Why Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaning Methods Often Fail And How A Plumber Can Help
When you want to do the right thing by the planet, sometimes that means not reaching for the most convenient option. One example of this is trying to keep your drains clear and running properly. If you've been working through eco-friendly options for clearing your drains with little to no success, there's likely a reason for that. Here's what's going on.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most time-honored and appreciated traditions for clearing a drain without harming the environment is to use baking soda and vinegar. When combined, the two create foaming substance that chips away at oil and debris, and to a lesser extent, plumbing clogs. However, there are some issues with using baking soda and vinegar.
If you were to take a piece of food, put it in a container, and cover it with baking soda and vinegar, you would quickly discover that it has almost no impact on a solid object like that. This means that baking soda and vinegar have little to no impact on severe drain clogs.
Unfortunately, they're not much better at keeping your drains running smoothly. Baking soda and vinegar do foam and can break down oils, but if your drain is relatively clear, the substance will simply flow down the drain. There won't be enough exposure to the build-up on the walls of your plumbing to make a significant impact.
The Problem with Caustic Drain Cleaners
Of course, if you're an eco-friendly person, you likely already know that caustic drain cleaners are bad for the environment. However, they can also be bad for your plumbing. Older pipes can have hidden damage that you're not aware of, like mild corrosion, which can be worsened by caustic drain cleaners. As a result, you should never use one of these without getting the go-ahead from a plumber.
Getting Help
While you might not be having luck with eco-friendly drain cleaning methods at home, a plumber has better ways at their disposal that are just as eco-friendly.
For example, your plumber can use a mechanical snake that simply breaks up the clogs without adding anything else to the water supply.
In addition, your plumber can also use hydro jetting, a powerful stream of water that blasts through both clogs and accumulated debris and oil, while using nothing but simple water.
There are many ways to solve plumbing issues. To learn more about what can be done for your drain cleaning problem, contact professionals today.
