What the bottle doesn't tell you
Chemical drain cleaners work by generating heat and corrosive action to eat through a clog. That same action eats the pipe around it. On old galvanized or cast iron — exactly what's under a lot of Brooklyn basements — that's the last thing you want.
How it damages the pipe
The cleaner sits in the line because the clog is still holding it there. While it sits, it corrodes the pipe wall from the inside. Do that a few times and you've thinned the pipe enough that it starts pinhole-leaking — a far more expensive problem than the clog ever was.
- •Corrodes galvanized and cast iron from inside
- •Softens old rubber gaskets and trap washers
- •Doesn't clear the real cause — buildup returns in weeks
- •Leaves caustic liquid a plumber has to handle safely
What works instead
A proper mechanical snake or, for stubborn buildup, hydro jetting clears the actual cause and leaves the pipe intact. It costs a little more up front than a bottle off the shelf, and a lot less than repiping a rotted line. Call and I'll tell you which one your drain needs.
Have a plumbing issue right now?
Call and leave a voicemail — Bob calls back during business hours. For the fastest reply (usually within the hour), email him directly.