Drain clogs are annoying, messy problems, no matter when or where they happen. When leaks do occur, you want to find solutions fast, but that doesn't always have to mean calling a plumber. The helpful experts at Ace Hardware can help you address that backed-up sink on your own with a wide range of clog remover products available online and in stores.
Liquid Vs. Crystal Drain Cleaner: Which Is Right for You?
Liquid and crystal drain cleaner products are the most common types of drain openers for at-home use. Although they both work to eliminate clogs, they have different properties and features that make them uniquely suited for various issues.
- Liquid drain opener: Liquid drain cleaners are very easy to use, and with most, you simply pour the recommended amount down the drain and wait a specified amount of time for it to work its magic.
- Crystal drain cleaner: Crystal drain cleaner products come in bead or flake form. With these products, you typically run hot water before use and add a specific amount to the drain. As a result, there may be better options than these cleaners if a clog has already caused a fixture to overflow. The upside is that crystal drain cleaners are often highly effective and usually suitable for use with a wide range of pipe materials, whereas liquid drain cleaners may not be.
Different Types of Drain Clog Removers
Most drain cleaners are either oxidizing or caustic. An oxidizing drain cleaner contains bleach, nitrates, peroxides and other chemicals that break down organic matter. This makes them a good choice for dealing with clogs caused by hair and food.
Caustic clog remover products usually have sodium hydroxide on their list of ingredients, allowing them to eat away at oily grease and chemical residues like soap scum. Generally, caustic drain cleaners can move through water more readily than an oxidizing liquid drain opener product.
How Can I Get the Most of My Drain and Main Line Cleaner?
Depending on the severity of the clog, you may need additional equipment to use with crystal or liquid drain openers. Toilet plungers create strong suction to dislodge material contributing to the clog. You can use one before trying a drain opener and then again after adding a cleaner as needed.
Plumber snakes may be beneficial for stubborn clogs that don't respond well to basic crystal or liquid drain cleaners. These flexible augers can travel through the twists and turns of pipes to loosen clogs. To lessen the likelihood of future clogs, you can use a main line cleaner once every eight to 12 months.
Because drain cleaner products typically contain harsh materials, make sure you protect yourself while handling them. Use personal protective equipment like gloves and eyewear to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Find the Right Drain Opener at Ace Hardware
If you’re still trying to decide which crystal or liquid drain cleaners are right for your job, the experts at Ace are ready to assist you. Stop into your neighborhood store to learn about the benefits of drain clog remover products from top brands like Instant Power, Drano and Liquid-Plumr.
