So, you have a clogged drain—what do you do? If you are like most people, you would like to resolve the immediate problem yourself so you can get on with your day-to-day life. This involves one of two things—a chemical drain cleaner or a "home remedy" (natural drain cleaner). Depending on who you ask, one of the other may be a much better choice. We would like to get to the bottom of the debate and make it easier for you to choose the right solution.
Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are powerful—there is no doubting that. When you have a serious clog, turning to these products can resolve the situation quickly. However, the strength of these products that power through the clog can also wreak havoc on the pipes—potentially damaging them. Also, if cleaner splashes on you or your clothes you could be in trouble. Much care must be taken when using these chemicals.
Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Natural Drain Cleaners
Natural drain cleaners are made of natural products. They are biodegradable and safe for the environment. Using a natural drain cleaner means you don't have to worry about the product harming you or your family, plus the products that use natural enzymes do not risk damaging your actual pipe like a chemical cleaner does. The main drawback of a natural cleaner is that they often take longer to show results than a chemical cleaner does, so if you have a pressing problem it may not be the right solution.
At the end of the day, both types of drain cleaners have their place. In reality, the best thing you can do to assure long term health for your pipes and plumbing systems as a whole is to work with an expert. Having your drains maintained on a regular basis is an excellent first step and may help you prevent more serious damage in the future.
If you would like more information about residential plumbing services, contact us at Stahl Plumbing today. We would love to help keep your drains flowing smoothly!