Clogs That Drain Cleaners Won't Work With

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Many people stock chemical drain cleaners that they hope can help them when their drains become clogged. Chemical drain cleaners, though not the best way to clean drains, works in some cases. However, there are also cases where using these cleaners are a waste of time. Here are some of the cases where the chemical cleaners won't work.

Clogging In the Main Line

Clogging that occurs on the main sewer line is dangerous because it affects all plumbing fixtures that drain waste water in your house. This means the bathroom, kitchen, and even your clothes washer will not be emptying their drains. In fact, using one fixture may result in the wastewater coming up in another fixture. For example, using the kitchen sink can result in water coming out of the bathroom drains.

It will be difficult to clear the clogging using ordinary chemical cleaners if the issue is in the main sewer line. In this case, you have no option but to call for professional drain cleaners to diagnose and fix the issue.

Clogging Caused By a Solid Object

Chemical drain cleaners work by dissolving or softening the offending debris, after which they are washed away by water. This means the cleaners will only work if the clogging is caused by a material that the cleaners can dissolve and softer. Such materials include hair, grease, paper, and such like things. However, they will not work on solid and tough objects such as plastic, metal or solid wood. Therefore, the cleaners won't work if the clogging has been caused by one of these solid objects, such as toys carelessly discarded by children.

Clogging Under Standing Water

Using drain cleaners is also difficult if there is standing water of the drain opening. This is because for the chemicals to work, you need to get them into the drain and so that they can get into contact with the offending debris. Obviously, this won't be possible if the drain pipe is so full that it can't handle even a little extra water.

Clogging Due To Tree Root Damage

Lastly, your chemical drain cleaners also won't work if the issue is being caused by tree root damage. Tree root can damage drainage lines by widening small cracks in the pipes and growing within the pipes, causing the blockage. In such a situation, the solution is to physically remove the offending tree roots.

Therefore, don't keep on using cleaners if they don't seem to be working for you. In fact, you need to consult drain cleaners as soon as possible if you suspect a clogging falls under any of the above circumstances. Contact a company like HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric for more information and assistance. 

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5 April 2018