16 Sep The Best Drano Alternatives
A clogged drain is one of the more annoying plumbing issues you may encounter daily. When water begins to pool at the bottom of your sink, you know you’ve got a problem on your hands.
It might be easy to reach for a bottle of Drano in hopes of fixing your problem, but using it can be one of the worst things you can do for your drain and your health.
Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Tyler, we’ve identified why you shouldn’t use Drano to fix your clogged drain and some alternatives to use instead!
As always, if you have any questions or if a plumbing emergency occurs, don’t hesitate to give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Tyler a call. Our plumbers have the tools and expertise to diagnose problems and administer solutions fast!
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First of all, does Drano work?
Yes, Drano typically works to clear out clogs in a drain. It works with sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, and sodium hypochlorite.
Together, these chemicals generate heat, breaking down the clog and preventing it from clinging to the pipe’s inner walls. Since it can’t stick to anything, the clog simply passes down the drain.
If Drano works, why should I avoid it?
The chemicals in Drano are corrosive, which is why it works to break down clogs.
But those same chemicals, over time, can also break down the metal in your pipes. Drano can also break down porcelain in your toilet or shower drain.
Drano breaks down organic material. So, it can be dangerous if it comes in contact with your eyes or skin, causing rash and burns. Drano can be particularly harmful to pets as well.
Drano is a short-term solution. If a clog occurs, it will likely occur again. All you’ve done with Drano is clear your pipes temporarily. You haven’t altered your plumbing to prevent the clog from returning, causing you to use Drano repeatedly.
Drano Alternatives – What can you substitute for Drano?
Baking Soda and White Vinegar – Drano Alternatives
Baking soda and white vinegar are sustainable substitutions for Drano. Most people have these items in their pantry at any given time.
Pour a half cup of baking soda into your drain with a half cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about thirty minutes, then pour in boiling water.
The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will break down the clog, much like Drano, and the water will flush it out.
Soap and Hot Water – Drano Alternatives
Grease buildup is a common cause of drain clog, especially in kitchens. Pour dish soap and hot water down your drain to release the grease.
Salt and Water – Drano Alternatives
Put some table salt into your drain, followed by boiling water. The salt will help scrub out the clog, as well as help break down unpleasant smells and bacteria.
Plunger – Drano Alternative
Surprisingly, a plunger is quite helpful when unclogging a drain. If it works on your toilet, it can work on your drain!
Use a flat-bottomed plunger to get the best results since it will attach better to a flat drain surface.
If you have a double sink, cover the other drain with rags or paper towels, as the clog may come out of the other drain. Repeat the process until the clog clears.
In conclusion
Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Tyler, we hope to have provided you with some healthy, safer alternatives to Drano for cleaning your clogged drain.
If the methods mentioned above don’t do the trick, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Tyler a call to help you with extreme, stubborn clogs or any other plumbing issues that may arise for you.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler serves the East Texas cities of Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (903) 730-6611 to schedule an appointment!