Why is my drain still clogged after Drano?

Author: Millie Lockman  |  Last update: Saturday, August 19, 2023

Hire a Local Plumber for Help
If the first 3 solutions didn't work, this means your clog is either in your P trap or goes deeper into your plumbing system. In these cases, you don't want to get dirty or risk further damage to your pipes. Reach out to a local plumber to come to examine your clog.

How do you unclog a drain if Drano doesn't work?

Use ½-1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, plus a bit of water if you want to dilute things a little bit more. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Sometimes, this mixture can break up clogs that even Drano can't touch!

Is it bad to let Drano sit too long?

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.

Will Drano make a clog worse?

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.

How long does it take to flush a drain after Drano?

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.

Risks of Using Drano to Unclog a Drain

What happens if Drano doesn't work?

Plunge it Out

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. If you're using a plunger, choose one that is suited for the type of clog you're dealing with.

How many times does it take for Drano to work?

Drano® Liquid Drain Cleaner starts working to unclog your drain on contact. After 15 to 30 minutes, clogs are substantially minimized or dissolved. A final blast of hot water flushes away what's left of the clog.

Why do plumbers not recommend Drano?

Drano is not only ineffective, but it's also extremely damaging to your plumbing system. The heat created by the chemical reaction is more than your drains are designed to take. Corroded, aging plumbing can easily breakdown. Pipes can split and the glue holding them together can disintegrate.

Can I use a plunger after Drano?

If Drano does not clear the toilet, this heat can crack the porcelain, soften PVC pipes and dissolve old, corroded pipes. It can hurt you—If you try using a plunger after the Drano does not work, some of it may splash on you, burning your skin.

Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

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.

Can I use Drano multiple times?

Single Use, Not Frequent Use

Because of the chemicals found in these types of products, you could cause irreparable damage to your pipes. In most cases, a single use of Liquid-Plumr or Drano will not cause any issues with your pipes, though you should avoid using them in your toilet.

Can you use Drano when there is still water?

If standing water remains, use Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover.

How many times can you use Drano in a row?

Using Drano once or twice is nothing to be too concerned about, and it likely won't cause damage to your pipes. However, if you find that a clog is showing up repeatedly, this can be a sign of deeper plumbing issues that should be addressed by a professional.

Why isn't my drain unclogging?

Clean the P-trap. If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.

What is better than 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.

How long does it take for Drano to dissolve?

Drano® Liquid Drain Cleaner starts working to unclog your drain on contact. After 15 to 30 minutes, clogs are substantially minimized or dissolved. A final blast of hot water flushes away what's left of the clog.

Can you pour vinegar after Drano?

No! Draino is mostly just lye, a very strong base, while vinegar is dilute acetic acid.

What do plumbers think of Drano?

Most plumbers will advise you not to use Drano to unclog your drains. This is because the chemical compounds are hard on your pipes, causing corrosion and other long-term damages. Drano is designed to continually react and generate heat within your drain until the clog dissolves.

Does Drano work on deep clogs?

Clogs can also be caused by buildup in the third, lateral section of the pipe. Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover is effective on these clog types as well. Keep some on hand for its reliable clog-busting power!

Can Drano harden in pipes?

Not only will it not fix your clog, but it will actually make it worse. Over time, drano can harden and become like cement. This will eventually require much more expensive repairs. It is recommended to use a camera and a snake to attack the cause of the clog.

What is the best chemical to unblock drains?

The most common chemicals used to unblock sinks are Drano, hydrochloric acid, or caustic soda. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at removing even the toughest clogs. They come in different forms, such as powder, liquid, or gel, so be sure to buy one that best suits your situation.

What is the most effective drain opener?

Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog.

Can you leave drain unblocker overnight?

If you have a slow flow drain, wait 15 minutes before flushing with water. If you have an especially difficult clog, you can safely let the product sit overnight.

Why does Draino never work?

Most shower drain clogs are caused by hair, either from normal hair loss or shaving in the shower. The clog holds water, which dilutes the Drano and lessens its potency. Never mind that hair is hard to dissolve.

Why does Drano say not to use a plunger?

So Drano is now sitting in your toilet, not only harming it, but has the possibility of harming you if you try to use another method to unclog the drain. For example, if you use flange plunger or toilet auger to unclog the toilet after using Drano, it could accidentally splash on you and burn your skin.

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