Caustic Drain Cleaners and Plumbing Pipe Corrosion. With repeated use, these chemicals may eat their way through a pipe, and cause a leak or a collapse of the system. Even the ones that say ‘won’t damage pipes’ will damage pipes.” It’s even worse if you combine several chemical solutions, as that can cause noxious fumes or even an explosion. My brother in law chemist once told me bases do not react with metals so they will not harm the pipes. In fact, Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion. If it doesn't unclog immediately, it stands in your drain and the acid erodes your pipes. 3. So yes, it does work as long as the right conditions are present for its success. This can cause a lot of damage to the surrounding ecosystems and even our food supply. The chemicals in drain cleaners can damage pipes while supposedly “cleaning” them. With so many things that can cause a clog, you have to make sure that the clog in question is one that Drano is effective on. Never, never, never, ever use Drano, it ruins your plumbing. I do believe the pipes are PVC. Again, with it sitting in the pipes for a while, it can either be corrosive and damage the joints between pipes or the PVC itself. I don't really like using Drano either, especially when I know the water is prone to backing up (a little exfoliation can be nice, but I don't really want to be soaking my feet in Drano… My biggest worry is that continued use of harsh chemicals like Drano will cause breaks or leaks in the pipe, in turn causing drywall damage to the ceilings downstairs. That can permanently damage the pipe by melting it. It is a caustic substance designed to dissolve biological matter. Not good. Do Drano and / or Liquid plumber damage pipes? If you find yourself facing the same clog in the same place over and over again, avoid using Drano each time. You’ll learn: The type of clogs Drano can and cannot handle; How Drano works; How to use Drano to get the most out of it; And much more Drano … Cons . If you plan to use drain cleaner on your plumbing pipes, make sure to read the directions and warnings completely before opening the container. NOPE. If you have PVC piping do not use Drano as it will do more damage to your pipes. If any is left over in your pipes after you unclog your drain, and it comes in contact with other chemicals it could cause a reaction that makes some toxic fumes. Pros . Drano, Liquid-Plumr, and countless other popular brands offer drain cleaning products that can not only clear your drain, but leave a fresh lemony scent afterwards. The chemicals in Drano may not solve all clogs, and they can lead to a worsening of pipe issues. For reference, the house is about 25 years old and the previous owners redid the master bathroom within the last 10 years. Plumbing System Damage Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. This is a pro-strength drain cleaner, in a liquid-gel format that is heavier than water, and offers a better chance of slipping down through your clogged pipes. And the explosions do happen. However, PVC pipes have a melting point of 176 degrees F. Pouring boiling water down a PVC pipe can soften the pipe. Drano . But, that chemical reaction generates heat that can damage your pipes. Does Drano work? Is this a legit concern? Instead, give Boydco Plumbing a call and let’s get it fixed the right way. Finally, … Also, you should never use chemical drain cleaners in completely blocked drains. However, the chemicals in some drain cleaners can also cause PVC pipes to melt or grow soft. It’s such a handy product for DIY plumbers… However, it can be harmful to your pipes, and it doesn’t always work. Further Pipe Damage. However, such damage is rare if you use the drain cleaner as directed -- damage is more likely to occur when drain cleaner is used on older, metal pipes. Your safe options include Max Gel Clog Remover, Dual-Force® Foamer Clog Remover, Max Build-Up Remover, and for Liquid Drain Cleaner. All Drano® products are safe and can be used with plastic pipes or metal pipes. Caustic drain cleaners can damage pipes and cause pipe corrosion if used improperly or if the chemical fails to destroy the clog. My advice is to be cautious of using the product over and over. In fact, Drano ® Max Gel Clog Remover contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion. If any of these things happen, you’re going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs. Rent a snake and get the crud out. Q&A / Drain Cleaner Debate Bathrooms | Plumbing Design text: Tim Carter. At least, this is the case with older homes with galvanized iron and copper parts. Once these chemicals enter the public sewage treatment plant or the septic system, they will cause damage there as well. If you use Drano in a sink, it's going to take at least 24 hours before conditions are safe enough to use the sink again. How it does this is it sits in your drains and causes a chemical reaction to dissolve the nasty stuff. 1 0. A premium drain cleaner that cuts through standing water to remove clogs. According to The American Society of Home Inspectors, PVC pipe is only rated to 140 degrees F under pressure (see Resources section). Includes an odorless non-acid formula that won't damage your pipes or fixtures. Oftentimes, the method for clearing clogged drains will depend on the cause. Drano or Liquid Plumber can even damage metal pipes in the long run. Dispose of grease down the drain. Drano® products are powerful enough to dissolve nasty clogs, but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes, so there's no need to worry. It just isn’t worth the potential to damage your toilet and drain for the sake of convenience. based on types of pipes, age, etc). Leave the rest to … Drano ® will not damage pipes or plumbing.. Drano ® products are powerful enough to dissolve nasty clogs, but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes, so there’s no need to worry. Drano can build up in a clogged area, and corrode the pipe. I think these products are basically strong lye. Check Price Bottom Line . This commonly recognized product is popular for good reason—it’s a great all-around drain opener that’s effective and affordable, to boot.. