The Bottom Line
Clogged sinks and drains are frustrating and gross, and our pick for best drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover, will clear out the gunk quickly and easily. If you’re looking for a preventative solution, CLR Clear Pipes and Drains will keep pipes clear with a monthly dose down the drain.
What to Know About Drain Cleaners Before Shopping
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Drain cleaners come in many forms, including pourable cleansers to tools that are fed into drains. The two types of liquid cleansers you’ll see the most while shopping are chemical-based and enzymatic.
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Chemical-based drain cleaners work the fastest, but also have the potential to cause more damage. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using chemicals. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by chemical use. For metal pipes, excessive use can cause pipes to corrode and, in extreme cases, cause holes to develop.
Enzymatic cleaners will clear clogs more slowly and are usually less harmful to your plumbing. The bacterial enzymes in the cleaner slowly break down natural blockages, like hair and food, but might not be strong enough to dissolve a complete blockage.
For other blockages, a physical cleaner—a long flexible tool—may be needed to dislodge clogs.
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Given the damage that drain cleaners can clog, it’s important to integrate preventative clogging practices into your cleaning routine after removing a clog, so you don’t have to regularly rely on chemical drain cleaners.
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This varies depending on the type of cleaner and what it’s being used for. Some cleaners suggest pouring the entire bottle on a clog,Other bottles or tablets are meant for repeat use. When shopping, consider if you have a one time only clog or if you’re dealing with ongoing issues.
Time Needed to Use
When shopping for a drain cleaner, consider if you need something unclogged quickly or if it’s not a pressing issue. Many chemical cleaners work fairly quickly, while others may take eight hours or a few applications to unclog drains.
Your Questions, Answered
Is drain cleaner safe for pipes?
For this, Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, strongly suggests taking a proactive approach, telling us to stay ahead of clogs and use cleaners as directed.
“Drain cleaner products vary but can be corrosive and have the potential to cause damage to your plumbing system (even metal pipes) if not used properly,” Busch says. “Your best bet is to never use drain cleaners but instead maintain your pipes to prevent clogs in the first place.”
If a drain cleaner is necessary, make sure to start integrating preventative clog maintenance into your routine after clearing the blocked drain.
Can you use a drain cleaner for a dishwasher?
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Using a drain cleaner in the dishwasher is not ideal, according to Busch; however, he offers a great tip.
“The dishwasher’s drain hose and/or other components could be harmed by drain cleaners, which could result in leaks and other mechanical issues,” he says. “Sometimes simply running the garbage disposal might fix dishwasher draining problems. However, the problem is usually bigger than that and should be handled with care. It is recommended to call a professional to drain your clogged dishwasher.”
How often should you use a drain cleaner?
Busch again emphasizes the key to clearing out a clog with a drain cleaner is to follow the directions exactly if you don’t want to damage your pipes.
“Since drain cleaners have the potential to cause damage, you want to be sure you follow manufacturers recommended instructions and never overuse a drain cleaner product,” he explains. “If after following the manufacturer’s recommendations your drain is still clogged, it is best to contact a professional to assess your situation.”
Who We Are
Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at Better Homes & Gardens and other publications. As the new owner of a 100-plus-year-old home, she’s become very familiar with plumbing and drain issues and loves a simple solution.
For this story, Tanya spoke with Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, for guidance about how to best keep drains clean.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
