What is the best drain cleaner for copper pipes?

Author: Prof. Aliza Kovacek  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Professor Amos' Superfast Drain Cleaner It can be used on all types of pipes, including copper and PVC, and has no harsh fumes, according to the brand. This cleaner has a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,330 reviews on Amazon. To use, pour eight ounces down your drain.

What drain cleaner is safe for copper pipes?

Lab tests have concluded that Liquid Plumbr® is safe on all household pipes, including PVC. It is also safe on marble, fiberglass, chrome, and porcelain sinks. Oxidizing drain cleaners contain basic household substances such as bleach, peroxides, and nitrates.

Is Drano safe on copper pipes?

Draino and other alkali-based solvent cleaners can certainly damage copper/brass/chrome tubing: especially cheap thin-wall versions.

What is the best thing to clean copper pipes with?

A mixture of equal parts vinegar and salt or a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda can be effective for cleaning copper. Apply the mixture, gently rub the surface, and then rinse and dry thoroughly. Alternatively, commercial copper cleaners are available and can simplify the cleaning process.

How to unclog copper drain pipes?

In order to fix copper pipe blockages, you now need to scrape it out of the pipe. Use a plastic drain cleaning tool and take out the obstruction. You may need to do this several times, until the pipe is clear. Put the new fitting onto the pipe, and then re-seal it using the blow torch, and some solder.

Which Drain Opener is the Best? Let's Find Out!

Will vinegar damage copper pipes?

The answer is that vinegar will not harm your pipes if used in small doses as recommended in many of the recipes that you find online. No matter what your pipes are made of, pex, pvc, copper, etc. Vinegar will not harm your water pipes.

Can you use CLR on copper pipes?

Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover can not only remove the finish off of brass, aluminum and copper, but can also pit certain grades of brass, copper and aluminum.

What should you not clean copper with?

Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on copper items. You can use silver polish to revive dull copper.

Will bleach damage copper pipe?

Even though copper is extremely durable and resistive, it does react to bleach. There are four grades of copper pipe, based on thickness. Your plumber is right about making sure you dilute the bleach, but there may be an assumption that you have a thicker, or the thickest, grade of tubing.

How do professionals clean copper?

A quality polish is recommended to maintain its warm glow. Cleaning the inside of unlined copper is essential. To remove any verdigris on an unlined pan, use a vinegar-salt solution or rub it with lemon sprinkled with salt.

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.

Is boiling water bad for pipes?

Chemical cleaners can eat away at your pipes, and boiling water can melt important components. Over time, this damage can lead to leaks and expensive plumbing repairs.

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.

Is liquid-Plumr safe for copper pipes?

Liquid-Plumr is a chemical drain opener made of 0.5–2% sodium hydroxide and 5–10% sodium hypochlorite, and a surfactant, produced by Clorox. The product is safe for septic systems, PVC, plastic, and copper pipes, although is not recommended for and can damage rubber piping.

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.

What do plumbers use instead of copper?

PEX Pipe. PEX, a cross-linked polyethylene pipe, is considered by some to be the greatest innovation for DIY plumbers. PEX pipes often replace copper for hot and cold water in residential retrofits. They are easy to cut, install and connect and less costly than copper.

What is the best cleaner for copper pipes?

A metal polish that's suitable for copper, used according to the instructions, will usually get the best results. If you don't have metal polish to hand and you want a home solution, try dissolving a tablespoon of salt in a cup of white vinegar. Use a soft cloth to rub the salt-and-vinegar mixture onto the pipe.

What not to use on copper?

Vinegar is acidic. This means it damages copper. Make sure you're never using it when cleaning not only the tub itself, but any nearby surfaces.

Is drain cleaner bad for copper pipes?

As we previously mentioned, unfortunately, the answer is often yes; drain cleaner can damage pipes. These products can be highly acidic and capable of eating through copper, iron, and steel, causing significant damage to your pipes.

What is the safest cleaner for copper?

Lemon juice is a good cleaning choice for the copper that is a part of your kitchen updates. It dissolves copper oxide, which reacts with copper to cause tarnishing. Use it on sinks or more difficult spots or stains. Combine equal parts salt and non-iodized cornstarch with enough lemon juice to make a paste.

Does Dawn clean copper?

Caring for Copper. The best way to care for your product is to wash with soap, water and a soft cloth or sponge. We recommended the following soaps: Dawn Ultra (Original Blue Color), Ultra Ivory Dish Liquid (Classic Scent White Color) and Palmolive Original (Green Color).

Does coke clean copper?

If you have a bottle of coke in your house this can be a handy method to clean copper. For items like jewelry that are small and can be soaked, consider using this method. Coke is also a great option when wanting to know how to clean copper pans and pots that you can soak in the sink.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for copper pipes?

While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.

How to remove hard water buildup from drain pipes?

Steps:
  1. Boil a pot of water.
  2. Pour a ½ cup of vinegar and a ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
  3. Put cleaning rag over the top of the drain to cover it.
  4. Wait 5 minutes or so while the mixture eats away at the buildup.
  5. Remove rag and pour boiling water into the drain.

What dissolves rust in drain pipes?

Apply a Vinegar Solution

A vinegar solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove rust from plumbing appliances. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container. Soak the affected plumbing appliance in the solution for a few hours or overnight, depending on the level of rust.

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