When your sink starts to gurgle, or your kitchen drain smells like last week’s leftovers, your first thought is probably to reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. However, choosing the right type of drain cleaner is as important as getting rid of the clog.

The Bright Side of Regular Pipe Maintenance

The most obvious benefit of a professional drain cleaning is that it removes the sticky layers of grease, hair, and soap scum before they turn into a solid clog. When water can flow freely through your system, it puts less pressure on the joints and seals of your pipes. This helps prevent those annoying drips under the sink. High-pressure water jetting is a fantastic modern option. It scrubs the inside of the pipe walls until they are as smooth as the day they were installed.

The Hidden Dangers of Chemical Cleaners

Many store-bought drain cleaners use harsh acids or lye that create an intense heat reaction to dissolve hair and fat. However, that same heat can actually soften plastic PVC pipes or eat away at old cast iron. If you live in an older home with its original, metal plumbing, these chemicals can cause the metal to break down. When the inner lining of the pipe begins to chip away, it creates new clogs in the pipe, and can eventually result in a costly leak.

The Risks of the DIY Snake

Using plumbing tools without the right training can lead to some potentially disastrous consequences. If you push a metal cable too hard around a sharp bend in your plumbing, you could accidentally poke a hole through the side of the pipe. This is especially dangerous in older homes where the metal has already started to rust or thin out over the decades. You also run the risk of getting the snake stuck deep in the line. This turns a simple clog into a major construction project that requires ripping up your floors. While it feels empowering to fix things yourself, sometimes the physical force of a metal tool is just too much for delicate, aging plumbing to handle.

The best way to keep your drains healthy is to be careful about what you put down them in the first place. Instead of relying on heavy cleaning methods, you can use simple mesh strainers to catch hair in the shower or avoid pouring liquid bacon grease down the kitchen sink. If you do run into a stubborn blockage, calling a professional who uses a camera to see exactly what is happening is usually the smartest move for your long-term budget. If you live in Charleston, SC or a surrounding area and need drain cleaning services, make your first call to C&C Myers.