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover comes in 80-ounce bottles, and it’s safe to use on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems. When a drain moves slowly or seems clogged, most people reach for the miracle gel, Drano. Advertisement Aside from their effect on pipes, there are other disadvantages to chemical drain cleaners. Is it safe for garbage disposals? After cooking a hearty meal, you might be tempted to dispose of all the grease by tipping it into your kitchen sink … I have heard mixed things about whether these products will damage pipes (e.g. Is it safe for plastic pipes, is it going to damage them? Chemical drain cleaners are bad for the environment as well as septic systems. The only type you should avoid using this product for are PVC pipes. Lye is a base, not an acid. Be aware, however, there are other drain uncloggers on the market that could cause damage. If any of these things happen, you’re going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs. It's an enzyme that eats away hair, soap, etc but doesn't damage the pipes. Aside from being caustic, chemical drain cleaners result in tangible environmental repercussions. Q: How long can you leave a liquid plumber in a pipe? Drano products are safe for plastic and metal pipes. Max Gel . You’ll be dealing with a clogged toilet and then leaks on top of it. I've used drano in my home and haven't had any problems. Finally, Drano is a hazard for those with small children and pets. If the chemicals can’t clear a clog, they end up just sitting in pipes, eventually gnawing through them and causing more harm than good. Will it damage my pipes? The principle chemical in commercial cleaning solutions is hydrochloric acid. In this review of Drano clog removers, I answer all of these questions and more. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, ... Inhaling the fumes can also cause serious damage to your lungs. How does it work? Snaking does indeed run the risk of punching a hole in the pipe, and it won't permanently solve the problem. As a landlord, I agree with G.R. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. PVC pipes cannot handle Drano due to the liquid-glass reaction. DEAR TIM: You're completely wrong in your past column about using Drano for clogs. When you think of drain cleaners, Drano is probably the first brand that pops into your head. This will not only gnaw at pipes as it sits in them, it will chew off the enamel and other expensive finishes in your kitchen or bathroom. Clean your drains regularly- google natural cleaning for drains. For PVC pipes, it’s recommended to use a drain snake when possible. Plumbing System Damage Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. This would be clogs caused by hair, grime, and other gunk that the solution can break up. Try BioClean instead. Drano will work on sinks, bathtubs, and even shower drains. So whether you’ve got to force a hair clog through a 50-year-old set of iron pipes or just get your drain draining faster, Liquid-Plumr ® will always be the right choice for your house’s plumbing. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Can anyone provide info or suggest alternate products. But with all the glitz and glam, some homeowners are still asking the question, “Does drain cleaner damage pipes? Yes, over a long period of time, the drano fluid can damage pipes. In fact, if used incorrectly, it can do a lot of costly damage. The lye and other chemicals in Drano and similar solutions can make their way through our sewer systems and out to rivers, lakes, and the ocean. I would rather have one of my people deal with it professionally (sounds like it needs to be snaked and then put on a routine maintenance schedule) than to have Drano like products put down there and damage the pipes etc. These products are damaging in other ways as well. DRANO IS VERY DAMAGING TO ANY PIPES. Drano is used very often since it’s a convenient do-it-yourself option that’s available at any hardware store. It can also ignite flammable material near or around the pipe. Drano can leave behind a residue that is just as bad as the hair that it's trying to get rid of. Be aware that drano fluid can also burn your skin and stain your clothes so be careful while pouring into drain or sinks. May emit a pungent odor. Drano is perhaps the most well-known of all the drain cleaners, and the Max Gel in the red plastic bottle, is the best they have. 3. A: Until it dries out, then you will need to call it solid plumber. Fortunately, Liquid-Plumr ® is safe for all pipe types except rubber, which is present in some fittings. 3. Less effective than comparable drain cleaners. Too many uses will lead to trouble. You see, because they produce heat, chemical drain cleaners can warp or damage softer pipes like plastic and older metal piping. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Over a long period of time, the Drano fluid can also burn skin. Water down a PVC pipe can soften the pipe, leading to leaks,... Inhaling the fumes can cause. 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