Is it safe to pour Drano down the tub?

Author: Roscoe Walsh  |  Last update: Sunday, September 14, 2025

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.

What can I pour down my bathtub drain to unclog it?

These ingredients, when used together, can also sometimes help to clear clogs. 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.

Why do plumbers say to not use Drano?

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.

What happens if you leave Drano in the tub too long?

Old post- I know. But... 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.

Is Drano bad for pipes in shower?

While drain cleaners can come in handy sometimes, if you reach for them frequently, this can be a sign of bigger plumbing issues at play. Showers or drains in need of constant chemical drain cleaners signify an underlying problem. Overuse of products like Drano can cause cracks and corrosion of pipes over time.

Risks of Using Drano to Unclog a Drain

Can Drano be used in bathtubs?

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.

What is best for unclogging a shower drain?

First, if you have metal pipes, pour boiling water down the drain. Then remove hair from the drain. If that doesn't work, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. If the clog persists, use a plunger, plumber's snake or chemical drain opener.

What happens if you don't rinse after Drano?

Drano can be a great tool to help unclog your drain and remove buildup when appropriately used. However, if you leave Drano in the drain for too long, it can cause serious damage to your pipes and plumbing fixtures and cause chemical burns and environmental damage.

What to use instead of Drano?

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.

Is it okay to let Drano sit overnight?

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.

What is the safest drain cleaner?

If the blockage remains, these efforts can still make the cleaner's job easier.
  • Option #1: Baking Soda and Cider Vinegar. ...
  • Option #2: Baking Soda and Lemon Juice. ...
  • Option #3: Alka-Seltzer® ...
  • Option #4: Boiling Water. ...
  • Option #5: Salt, Borax, and Vinegar. ...
  • Option #6: Enzymatic Drain Cleaners.

Will Drano work if there is standing water?

Drano® cuts through standing water and removes clogs, which can be a source of odours and can harbour germs and bacteria.

Do baking soda and vinegar clean drains?

Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean a drain, as it helps to break down grease, mineral deposits, and bacteria that may be causing clogs or unpleasant odors. This maintenance method is a natural and chemical-free alternative to commercial cleaning products.

What will dissolve hair in the drain?

Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Can you use Dawn to unclog a bathtub drain?

The answer is yes! Dawn dish soap is a great product for unclogging and cleaning your drains because it contains chemicals that break down grease and oil. It has a unique blend of ingredients that makes it an effective cleaning agent for greasy surfaces.

How do you pour Drano down a bathtub?

For use on clogged or slow-running drains, pour half of the bottle (32 oz. size) slowly over drain. For extremely slow-running drains or complete clogs, pour in entire contents of 32 oz. bottle.

Why do plumbers not like Drano?

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.

How do you unclog a bathtub drain without Drano?

Pour a pot of hot boiling water into the bathtub drain. Pour a cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda into the drain and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour another pot of boiling water down the drain and check if the clog is removed by running the water. Once the clog is cleared, replace the strainer and the stopper.

Does vinegar work better than Drano?

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).

What liquid do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

What to do if Drano won't go down the drain?

When Drano won't go down the drain, grab a plunger instead. Many people think that these are only good for toilets. However, they can create suction that can dislodge your clog. Make sure that you get a plunger that can seal all the way around your drain.

Can Drano damage pipes if left too long?

Drano can dissolve hair and other organic materials causing the blockage, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Using too much Drano or leaving it in the drain for too long can lead to damage on the pipes and potentially cause harm to the user.

What is the best clog remover for bathtubs?

During our lab testing, we found the Green Gobbler Main Line Opener performed best at clearing clogs. It's worth noting that the Green Gobbler Main Line Opener claims to be safe for toilets, sinks, tubs, showers and even septic tanks.

Will boiling water unclog a shower drain?

Use Boiling Water

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Boiling water helps break down grease and soap holding the clog together to clear the blockage. This method is easy and only requires one or two steps. Most important is to boil water on a stove using a kettle or saucepan.

Why wont my snake go down the bathtub drain?

So, why won't your drain snake go down the bathtub drain? The answer may be that you are either using the wrong kind of drain snake, or you are trying to force it through a P-trap, or you are forcing the snake cable through the pipe too quickly or the clog is just too darn big.

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