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.
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.
NOPE. 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.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Also known as drain snakes, there are several different versions of drain augers that most plumbers will carry with them at all times. In essence, it's a basic tool, but an auger is best for tough drain clogs that just won't budge and for cleaning out drains, too.
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes
When a drain snake is inserted into a pipe, the end may flop around, scratching the pipe. If the operator isn't completely confident in their ability to control the drain snake, they may apply too much force on the device.
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.
Common causes when a toilet keeps clogging include: You have an older model low flow toilet. Items that shouldn't be flushed have been flushed. Too much toilet paper use.
Damage to Plumbing Fixtures
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.
You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.
Baking soda and white vinegar are sustainable substitutions for Drano. Most people have these items in their pantry at any given time. Pour a half cup of baking soda into your drain with a half cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about thirty minutes, then pour in boiling water.
Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could. Start by getting rid of the standing water in your drain. If it will go down slowly, just wait until it's gone. If it isn't moving, use a cup or a spoon to get it out of there.
Baking soda and vinegar can serve as a natural solution to unclog and clean a stinky drain.
In addition to baking soda and vinegar, you can also add water pressure to this mix. To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.
Auger: An auger is one of a professional plumber's best tools. Also known as a plumbing snake. This flexible tool can wind its way through any drain to reach the blockage. It is used in both bathrooms and kitchens.
Our top pick, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, is easy to find and use on common clogs, like hair, food, and grease. We also like the Rockwell Labs InVade Bio Drain Gel.
Drain cleaning is a professional plumbing service that helps to clear any build-up that has collected into the drains around your home. This can include soap scum, hair, fats, oils, grease, and other built-up junk.
The highly effective Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver Formula not only clears clogged drains but it also dissolves hair, toilet paper, flushable personal care wipes, soap scum and other organic matter that may cause clogs. It's safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers and septic systems.
Homemade drain cleaner can break up even the toughest clogs in your sink. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.
A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.
Is Bleach Safe to Use with PVC Piping? PVC pipe has a unique chemical makeup that makes it durable and resistant to things like corrosion. While certain cleaners may not be compatible with PVC piping, bleach is usually safe to use in most applications, as long as it's used properly.