You're standing in ankle-deep shower water, or staring at a kitchen sink that won't drain. A jug of liquid drain cleaner seems like the fast fix. You pour it in, wait fifteen minutes, and the water goes down. Problem solved?
Not really. We see it every week across Steinbach and Winnipeg: that $10 bottle can set you up for a $1,000+ repair.
How they actually work
Most drain cleaners rely on lye or strong acids that react and generate intense heat to dissolve hair, grease and soap scum.
The illusion of a cleared drain
Chemicals take the path of least resistance. They usually burn a small tunnel through the middle of the clog, so the standing water drains, but most of the sludge stays stuck to the pipe walls. Within a week or two new debris catches on it and you're clogged again.
Safer things to try first
- Boiling water. For light soap or grease clogs in the kitchen, a kettle of boiling water can melt the blockage.
- Baking soda and vinegar. Half a cup of each, plug the drain, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- A cup plunger. Still one of the safest tools for sinks and toilets. Make sure water covers the cup for a good seal.
The professional fix
We use professional main line augers to break apart and pull out the entire clog. For heavy grease or tree roots, hydro jetting scours the pipe walls clean with high-pressure water and no chemicals at all.
Stop pouring money down the drain
Recurring clog? Our Red Seal Certified plumbers will clear it safely and properly.