Tools or Chemicals: What Works Best for Plumbing Problems?

Clogged up drains and leaks in the plumbing is a prevalent issue faced by the best of us. There are different ways that individuals take to tackle these situations.

Some individuals rely on chemical solutions while others pick up tools to get rid of the blockages and clogged up pipes. Meanwhile, many call-ups their most reliable plumbing company and take their help to get the job done.

But which is the better choice of the two and how do you decide which one to go for?

There are two basic ways to fix the problem at hand. One is by using tools, and the other is by going for solutions that you can pour down the drains.

“A plumber is an adventurer who traces leaky pipes to their source.”

– Arthur Baer

Tools Pros and Cons

A tool requires you to manually unclog the plumbing by either putting the tool inside the pipes and pulling out the waste materials clogging or plunging the waste further down the drain until it clears out.

“Anybody who has any doubt about the ingenuity or the resourcefulness of a plumber never got a bill from one.”

– George Meany

The Pros of Using Plumbing Tools

• Tools are a one-time investment that you buy once and can use as many times as you want or have to.
• There are issue-specific tools that you can buy depending upon the size and shape of the pipes.
• The tools are durable and mostly safe to use when handled properly.
• The process's overall cost is very efficient and becomes lower with every use as the price comes down with every time you end up using any of the tools you have.

The Cons of Using Plumbing Tools

• Over time, the tools might get damaged while using them, meaning that you might have to buy tools repeatedly.
• You have to buy different tools for different issues that you face as there is no one fits all solution that you can buy in the market.
• The tools pose a physical danger to using them. Some are sharp-ended and can end up poking or fracturing the skin.
• You have to be present all the time while the process is being done.

Chemicals Pros and Cons

The Pros of Using Chemicals for Plumbing

• It can typically be used to clean out any type of drain, no matter the dimensions.
• You don’t have to be present as the chemical does the job itself.
• Easy to use as all you have to do is pour it, followed by water.
• Usually cleans through and leaves the pipes well-lubricated and prevents clogging for a longer duration.

The Cons of Using Chemicals for Plumbing

• Not everyone can handle these chemicals. Some need additional safety measures or require safety equipment.
• You need to have proper ventilation to ensure no residues of the chemical compound remain.
• You need to buy one every time that you have to use it.

What is the most frequent plumbing problem you have experienced?