Your sink’s gurgling and draining very slowly; there’s foul smell as well it’s obvious you have a blocked drain. You need to clear the blockage quickly and inexpensively. You think about calling a Plumber? To expensive you might think, you think again how about some chemical drain unblocker from your local DIY store? Pay £15 for a bottle then simply pour down the drain and problem solved right?
Wrong! And here’s why.
1, Drain Unblockers Don’t Work
Most of the time chemical drain blockers don’t work; they just are not powerful enough by the time you notice you have a blockage it’ll likely be too severe to breakdown with chemicals. The only way you’re going to shift that blockage is manual with a plunger, plumbers snake or auger. £15 has just gone down the drain, £15 you could have put towards a Plumbing tool or hiring a Plumber
2, You Put Yourself And Your Plumber At Risk
The bottle of drain unblocker has gone down the sink and hasn’t worked so now you either have to try and unblock the drain manually or get a Plumber to do it. Either way, as the blockage hasn’t moved you now have caustic chemicals backed up in the pipes. Now, who unblocks the drain (whether it’s you or a Plumber) is going to be at risk from chemical burns. Be extra careful if you attempt to unblock the drain yourself wear gloves, protective clothing and eye protection, and if you do call a Plumber, make sure you inform them about the chemicals before they start work.
3, Drain Unblockers Can Damage Your Pipes
Drain unblockers contain Caustic Soda, Sulphuric Acid, or Hydrochloric Acid not only can these nasty corrosive chemicals cause burns and blindness (if splashed in the eyes) they can damage your pipes. Even if the drain chemical does work (which’s highly unlikely) Pipe damage is likely.
4, Drain Unblockers Are Toxic
The acids used in drain-unblocking chemicals will sting your eyes and burn your nose and throat if inhaled, which is not good for your health! Chemical fumes from the drain will take a few days to clear; these fumes will irritate anyone who comes into contact with them.
5, Drain Unblockers Are Bad For The Environment
Any chemicals poured down the drain can get into the water supply which isn’t good for humans, animals or fish.
6, The Best Method For Unblocking A Drain
The best method for unblocking a drain is to prevent your drain from being blocked in the first place. Be mindful of what goes down your drains, and you should remain blockage free.
For those around Essex suffering from a blocked drain always try unblocking with a Plunger first if that doesn’t work you can try a Plumbing Snake, and if all else fails call a professional.
We offer a quick and inexpensive drain unblocking service so feel free to give us a call if you need any help.