Simply put, Liquid-Plumr and Drano are not designed for frequent use. Because of the chemicals found in these types of products, you could cause irreparable damage to your pipes.
If you have an especially slow drain, you can safely let the product sit overnight.
All Liquid-Plumr® products have been lab-tested and shown to be safe for use in all types of residential plumbing. On the other hand, we do not recommend clog removers for rubber pipes because the products may harm the rubber. In addition, Liquid-Plumr® is not designed for removing waste from clogged toilets.
In addition to the pipes, leaving Drano in the drain for too long can damage the plumbing fixtures. This includes the sink, shower, bathtub, and other plumbing fixtures connected to the drain. These fixtures can become corroded and discolored and can start to show signs of wear and tear.
Occasional is a relative term, but generally, occasional means one to three times a year in the case of liquid plumbers. More frequent use indicates that the problems with your drains are likely more than simple clogs.
It is Extremely Corrosive For Your Drains
When your pipes are clogged, Drano will sit on top of the clog, continually reacting and generating heat until the clog dissolves. This can put a great deal of stress on your drains as the heat can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break or collapse.
Usage Directions: Slowly pour 16 ounces of Liquid-Plumr Full Clog Destroyer down the drain. For slow drains, wait 15 minutes. Flush with hot water. Repeat regularly to prevent build up.
As an alternative to liquid plumber, combining baking soda and vinegar can be very effective. Pour baking soda down the drain first, then pour vinegar to cause the fizzing chemical reaction. This helps to loosen debris in the way as it expands. Let it sit overnight and flush with boiling water.
Yes, it is possible for drain cleaners to end up making a clog worse. This can happen for a few reasons. First, the chemicals in drain cleaners can corrode pipes and cause damage over time. This can lead to leaks or even bursting, which can make a clog worse by creating additional blockages.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts.
Fortunately, Liquid-Plumr® is safe for all pipe types except rubber, which is present in some fittings. So whether you've got to force a hair clog through a 50-year-old set of iron pipes or just get your drain draining faster, Liquid-Plumr® will always be the right choice for your house's plumbing.
Chemistry. The key active ingredients in Liquid-Plumr are sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, and sodium hypochlorite, or bleach.
Stubborn drains can't stand up to you when you've got Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ Urgent Clear™. Blast away the toughest clogs in 7 minutes.
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator gets rid of the toughest hair clogs guaranteed, or your money back. Our powerful gel destroys hair clogs the first time with 70% more actives. Hair Clog Eliminator effectively unclogs your bathtub, shower, bathroom sink and kitchen sink, and clears slow running drains.
So use your best judgment. Similar methods include: Baking Soda & Salt – Pour equal parts of each down your drain, let it sit 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with hot water. Vinegar, Salt, & Lemon – Mix equal parts of salt and vinegar in a bowl, add a half part of lemon juice, then pour the mixture down your drain.
Liquid drain cleaners can be toxic.
The fumes aren't healthy to breathe in and can irritate your nose, eyes and throat. These chemicals can stick around in the air long after the product has gone down the drain, continuing to cause more irritation and unpleasant smells.
Bottom line: Liquid Plumr and Drano should be used sparingly, if ever. That said, using a chemical drain cleaner once or twice probably won't result in significant damage, but you are taking a risk every time you use one.
Yes, the heat these chemicals produce will break down the remnants of a clog, but likely only push them farther down your system to form a more dense clog in a harder-to-reach section of your plumbing. This leads to repeat clog offenses, repeat pouring, and the eventual ruin of your plumbing system.
Melt the sludge.
Here's an easy way to dislodge built-up residue in the pipe using only common household pantry items. Pour one-half cup baking soda into the drain followed by one-half cup white vinegar; the fizzing and bubbling reaction helps to break up small clogs.
Even after using a bottle to remedy the problem, you might still need to call a plumber. The best time to use a liquid drain cleaner is before the clog gets too bad, meaning when you first notice the drain working more slowly.
You should have your plumbing pipes cleaned every 18 to 22 months or so. If you are already on this kind of cleaning schedule and you're experiencing problems with your plumbing, then you may need to call a plumber and schedule a pipe inspection.
The hydrochloric acid and other acidic ingredients in the cleaner can “eat away” at your pipes as it sits in your drain. In fact, older pipes are more susceptible to this kind of erosion. Even if you think your safe with copper pipes, think again! Liquid drain cleaner can damage any pipe material overtime.