Living in an older home provides a charm that people in modern dwellings will never experience. The hardwood floors, unique architectural details, and ornate plaster ceilings tell a story and cannot be replicated in new builds. But you must treat the plumbing with care. When one of your plumbing fixtures starts draining painfully slow, you may be tempted to buy the strongest chemical drain cleaner you can find. This would be a mistake. Older plumbing systems are fragile, and one wrong move can cause a mess.
What Harsh Drain Cleaners Can Actually Do to Old Pipes
Drain cleaners promise instant relief. They appeal to homeowners because that guarantee makes them believe they can blast away a problem quickly and affordably. But these chemicals can make matters much worse in older houses.
The chemical compounds in these products are designed to generate extreme heat to dissolve grease, hair, and scum. This is terrible for lead and cast-iron pipes. The heat can become so intense that it warps the metal or completely eats through sections of pipes that are already thinning. Then, you wind up with a leak in your wall or ceiling that can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. The situation becomes even more intense if mold develops because you will then spend even more money for remediation.
Use a Plunger Instead
A cup plunger is a simple way to get rid of clogs. But you must use it safely. You can damage old connections if you make the wrong moves. If you need to unclog a double sink, stuff a washcloth in one drain so that the air does not escape and cause your efforts to fail.
Gently push the plunger down on the drain to push out the air and create a good seal. Then, pull up sharply to dislodge the clog.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda Can Help
Sometimes, the plunger alone doesn’t do the trick. White vinegar, baking soda, and hot water can strengthen your fight against the clog. Pour a half a cup of baking soda down a dry drain. Then, pour a full cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit there for 30 minutes so that the chemical reaction can break up the grease and scum along the pipe walls. Then, run some hot water. The best thing about this method is that it doesn’t corrode your pipes.
When to Call a Pro for Help
There are times when you have done everything you can to get water flowing through the drain again. But the clog is just too severe. That is when you need a pro to inspect the insides of your pipes with a camera and use professional tools to dislodge the clog safely. Calling for help is a must if multiple fixtures are backing up at the same time because this indicates a main sewer line issue.
Schedule regular plumbing inspections. Service calls can help keep stubborn clogs at bay and play a significant role in preserving the pipes in your home. When you need drain cleaning services in Mesa, AZ, contact The Plumber AZ.