Clogged drains are a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when products like Drano fail to fix the problem.
If you’ve tried Drano but it’s not clearing the clog, don’t panic.
You are watching: Drano Not Working? 4 Ways to Unclog a Drain When Drano Fails
Although a stubborn clog can signal the need for a plumber, there are often far easier (and cheaper) solutions to try first.
In this guide, I explain what to do when Drano is not working. These tips apply when any liquid drain cleaner fails, not just Drano.
Read on to learn:
So, put down your phone and set your wallet aside for a moment – you might be surprised at how easy it is to fix this problem on your own…without spending hundreds of dollars.
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Before we get into why Drano can fail, it’s worth reviewing what makes it effective most of the time.
The main ingredients in Drano include:
These ingredients work in tandem to cling to, break down, and remove clogs by producing chemical heat. The heat loosens the clogged material from the pipe walls.
Once loosened, you can flush the clog with hot water. That step also prevents the clog from recurring.
So, the question remains – why does Drano sometimes fail to remove a drain clog?
Drano is ideal for removing clogs made of organic and soluble matter such as hair, grease, or soap scum. Unfortunately, non-organic or more stubborn clogs may persist after using Drano.
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These clogs can be made up of a solid object lodged in the pipe, or it can be due to a softer but dense material, such as clay or cosmetics. In these situations, the material will remain inert when exposed to Drano, so the clog will either stay in place or only partially break down.
It’s also possible that the clog is simply too severe and too significant for Drano to remove. In this instance, you will likely need to remove the clog via manual means or call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Finally, you may be using Drano wrong or ineffectively, making it less efficient. Examples include not using enough Drano to fix the clog, using the wrong Drano product, or rinsing your drain too soon after applying Drano.
Alright, so you’ve tried Drano (correctly), and it hasn’t fixed your clogged drain. What now?
Before we get to that, here’s what not to do after the clog persists. This information is essential, as it concerns your safety and the safety of your home’s water system.
Never use another chemical product on top of Drano. Drano is highly volatile and contains harsh chemicals — adding another agent can cause explosions, corrosion, toxic fumes, or worse.
For that reason, don’t try to reach into the drain and pull the clog out after using Drano. Avoid any techniques that could splash Drano in your direction. If your skin comes into contact with Drano, you’re likely to get a nasty burn.
Any attempts to access the pipes or add more chemicals to your drain after using Drano may result in injury or damage to your home. If the Drano isn’t working, you’ll need to use safe, mechanical means to remove the clog.
Now that you know what to avoid if Drano fails to work, let’s review the safe and effective solutions to a stubborn drain clog.
This is one of the simplest solutions, as it involves only one tool (which you probably already have), no specialized knowledge, and a minimal time commitment.
One thing to note about this method is that Drano could still be sitting in the drain when you plunge it. In that case, the chemicals could splash onto you and cause burns. In fact, Drano warns against using a plunger during or after using its products.
That said, be very cautious to avoid splashing. If the drain is partially clogged, rinse it several times, allowing the water to drain slowly before plunging. Wear protective gear to cover your skin, eyes, and mouth and proceed at your own risk.
A hair clog remover is a tool designed to remove hair-related clogs from a drain. It’s a budget-friendly tool that’s easy to use, safe, and doesn’t require any special knowledge. However, it only works on hair-based clogs, and it can be messier than using liquid drain cleaner.
Most hair clog removers are 18-24 inches long and barbed to grab the hair, ideal for sink and tub drains. You can find them at hardware stores or on Amazon.
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Drain snakes are similar to hair clog removers but are longer and more durable. They are composed of a long, flexible cable with a coil at the end. Drain snakes can be up to 25 feet long, making them ideal for removing deeper and more persistent clogs that other methods can’t reach.
The downside of this method is that quality drain snakes can be expensive, and the tool requires removing the drain cover before using it. Some drain snakes also require an electric drill to rewind after use.
The sink trap is the first curve in the pipe that leads out from the drain. This area is more prone to clogs than others due to its shape and proximity to the drain’s opening. If you’ve noticed signs that your sink trap is dirty (such as repeated clogs), cleaning it is the best way to fix the problem.
The drawback to this method is that it’s more complicated than the others and may require specialized knowledge and tools. It’s also messier than other solutions and will only be effective if the clog is located in the sink trap instead of some other part of the pipe. Otherwise, you’ll want to try some of the other solutions.
I reached out to S.C. Johnson (the makers of Drano) to get their take on the issue.
I asked their product specialist, “What should I do when Drano is not working? What steps should I take?”
In short, S.C. Johnson’s advice is to try Drano twice. If that doesn’t clear the clog, try Drano Duel-Force Foamer Clog Remover because the foaming action does a better job loosening clogs, or call a professional.
Here’s S.C. Johnson’s complete response:
Typically, Drano® is very effective at removing clogs caused by hair, grease, or soap scum. For tough clogs or those further down the drain, two applications may be needed. If you’ve tried two applications or believe a foreign object is causing your clog, I’d encourage you to contact a professional plumber.
In the meantime, we have other Drano® products that may help! One I would recommend is Drano® Duel-Force® Foamer Clog Remover. The two ingredients combine to form a powerful foaming clog remover. The foaming action fills the pipe and thoroughly clears its walls, dissolving gunk. A blast of hot water flushes away what’s left of the clog in those hard-to-reach places.
Dealing with a clogged drain is frustrating, especially when Drano has failed and you’re forced to look at more difficult and potentially expensive solutions. Plumbers often charge a premium for their services, so do-it-yourself options are often worth trying.
Once you’ve assessed the clog, ask yourself these questions:
If you’ve tried the solutions listed in this article but you’re still stuck with a clogged drain, it’s probably time to call in a professional.
Go to HomeAdvisor.com to compare prices and book a trustworthy local professional.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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