Why You Should Never Use Drano
Liquid drain cleaners like Drano may seem like a quick fix for clogged pipes, but they can cause serious harm to your plumbing. The harsh chemicals in these products can corrode pipes, damage fixtures, and create long-term problems in your drainage system. Before using a corrosive chemical-based cleaner, it’s essential to understand the potential risks by reviewing these topics:
- What is Drano and how does it work?
- Why using Drano can damage your pipes
- Environmental impacts of Drano
- Alternatives to Drano for clearing clogs
- When to call a professional plumber
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I use Drano?” keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t.
Protect Your Pipes: Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Now
Don’t risk damaging your pipes with Drano when you have a clog that won’t budge. Call our highly trained technicians at Cooper to receive educated advice from trusted experts. We offer fast and convenient scheduling, so give us a call or click the button below to request professional drain cleaning today.
What Is Drano and How Does It Work?
Drano is a liquid drain cleaner that dissolves clogs using sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and other chemicals. The various chemical reactions and intense heat produced help break down clogs made of organic material, like hair and grease, which are some of the most common causes of clogs.
While it can effectively clear many blockages, sometimes Drano has made clogs worse. Furthermore, the chemical reactions can corrode plastic and even metal pipes and weaken your plumbing system.
Why Using Drano Can Damage Your Pipes
The powerful chemicals in Drano are meant to eliminate clogs, but these same chemicals can corrode and deteriorate your pipes. The heat produced can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break, and the corrosive chemicals can dissolve the glue holding these pipes together. Drano can also erode metal pipes, particularly when used frequently or incorrectly.
Over time, damage caused by liquid drain cleaners like Drano can weaken your pipes’ integrity, especially in older plumbing systems. Severe plumbing damage from chemical drain cleaners can cause cracks, leaks, and even total pipe failure.
Environmental Impacts of Drano
In addition to damaging your plumbing, Drano’s chemical residues can enter the water system when flushed down drains. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, posing risks to aquatic animals and other wildlife. The result could disrupt ecosystems, contributing to environmental degradation and impacting sustainability.
Alternatives to Drano for Clearing Clogs
If you’re worried about how bad Drano is for pipes and are looking for better ways to clear your clogged drains, there are safer alternatives. A few options that can be effective and less harmful to your plumbing and the environment include:
- Cup plunger. A simple yet effective tool for dislodging minor clogs in sink and tub drains using suction power.
- Enzyme-based cleaners. The natural enzymes in these cleaners break down organic material, offering a safer, eco-friendly option.
- Baking soda and vinegar. A natural concoction that creates a fizzing reaction to help break down clogs containing organic matter.
- Drain snake. Also known as an auger, these tools move through pipes’ twists and turns to dislodge more stubborn blockages by physically breaking obstructions apart and pulling them out of the pipe.
When these remedies don’t work, count on the Cooper Green Team to use cutting-edge technology to get the job done. We may use sewer cameras, rooters, and hydro jets to identify and eliminate even the hardest-to-reach clogs to get your drains free-flowing again.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, slow drains, potential pipe damage, or other signs you need drain cleaning, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Experienced plumbers have the knowledge and skills to assess and address drainage issues without using corrosive chemicals and prevent long-term damage to your plumbing system.
Stubborn Clog? Let the Cooper Green Team Take Care of It!
Get professional drain cleaning from the experts at Cooper Green Team. We’ve been assisting homeowners for more than 45 years and offer free estimates, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and 1‑year renewable labor warranties. Give us a call or click the button below to get your service scheduled today.