2 Questions To Ask Your Below Before Having Your Drains Cleaned
If you have ever finished stepping away from the sink or shower and noticed that the level of the water is not reducing, it can be annoying. Unfortunately, you may not know that a clogged drain can be more than just an inconvenience; it can also be an ideal place for bacteria to grow and unpleasant smells to develop. When using a plunger is not enough to restore normal water flow, you have an important decision to make. You can choose a plumber that uses standard methods and chemicals, which could be harmful to your family, or you can hire a plumber that provides green drain cleaning services.
What Solvents Does The Plumber Use?
It is important to note that it is often necessary to introduce a solvent into the pipes to dissolve a blockage. The two most common ingredients in standard drain cleaners are sulfuric acid and lye. Although they may be effective, they can also be dangerous, and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides numerous warnings, even for the versions available to the public.
Some current warnings for drain cleaners include that they can result in:
- Dangerous fumes that could cause breathing difficulties
- Chemicals burns, if skin contact occurs
- Blindness if it touches the eyes
- Deadly if swallowed
It should also be considered that the fumes will not instantly go away, particularly if the area has poor ventilation. Therefore, you need to determine if you are comfortable with a licensed plumber using that type of harsh chemical in your home or if you would be more appreciative of a substance that is safer for your family and the planet.
What Is A Safer Option?
Eco-friendly drain cleaners are now being used by both do-it-yourselfers and licensed plumbers. They work by introducing bacteria or enzymes into the pipes that consume the hair and food waste products that often cause clogged drains. As they dissolve the clogs, they also continue their life cycles.
That means that by introducing a small amount of bacteria and enzyme, it is possible to clean the entire system. They also do not produce dangerous, offensive fumes and can be washed off easily if you were to touch them directly. Even contact with water and soil is less of a problem and in some instances would not be a problem at all. That is because the enzymes and bacteria used to naturally clean drains are non-toxic and generally safe.
For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Jim Dhamer Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. or a similar company.