Are Liquid Drain Cleaners Harmful to Pipes? | Clog Clearing (2024)

FAQs

Are Liquid Drain Cleaners Harmful to Pipes? | Clog Clearing? ›

They can be dangerous for you to use if you're not careful, including causing you health problems. In addition, they can damage your pipes, especially if used too often. The corrosive chemicals in liquid drain cleaners can wear away at your pipes, which can lead to pipe leaks and burst pipes.

They can be dangerous for you to use if you're not careful, including causing you health problems. In addition, they can damage your pipes, especially if used too often. The corrosive chemicals in liquid drain cleaners can wear away at your pipes, which can lead to pipe leaks and burst pipes.

MOST DRAIN CLEANERS ARE CORROSIVE

Whether you're trying to clear blockages in aging copper pipes or brand-new PVC pipes remains true. Nearly all chemical drain cleaners include sodium hydroxide. This active ingredient creates heat during a chemical reaction with the targeted materials.

The powerful chemicals in Drano can damage the porcelain bowl and even lead to cracks, leaks, or other costly repairs. Additionally, if the clog is caused by something that Drano cannot dissolve, it will only worsen the problem.

First, you should know that the most reputable plumbers strongly advise against using chemical drain cleaners. Their reasoning for this concerns potential damage to our plumbing systems and the buildup of harmful fumes.

Using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water

For more stubborn clogs, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may do the trick. Because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, mixing the two will cause a chemical reaction that will create pressure and possibly dislodge the clog.

Simply pouring hot water down your kitchen and bathroom sink drains once a week can go a long way. For the kitchen sink, hot water will help melt and flush away light grease deposits. Bathroom drains benefit from very hot water because it can remove excess residue and gunk.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clear the drain, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, saving about one cup for later. Right after, follow the water with 1/2 cup of baking soda and leave for 5 minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and let sit for 20 minutes.

An auger — also known as a plumbing snake — or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines. Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye, bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs. this is how plumbers easily unclog the drains!

Why do plumbers not like Drano? ›

The Short Answer Is: Drano and similar chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to home drain pipes as they contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate pipes over time, especially if used frequently.

Glug® Bath Liquid Drain Opener will not harm plumbing fixtures and is safe for use on plastic pipe, porcelain, and all metal pipes (except aluminum). Hercules Glug® Crystals Drain Opener also works great to clear bathroom drains.

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. This can lead to cracks and leaks in the pipes, leading to various issues, including water damage and flooding.

Drain cleaner should never be used in standing water in toilets or clogged showers. Drain cleaners cause internal and external damage to your home's plumbing system. Leftover chemicals can eat away at the finishes of sinks and toilets.

Pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the cleaning solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour hot water down the drain (or boiling water if your water doesn't get very hot). Reinstall the strainer or stopper.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clear the drain, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, saving about one cup for later. Right after, follow the water with 1/2 cup of baking soda and leave for 5 minutes. Then, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and let sit for 20 minutes.

The Short Answer Is: Drano and similar chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to home drain pipes as they contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate pipes over time, especially if used frequently.

Because the chemicals used in drain unblockers are so strong, these cleaners can actually cause damage to your drainage system. Chemical drain damage is caused by acids from drain unblocker chemicals eroding the finish drain pipe.