You might be wondering what to do if your drain is clogged.
Should I use Drano? How does Drano work? Is it going to cause damage to my pipes?
You are watching: Does Drano Work? How Does It Work & Should I use Drano?
This review of Drano clog removal products answers all your questions. You’ll learn:
- The type of clogs Drano is able to handle
- How Drano works
- How to make the most of Drano
- Clogs not to use Drano
- When to call a plumber
- Plus, much more
What is Drano?
Drano is a household cleaner that contains several harsh chemicals. These chemicals include lye and aluminum as well as salt, bleach, sodium nitrate, and salt. It comes in both liquid and crystal forms. It may be a quick and affordable solution, but it could also cause plumbing problems.
The chemical reactions are created when the different ingredients interact. This is done to unclog your pipes. The lye starts to work. This is an element that can rapidly dissolve organic material like hair, grease, and skin cells. The lye, when combined with the aluminum heats up to nearly boiling temperatures to accelerate the process. Tap water aids in the reaction by adding heat.
The now softened grease reacts with lye to form a sudsy substance. This soapy solution is then dissolved in hot water and undergoes another chemical reaction with the aluminum. This results in hydrogen bubbles. These bubbles will help to loosen the blockage and allow hot water to carry particles down the drain. The entire process can be very draining.
Types of Drano Products
Before we go into details about how Drano works, it is important to fully understand the brand’s product range. Drano offers nine products that can handle multiple types or prevent future problems.
Drano Max Gel Clog Removal: For hard clogs
Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover: For greasy kitchen sink clogs
Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover: For garbage disposal clogs
Drano Liquid Drain Cleaning: A budget-friendly option for clogs
Drano Snake Plus Tool and Gel System: Clogs that require manual loosening
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Drano Max Build-Up Remover: For preventing buildup in pipes before clog forms
Drano Advanced Septic Treatment: To treat septic tanks using enzymes
Drano Hair Buster Gel: For hard hair clogs
Drano Kitchen Gel: For standing water kitchen sink clogs
Does Drano Really Remove Clogs?
If your sink is slow to empty and you suspect that a clog is present, you can flush a Drano liquid cleaner down your drain. But is this the right solution? It depends on the age of your pipes. Drano products are made with harsh chemicals that can eat through and dissolve clogs. Although Drano is often effective, it’s worth considering other options before using it to clear clogs.
How Does Drano Work?
There are three types: acidic, caustic, and enzymatic drain cleaners. To clear a blockage, acidic or caustic drain cleaners use harsh elements such as sodium hydroxide and acid. Enzymatic is considered a green choice because it uses bacteria to produce enzymes that “eat” the blockage.
Drano isn’t acidic. Because it contains chemicals such as lye or sodium hydroxide. Acidic products that contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid are not common, but they are more prevalent.
Drano delivers its unique blend of sodium hypochlorite, sodium metasilicate, and sodium hydroxide (bleach) directly to the clog. These ingredients produce heat which helps to break down the clog until it no longer holds onto the pipe’s walls.
Drano Dual Force Foamer contains hydrogen peroxide. This is a foaming agent, unlike other Drano products. This product fills the pipe with foam, clears the walls, and eliminates the clog.
After clearing the clog, it is important to flush the pipes with hot water. This will push the clogging elements out further and prevent new clogs form further down the pipe.
The Pros and Cons Of Drano
Drano or similar liquid drain cleaners might be a good choice. They are fast and can often break down clogs. They can open drains that have become clogged by hair because they are strong enough. If Drano is used correctly and only occasionally, most pipes will not be damaged (unless they are older than 20 years).
Caustic liquid drain cleaners like Drano products have their downsides. If they are ingested, they can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Older pipes are more susceptible to damage and should be avoided by drain cleaners. Drano is not recommended for use in older pipes.
Should I Avoid Using Drano?
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Drano is not effective on every type of clog and can also be very damaging to your plumbing system. The heat generated by chemical reactions is much more than your drains can handle. Older plumbing can easily be damaged and corroded. The glue that holds them together can break down and split pipes. Even your toilet bowl could crack. If you only use one drain cleaner, it can remain in your pipes for a long time. This could lead to other chemical cleaners reacting with the drain cleaner and creating dangerous fumes. It can pose a serious threat to the safety and health of anyone who works with the chemicals.
Drano can be caustic. This means that Drano can cause damage to organic tissue through chemical action. Contact with skin can cause irritation or burns. It can cause irritation and injury if you have already poured the liquid down the drain. You can also inhale fumes, which can cause lung problems.
Many plumbers will not accept appointments if you have recently used drain cleaners due to their danger. Even if everything goes smoothly and the cleaner is flushed away without any problems, it can still cause damage outside your home. Drano and other chemicals can get into our sewers and reach rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can lead to significant damage to our food supply and the ecosystems around it.
Drano can pose a danger to pets and children with small children. Drain cleaner can cause skin irritations, as you probably know. Children and pets are among the most curious and vulnerable members of our family. If they happen to accidentally get into your cleaning supplies, it can prove fatal. They can get chemical burns at best, and it can even endanger their lives.
In What Situations Does Drano Not Work?
Drano is a great DIY option for occasional clogs. However, there will be times when Drano doesn’t work. In these cases, you should call a professional.
Here are just a few situations where you might want to call a plumber or try another method.
Repeated clogs: If the clogs keep coming back in the same place, it is time to call a professional.
Persistent clogs: If you have not seen progress after applying Drano twice in one day, it is time to call a plumber. Before calling a professional, you can try a drain snake if the pipe is flexible enough to be accessed by a snake.
Clogs caused by uncommon elements: Drano products might not be able to help if the clog isn’t caused by hair, grease or soap scum. You may also need to seek additional help if the clog is due to dumping clay-based products down your drain.
What if Your Drain is Blocked? Here’s what to do!
You should not reach for the Drano if you see a blocked drain. You have other options that are more efficient and are better than Drano.
Using a Plunger
This is an effective way to clear a blocked drain. Sometimes, all that is needed to unclog a drain is good old-fashioned plunging. There are many types of plungers that can be used for various drains. Give this handy tool a try before you do anything else.
Using a Drain Snake
A drain snake is another tool you should have in your arsenal. This snake is a long, slim tool that can be used to clear stubborn clogs that your plunger cannot reach. To uncoil the snake, simply insert it through the drain opening and turn the handle. Continue to crank until the clog is gone. Rotate the snake till the clog is gone. Then, reel it in. The clog will likely be pulled out.
When to Call a Plumber or Drain Cleaning Company
When plumbing issues arise, it is always best to call professionals. This is the best way for you to ensure that your plumbing problems are resolved to the maximum extent. Sometimes, a blocked drain could indicate deeper issues that may pose a greater risk to your plumbing system. Smiley Drain Cleaning is your trusted provider for any clogged drain problems in New Jersey. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you!
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Categories: Kitchens