Drain Cleaning Doesn’t Have to Involve Harsh Chemicals

Posted: Feb 07, 2012
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

In the early 50s, the only drain cleaning materials available were highly toxic. Chemicals containing lead, mercury and arsenic were freely available. Today there are still many chemicals available that can harm the environment. They are available in liquid and powder forms. They contain caustic potash, bleach and peroxide, as well as sulphuric acid. Thankfully there are cleaner and safer options for cleaning.

As any good plumber will tell you, practicing good habits and regular maintenance is the best way to prevent clogged drains.Never throw food, paper or grease down the sink. Dispose of these items in the trash. Sink baskets are ideal to trap small pieces of leftovers. Pour hot water down your drains once a week. This helps to keep them clean and free of debris.

Your garbage disposal also assists in avoiding dirty drains and clogged sewers. Always make sure you run cold water when using your garbage disposal, as this ensures that all particles are flushed away.

Ask your plumber to use enzymatic drain cleaners which are kinder to the environment. The enzymes contain bio chemicals or natural bacteria that feed on organic waste materials, such as paper products, soap and other foreign materials.

There are other environmentally safe tools that plumbers can use to clean drains, like a plumber’s snake with a variable handle and a long cable or high pressure drain cleaners, which force water down drain pipes. These are environmentally friendly and will clean most drains effectively. Another method used is a video camera to inspect your drains.