Most supermarkets now sell drain cleaning products, but are they a good idea? They may be convenient, however they can actually cause more problems than they solve.
Toxic chemicals
Drain cleaners can be dangerous, with health issues and injuries caused by chemical inhalation and splashing. They can also be corrosive to plumbing systems, leading to problems that may ultimately lead to you needing a CCTV drain survey Northampton, or elsewhere, provided by companies such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/northampton/. Chemical cleaners are made to dissolve blockages, but this means they can also eat away at plumbing, melting plastic piping or corroding metal.
Make matters worse
Chemical drain cleaners could make blockages worse rather than better. They can react poorly or erratically when coming into contact with some clogs or blockages, causing damage to drains or pipe work. They can mask issues and stop more complex problems from being identified early, such as rodent infestation, tree root ingress, or collapsed pipes.
In contrast, professional companies called in to help with blockages can accurately diagnose issues before working to correctly rectify the problem.
Not a green option
Chemical cleaners are also not the most environmentally-friendly option. They can get into water systems and ultimately end up in a river or the sea. This can be damaging to the environment, to humans, and to animals. Professional assistance is usually the most environmentally-friendly choice, along with more natural home remedies for minor problems. For example, minor blockages can often be cleared using bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and hot water.
Gentler ways to clear a blocked drain
If you have a septic tank, there is a particular reason to keep harsh chemicals out of the drains. Caustic soda kills the anaerobic bacteria that break down waste and keep the system working. The same chemicals can also upset the wider ecosystem and harm fragile plant and marine life.
For a slow or blocked drain, try natural alternatives first, such as baking soda and vinegar, or one of the environmentally friendly cleaners now on sale. A plunger can be surprisingly effective, and a set of drain rods is a useful thing to keep at home.
Once a blockage is clearly visible, though, the pipe is probably well blocked and may be damaged. A professional CCTV drain survey can find the cause so it is fixed first time, rather than the problem simply being pushed further down the pipe.