cleaning, and some of the most common ones include handheld drain augers, hydro-mechanical drain cleaner, air burst drain cleaners and electric drain cleaners. These drain cleaners make use of mechanical forces, high-pressure water or accelerated gases for clearing blockages and drain cleaning. These devices can help break up obstructions within a pipe and remove solid objects and flush out the particles down the drain. They help clear the long sections of sewer drain and keep the drains free of any blockages.
