Never Use Drano

Most homeowners don’t understand why they should never use Drano to clear a clogged drain. It’s been on grocery store shelves since 1923, when it came out in a crystal form. It sounds like the perfect product to unclog a sink or tub that won’t drain. But, as with many quick fixes, there can be a price to pay.

Keep reading for valuable information before you run to the grocery store to buy Drano whenever you need drain cleaning in Severna Park, MD.

Why You Should Not Use Drano

People have used Drano for years to clear nasty clogs. The product dissolves things. If it splashes onto your skin, wash it off as quickly as possible. The fumes aren’t good for your lungs either. A splash in your eye will require an Emergency Room visit to ensure the eye is adequately flushed. Pour water, or even ice tea if it’s sitting right there, in your eye immediately before going to the hospital. It’s a toxic and dangerous chemical.

Now that we’ve covered physical bodily harm, let’s move on to the plumbing. Although using Drano may temporarily take care of the issue, your pipes can suffer long-term damage. As it’s breaking down the clog, Drano can dissolve the glue that holds the pipes together. That quick fix may lead to expensive plumbing repairs in the future. It’s just not worth it.

What Is Drano Made Of?

Drano consists of lye, aluminum, bleach, salt, and sodium nitrate. Chemical reactions occur concurrently and can be overwhelming for residential pipes and drains. Lye breaks down all physical matter. The aluminum reacts with the lye causing extremely high temperatures to decompose the clogged substance quickly. As the clog breaks down, it allows room for hot water to clear the pipe.

The chemicals combined are so corrosive that they can crack toilet bowls, melt PVC pipes, or the binding glue. And, under no circumstances should you combine Drano with other cleaners. Highly toxic fumes or even an explosion can occur. The label that says, “Keep out of reach of children,” is no joke.

DIY Ways To Unclog Drains

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you have several methods to try before calling in the professionals. Here are some effective techniques you can use to unclog your drains:

1) Using a Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a handy tool if you already have one in your garage. This flexible, auger-like device can reach deep into pipes to dislodge and remove stubborn clogs.

Steps to Use a Plumbing Snake:

1. Insert the snake into the drain and push it forward until you encounter resistance.
2. Rotate the snake to break up or catch the clog.
3. Pull the snake back out, removing any debris it has hooked.
4. Run water to check if the clog is cleared.

2) Utilizing a Plunger

A plunger can be very effective for pushing debris through the system and clearing clogs.

Steps to Use a Plunger:

1. Place the plunger over the drain to create a seal.
2. Push and pull the plunger forcefully several times.
3. Remove the plunger and check if the water drains away.
4. Repeat if necessary.

3) Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

For slow-moving drains, a combination of baking soda and vinegar can be very effective.

Steps to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:

1. Clear any standing water from the drain.
2. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into the drain.
3. Follow with white wine vinegar, which will cause a fizzy reaction.
4. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the reaction to break down the clog.
5. Flush the drain with piping hot water.

4) Hot Water Flush

Sometimes, simply flushing the drain with hot water can help dislodge minor clogs.

Steps to Perform a Hot Water Flush:

1. Boil a kettle or pot of water.
2. Carefully pour the hot water down the drain in a slow, steady stream.
3. Repeat as necessary to clear the clog.

Get Help from the Severna Park Drain Cleaning Pros Instead!

Drains that aren’t working correctly are frustrating and disruptive. If you value your plumbing and want it to stay in top shape, never use Drano. Professional assistance can save you time, money, and headaches. So call the licensed plumbers in Severna Park, MD at Abend Services for all your plumbing needs!

Call (410) 618-3115