Will Drano fix clogged pipes?

Author: Dr. Felix Rath II  |  Last update: Monday, February 17, 2025

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.

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.

Will Drano clear a main line?

Will Drano® unclog a sewer line? No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line. Bottle unclogging solutions are designed for minor clogs and are not strong enough to break up more extensive sewer line blockages.

Does Drano work on completely clogged drains?

By manually loosening the clog in the pipe with the tool first, the concentrated gel can then power through and completely unclog the drain (even the most stubborn ones).

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).

It cleans the drain better than a machine. The stench disappears

What is the best thing to unclog drains with?

Baking soda and vinegar can serve as a natural solution to unclog and clean a stinky drain.

Will hydrogen peroxide clear a clogged drain?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe to use in drains. It's gentler than many commercial drain cleaners and does not cause pipe corrosion, making it a reliable choice for routine drain maintenance.

Is it bad to leave Drano in drain 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.

How do you permanently unclog a drain?

All you have to do is pour 1 cup or baking soda down your drain and then follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. After your mixture is in the drain, seal the top of the drain and wait for about an hour so your concoction can start breaking down any clogs. After about an hour, rinse your drain a few times with boiling water.

Can you pour a whole bottle of Drano down the drain?

For extremely slow-running drains or complete clogs, pour in entire contents of 32 oz. bottle.

How do you unclog a main line drain without calling a plumber?

First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run hot water down the drain.

How much does it cost to have a roto rooter snake a drain?

Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600. Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.

Can too much Drano damage pipes?

The answer is yes, but with some caution. 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.

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.

What should you 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.

Can liquid drain cleaner make a clog worse?

They can also damage plumbing fixtures and even cause environmental damage if left too long without rinsing away. Can liquid drain cleaner make a clog worse? A liquid drain cleaner can sometimes make a clog worse over time if you use it improperly or too much.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

What will dissolve hair in a 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.

How long should I run water after Drano?

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.

What to do if Drano doesn't work?

What to Do if Drano Isn't Working
  1. Look in Your Kitchen Pantry. Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could. ...
  2. Try a Plunger. Most people assume that plungers only work on toilets, but they can actually unclog drains all over your house. ...
  3. Consider a Plumbing Snake. ...
  4. Call a Plumber.

Is green gobbler safe on pipes?

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.

Is baking soda and vinegar better than Drano?

It's definitely not strong enough to tackle serious food particles and microbial growth in a kitchen drain, though. While you can have better luck with a combination of baking soda and vinegar, it's best to use Dran-O, available at Target, or another chemical drain cleaner if your drain is clogged.

Can I 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 fastest way to clear a clogged 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.

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