A Plumber Explains Common Household Items You Should Never Use On Your Plumbing | Grand Prairie, TX
It’s easy to understand how people can get into the habit of using household items to clean their plumbing system. After all, it seems like a logical solution – and it’s convenient when you don’t have any other cleaning supplies on hand. However, using these common items can do more harm than good.
Most people will avoid hiring a professional plumber to clean their system, thinking that it’s an unnecessary expense. But the truth is, a plumber will know exactly what products and techniques to use to clean your system properly – without damaging any pipes or fixtures.
This article will show you 7 cleaning things you have normalized to use on your plumbing system but should keep off. By avoiding these products, you’ll save yourself money in the long run and extend the life of your plumbing.
Drano
Drano is a common household cleaner many people use to unclog their sinks and showers. However, Drano is very harmful to your plumbing system. The active ingredient in Drano is sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical. When Drano is mixed with water, it creates a highly acidic solution that can eat through metal pipes and ruin your plumbing system. Additionally, Drano can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with your skin.
Drano can also react with other common household cleaners to create toxic fumes that can harm your family’s health. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using Drano altogether. Instead, hire a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX, to clear your clogs. They can do so without damaging your pipes or risking your family’s health.
Vinegar
Vinegar is often touted as a natural alternative to harmful chemicals. However, while vinegar may be an effective cleaning agent, it can also damage your plumbing. The acid in vinegar can eat away at the pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually leak. Vinegar can neutralize the enzymes in septic tanks, making them less effective at breaking down waste. Therefore, it is important to avoid using vinegar on your plumbing system. Hire a plumber to clean your system with safe, effective products that won’t damage your pipes.
Baking Soda
There’s no doubt that baking soda is a versatile household staple. It can be used for baking, cleaning, and even putting out fires. However, there are some things that you should not use baking soda for, and one of those things is cleaning your plumbing system. While baking soda may seem harmless to clean your pipes, it can do more harm than good. Baking soda is abrasive and can damage the inside of your pipes.
It can neutralize the acids needed to break down organic matter in your pipes. As a result, using baking soda to clean your plumbing system can lead to clogged pipes and costly repairs. So next time you reach for the baking soda, think twice before using it on your plumbing system. It will be better to hire a plumber to do the job right.
Hot Water
While hot water can be effective for some cleaning tasks, it’s not something you want to use on your plumbing system. Extreme temperatures can cause pipes to warp or crack, leading to leaks. In addition, hot water can break down the protective coatings on fixtures, making them more susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, hire a professional plumber instead of using hot water to clean your plumbing system. They have the knowledge and equipment necessary to clean your system without damaging it.
Plungers
While plungers are a common cleaning tool used on plumbing systems, they can do more harm than good. Plungers can damage pipes and cause leaks by creating too much pressure. In addition, plungers can distribute sewage and bacteria around the bathroom, contaminating surfaces and making cleaning difficult. If you have a clogged sink or toilet, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can safely and effectively clear the blockage. In the meantime, avoid using a plunger in your bathroom to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Wire Brushes
A wire brush is an essential part of any cleaning arsenal. However, while wire brushes can effectively clean other surfaces, they should not be used on your plumbing system. The metal bristles on wire brushes can damage the finish on fixtures and make them more susceptible to corrosion.
In addition, the bristles can break off and become lodged in pipes, creating a blockage that can be difficult to remove. So next time you’re tempted to use a wire brush on your plumbing, think about the damage it could cause. Call a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX, to clean your system instead.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are marketed as an easy way to clear clogged drains. However, while they may be effective at removing blockages, they can also damage your plumbing system. Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive and can eat away the inside of your pipes. They can leave behind harmful residue that can contaminate your water supply. If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, call a professional plumber. They have the experience and skill set to quickly and safely clear away any blockage.
Have You Been Using These Things to Clean Your Plumbing System?
If you have, then you should stop immediately. These things can damage your plumbing system and lead to costly repairs. If you need help cleaning your plumbing system, the smartest thing is to call a plumbing professional. They will have the knowledge and equipment needed to do the job right.
We Are the Plumbing Professionals to Call
If you’re looking for a professional plumbing company in Grand Prairie, TX, look no further than Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are a full-service plumbing company that offers a wide range of services, including drain cleaning, pipe repair, and much more. We are also available 24/7 for emergency service. So call us if you have a clogged drain or need your pipes repaired.
