The answer is “no.” In short, Drano is bad for septic tanks in more ways than one. Septic systems work by breaking down organic matter with bacteria. Harsh chemical cleaners, like Drano, can kill these beneficial bacteria and harm your septic system's function.
Drano is a very caustic liquid, and extremely dangerous. Sometimes it may not unclog a drain, and it just sits in the drain. If someone were to open that drain without knowing Drano is in it, it could splash on that person and cause severe injury. Also, Drano, over time, will eat away cast iron drains pipes.
Even though Drano manufacturers claim that it is safe for pipes and septic systems, most plumbers and septic experts will advise against using it. Why? The chemical reaction can weaken your PVC pipes over time, creating costly problems.
Drano® will not damage pipes or plumbing. Drano® products are powerful enough to dissolve nasty clogs, but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes, so there's no need to worry. In fact, Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion.
When Drano is left in the drain for too long, it can cause corrosion of the pipes. The chemicals in the product are designed to break own the clog, but if left for too long, they can start to break down the pipes themselves.
No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line. Bottle unclogging solutions are designed for minor clogs and are not strong enough to break up more extensive sewer line blockages.
Some of the best Drano alternatives include using a plunger or pipe snake, soap or salt mixed with boiling water, or baking soda and white vinegar. Also, for maximum effectiveness, you can combine several of these methods together to get rid of the clog.
Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.
These products, such as those from brands like Green Gobbler and Bio-Clean, are formulated to unclog drains without disrupting the bacterial balance in your septic tank. For instance, Bio-Clean is a product that can be used monthly to replenish your septic system's bacteria.
Drain snakes also called drain rooters or augers, use a long cable with a spiral-shaped head.
Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.
It's also 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.
For this home remedy, all you need to do is pour a pot of boiling water down the bathtub drain. Then pour a mixture of one cup baking soda and one cup vinegar into the drain. Insert the drain plug, or close the filter, and wait 5–10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another pot of boiling water.
Sulfuric acid might sound like an extreme chemical to dissolve a drain blockage, but it can be a very effective chemical for unclogging drains and it can melt away the most stubborn solids, oils, and grease from drain pipes within 60 minutes or less.
One of the most effective options for clearing a partially clogged sink or shower drain is to use vinegar and baking soda. You will want to pour around a cup or two of each down the drain and then let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
Drano is a serious chemical that can't be left sitting for too long. It is made to corrode and break down clogs, but when left there for too long, it can actually corrode your pipes, this can lead to cracks and eventually water damage in your home.
Plumbers unanimously encourage homeowners not to use Drano due to its corrosive nature. The chemicals in Drano can erode not only the clogged material causing the blockage but will also quickly eat away at the metal plumbing pipes themselves, causing more harm than good.
Using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain is an effective and natural cleaning method, which some people prefer over harsher chemicals. It works great for weaker drain clogs. By using this mixture periodically, you may be able to avoid clogs altogether (and the need for a more powerful cleaner like Drano).
2. Sulfuric Acid Products. You can identify these products by their sulfuric smell. Sulfuric-acid-based drain cleaning chemicals work best for clearing organic clogs like grease and food waste.
Use Chemical Solutions
You can make your solution out of household supplies, using vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. It can loosen up any build-up that blocks the pipes—considering that this mixture is an eco-friendly method of clearing a sewage blockage.
A clogged sewer line is easily the most common reason for sewage coming out of your shower drain. All of the sinks, tubs, and toilets in your home are connected to a single drain pipe. This pipe leads to the main sewer line beneath your home, which carries all sewage and wastewater to your local sewer system.