Will Drano damage PVC pipes?

Author: Magali Nicolas Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 2, 2024

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.

Is Drano safe with PVC pipes?

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.

Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?

It is Extremely Corrosive For Your Drains

When your pipes are clogged, Drano will sit on top of the clog, continually reacting and generating heat until the clog dissolves. This can put a great deal of stress on your drains as the heat can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break or collapse.

Will liquid plumber damage PVC pipes?

Fortunately, Liquid-Plumr® is safe for all pipe types except rubber, which is present in some fittings. So whether you've got to force a hair clog through a 50-year-old set of iron pipes or just get your drain draining faster, Liquid-Plumr® will always be the right choice for your house's plumbing.

Can you put drain cleaner down PVC pipes?

Drain cleaners, such as Drano, can reach near-boiling temperatures after the aluminum reacts with lye. Temperatures over 140 degrees can weaken a PVC pipe, leading to unexpected, expensive repairs.

Is Drano Bad For Pipes? Here's What We Found Out

What drain cleaner won't hurt PVC pipes?

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

In just 15 minutes, our pick for the best drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel, will clear up clogs in sinks, tubs, PVC, septic tanks, and garbage disposals. It's safe for piping and septic systems, with a thick gel that sinks into standing water to the source of the clog.

What can unclog drains without damaging PVC pipes?

Here's how to make three different natural drain cleaners at home to unclog and freshen pipes.
  • For most clogs: baking soda and boiling water. ...
  • For stubborn clogs: baking soda, salt, and vinegar. ...
  • For freshening drains: baking soda and lemon juice. ...
  • When to use a drain snake or auger.

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.

What can damage PVC pipes?

One of the most harmful things for PVC pipes is sun exposure. PVC that is run above ground and exposed to sunlight can break down faster than it normally would. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can actually break down the structure of PVC material and make it brittle and breakable.

What drain cleaner do plumbers recommend?

Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts.

Why is my bathroom sink worse after Drano?

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.

Will using Drano once ruin pipes?

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.

Does Coca Cola clear clogged drains?

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.

What should I 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 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.

What is the lifespan of PVC water pipes?

Because PVC is immune to corrosion, a minimum service life of at least 100 years can be expected. This figure is supported by a number of independent studies, as well as the experience of many long-term users of PVC piping systems.

What eats through PVC pipe?

Oxidizers, acids, and caustics are examples of drain cleaners that can cause PVC pipes to melt or become soft. Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are the active ingredients of acid cleaners.

What deteriorates PVC pipe?

PVC pipes should not be exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays can cause deterioration of the plastic, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Since most PVC pipes are buried or located inside walls, ceilings and floors, this is rarely a problem.

Is Green Gobbler safe for PVC?

This is a big deal when you live in a home with a septic system. We were always hesitant to use certain products in the past and Green Gobbler's products truly give us peace of mind. The Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolverdoes not contain bleach or sodium hydroxide, and it's safe for PVC and copper pipes.

Does Drano Max Gel damage pipes?

Will Drano® products hurt my pipes? 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.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for drains?

With time, baking soda and vinegar may work as a natural drain cleaner on weaker drain clogs, and the benefits of regular drain cleaning can help keep your drains free of clogs. But for tough drain clogs that need to be dissolved right away, you may want to use a stronger drain cleaner, like Liquid-Plumr.

Is Dawn dish soap good for clogged drains?

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.

Is it bad to pour boiling water down the drain?

If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road. While you may solve an immediate pain point, the water can cause the grease to move down the drain and stick to the side of the drain.

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