Why do plumbers say to not use Drano?

Piping experts warn that Drano and similar products can harm pipes. They're made with such strong chemicals that they can actually eat away at the very materials they're supposed to clear. Old pipes, shouldn't be subjected to the Roto-Rooter treatment, which can involve boiling hot water and powerful, harsh chemicals. Clogs cleared in this way can reappear more quickly and are usually a sign of deeper trouble.

Toilets, pipes made of certain types of plastic, old or corroded plumbing systems, and garbage disposals are advised against using Drano by many plumbers. The reason for this is because sensitive plumbing ingredients can be damaged by the heat that Drano's harsh chemicals can generate. This heat can lead to potential pipe damage, leaks, and the kind of further clogs that are usually the reason someone would attempt to use Drano in the first place. And there is more. Sometimes harmful fumes are produced when Drano reacts with other substances. In severe cases, bursting pipes have been known to result.

Frequently, plumbers suggest employing a drain snake or plunger as an initial measure to remove a clogged drain. For tough clogs that refuse to budge, these professionals recommend a dynamic duo: baking soda and vinegar. Together, these common household ingredients create a fizzing, bubbling reaction that breaks down many types of clogs, especially ones made from gunky organic matter. Plumbers also recommend the use of enzymatic drain cleaners, which are considerably friendlier to both humans and the environ-ment than the typical toxic cocktail of old. Plumbers advise making two calls in the following instances.

Plumbers recommend not using Drano and similar products for several reasons. First, the principal ingredient in Drano is sodium hydroxide, a powerful base that generates a tremendous amount of heat when it comes into contact with water and other materials it doesn't get along with. And while these conditions might be great for a clog that is otherwise breakable, they're not at all good for the many kinds of plumbing that might otherwise come into contact with this top-of-the-line drain cleaner. Second, if Drano doesn't work, then anyone who might work on the clogged plumbing next has a hazardous job ahead.

Plumbers frequently warn against the use of Drano because of its potential to harm plumbing and fixtures. If it happens to sit in the pipes and not clear the clog, it can do a number of things to the materials involved: • Soften PVC pipes • Corrode older metal pipes • Harm sink and toilet materials It's not much better for people, either; it can cause painful burns and is a serious threat to vision and breathing. Enzymatic drain cleaners are generally advised as a safe substitute because they rely on natural enzymes and bacteria to digest what clogs the drain. This makes them much less likely to cause a problem further down the line, like corroding pipes or creating noxious fumes. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safely break down the stuff that clogs your pipes without harming the pipes themselves or your plumbing system.

Plumbers frequently caution against the use of Drano, as it can be detrimental to your plumbing system. When Drano is used, the chemical reaction that occurs generates heat, enough heat that it can soften the PVC pipes in your plumbing system and possibly damage older or corroded pipes. If there's a clog that needs to be cleared, a standing chemical solution is dangerous to have around, particularly if you're going to attempt to dislodge the clog yourself with a plumbing snake (and almost anything is a safer choice for the plumbing snake than Drano). If you're thinking to yourself, "boiling water is a force of nature; surely nothing can withstand its power," think again—certain types of pipes can and do suffer from the application of boiling water. Your safest bet is to use warm or hot tap water.

Drain clearing advice from the pros: - Plumbers advise against using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain. - The combination is not very effective at clearing blockages, despite the impressive fizzing reaction it produces. - That fizzing reaction is too weak, in and of itself, to really remove obstructions. - A partially cleared obstruction can cause ongoing or worsening drain problems. Recommendation: Use a plunger or a drain snake; or consult a plumber.

Drain cleaners like Drano are often advised against by plumbers because, with frequent use, they can be hazardous to your pipes. If you want to dissolve hair in a drain, you might consider using a combination of baking soda and vinegar, which can work together to break down hair clogs without damaging your plumbing. Another option is using a drain snake or a plunger, which can be effective methods for physically removing hair blockages.

A drain snake, sometimes called a plumbing auger, is a common tool that plumbers use to unclog drains. It allows them to reach the blockage and break it up without nearly as much risk to the environment or to the plumbing as using a harsh drain-cleaning chemical. Hydro jetting is another method some plumbers use. It involves using jets of water, at very high pressure, to clear buildup and debris from pipes. Plumbers use it when the situation seems too serious for a drain snake.

Plumbers frequently recommend against using Drano because of how highly caustic it is. That means it can (and often does) cause severe damage to the pipes. It could also cause you some harm if you happen to get any on your skin. Or if it splashes on you. If you're in a small room with poor ventilation, you could be in for a pretty nasty surprise. A safe and effective drain cleaner can be made at home using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Put half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow this with half a cup of vinegar. Cram the drain to contain the fizzing action and wait about 15-30 minutes. Once you are done, take some hot water and rinse down the drain to remove anything that might be blocking it. This approach is environmentally friendly and has a low risk of causing harm.