Get matched with top plumbers in Freeport, OH

No, you should avoid using liquid drain cleaners. These chemicals, often packed with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing erosion and potential leaks. They’re also dangerous to your health. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, manual removal or a professional plumber is your best bet. Chemical drain cleaners can often make things worse, especially if the clog stays put and the chemicals linger in your pipes.

The best way to unclog a bathtub drain is to pour a pot of boiled water down the drain, being careful not to splash yourself. However, take precautions, as boiling water can damage PVC pipes and joints. Follow up with ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a small sink plunger and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pour boiling water down the drain again and replace the drain stopper.

Replacing cast iron pipes when they’ve reached the end of their life span is key to preventing leaks and clogs. Over time, cast iron pipes corrode and experience pipe scale, which thickens the inside of the walls and increases the chance of clogs while also decreasing water flow. As the material deteriorates, you could experience costly leaks that increase reparation expenses. 

Cast iron can last between 50 and 75 years, but it’s still a good idea to check for leaks as your pipes approach the 25-year mark, as pipes can already show signs of deterioration within the first three decades.

It is possible for a slab leak to cause a sinkhole, but it would have to be a particularly serious leak. A slab leak causes the land under your home to erode and if there is enough movement depressions will form in the ground, potentially causing a sinkhole.