Most people’s pipes are PVC plastic these days. This si a good thing. They’re smoother on the inside and are less prone to clogs, they also don’t rust and are therefore easier to look after. You can get 60+ years of good service out of most PVC pipes if you look after them so it’s worth doing.

But they do have one drawback. When they do clog you have to be a bit careful about the sort of cleaning product you choose to solve the problem.

Pretty much all drain cleaning products involve some form of chemical reaction, and if science class at school taught us anything it’s that chemical reactions cause heat generation.

This is where the main problem lies. Plastic is very vulnerable to increases in heat. It can result in your pipes warping and even melting through from the inside. Especially if you do as some people have in the past and throw the entire contents of the bottle down the sink by mistake. So what drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes>

Caustic Cleaners vs Acidic

Though these products attack the problem in nearly opposite ways, they both have the same result. Increased heat leads to pipe damage and expensive leaks.

If your pipes are PVC it’s not a good idea to use strong caustic or acid-based cleaners, especially not on a regular basis. The problem might not be visible from the outside until it’s too late and you’re looking at an expensive repair.

So what’s the best choice?

Enzyme-based cleaners can be a good choice for plastic piping as they don’t create a thermal reaction. The active ingredients on the inside eat away at the blockage material and, without causing heat, break down organic matter and get your water flowing again. This is ideal for natural blockages but won’t work very well if the blockage is a solid item or mainly consists of artificial material such as fake hair, cleaning wipes or food packaging.

The only issue is that some of these cleaners have a short shelf life as the active ingredients lose their potency over time. So bear that in mind if you’re buying a larger amount or if you’re ordering online.

As most cleaners are designed for “maintenance cleaning”, that is everyday pipe management rather than fixing a blockage, they often don’t have the strength to solve really serious issues. That’s where you need to combine a cleaning product with a physical force that can push through the waste and get your water flowing again.

At the drain cleaning service, we can put you in touch with a local, professional plumber who can help you get things working in no time. Our team are available 24/7 and we can have a trained specialist out to you in no time. Get in touch today to see how we can help you manage your drains today.