If you’ve been experiencing issues such as slow drainage, overflowing toilets, or a sewage stoppage, you might be considering DIY drain cleaning. Before you go to your home improvement store, consider our expert advice on caring for your pipes.
The drainage system is a crucial part of keeping your home running smoothly. When everything is working properly, we usually forget that the sewage pipes are dealing with your – ahem – dirty work. But when there’s an issue, we become acutely aware of the drainage pipes’ importance.
Since your system is in constant use, you might be tempted to YouTube a couple of videos or grab a wonder-product for a seemingly quick fix. However, those choices could come with more risk than you realize.
Toxic Chemicals Damage Pipes
Drain cleaners that are marketed for clearing blocked drains almost always contain harsh toxic chemicals. These products can potentially clear a blockage but may also lead to damaged pipes and are dangerous to human health. Exercise extreme caution when using these products.
One reason plumbers recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners is because the same active ingredients that work to eliminate blockages can damage the piping material itself. The ingredients that may be effective for cutting through greasy buildup may also begin cutting through your cast iron or PVC drainage pipes.
When chemical drain cleaners are used repeatedly, the possibility of permanent pipe damage and material erosion increases, especially when your pipes are more than 20 years old.
A Chemical-Free Drain Cleaning Alternative
Hydro jetting is a chemical-free method of thoroughly cleaning drain pipes. Pressurized water jets are used to remove blockages and greasy buildup. It can even remove tree roots and clumps of “flushable” wipes.
While hydro-jetting is a job for drain cleaning professionals (click here for a list of local companies), it can be quick and affordable. The results are immediate and can last for a long time when you observe proper care recommendations: avoid disposing of fats, oils, and grease; flush only toilet paper – no wipes!
Additional Concerns
Homes with older pipes, previous damage, or collapsed areas should rely on drain cleaning professionals. DIY drain cleaners could cause permanent damage to the pipelines and create new or worsening opportunities for sewage leaks.
Homes with cast iron pipes are more susceptible to damage from chemical cleaners as the material is notorious for erosion.
Is it ever OK to use a DIY drain cleaner?
While we can’t in good conscience recommend the use of chemical cleaners for your drain pipes, there could be some reasonably effective chemical-free options. Most involve baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.
CAUTION: Be careful not to pour boiling water down your drains, that could create bigger problems. PVC pipes can distort or melt with an influx of boiling water. Metal pipes may have connections loosened if boiling water is allowed to pool.
Clogged drains can be complicated and, at times, be more serious than DIY methods can correct. Just because your drain starts flowing again after the use of a chemical drain cleaner, doesn’t mean it will continue. Additionally, there could be new or deepening issues looming due to the effects of the chemicals on the piping material.
In summary, we recommend following proper drainage pipe care and maintenance:
- Never dispose of fats, oil, grease down the drain
- Flush only toilet paper – no wipes!
- Avoid chemical cleaners – they could permanently damage pipes!
- Consider chemical-free, cost-effective pro options such as hydro-jetting
