What drain cleaner works better than Drano?
Mar 02, 2022 · Talking about drain cleaning, plumbers use muriatic acid to unclog the drains. Muriatic acid is very effective for cleaning drains. The fact that it’s acid, more specifically a sort of hydrochloric acid solution, means that it needs to be used …
What is the best rated drain cleaner?
Dec 07, 2021 · A simple mixture of baking soda and white vinegar is a good solution for clearing a clogged drain. Both these substances are alkaline and acidic and react with one another to create a bubbling action. The carbon dioxide in the vinegar will loosen up the clogged pipes and prevent odors from developing in the future.
What is the top rated drain cleaner?
Acidic drain cleaners typically contain high concentrations of sulfuric acid, and they use acid hydrolysis to dissolve hair, soap scum, and any other obstacles in the drain. Overall, acidic drain cleaners are more powerful and able to clean more difficult clogs. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. The main benefit is that they’re not as …
How much drain cleaner should I use per drain?
Dec 07, 2021 · A slow drain often can be cleared with a homemade drain cleaner concoction consisting of boiling water and a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. If you've ever made a model volcano erupt with this household concoction, you have an idea of why it works on drains.
What is the main ingredient in drain cleaner?
sodium hydroxideHow Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work? Chemical drain cleaners come in various forms, including powder, liquid, and gel. As their name implies, chemical drain cleaners create a chemical reaction in order to remove clogs. The main ingredient in these cleaners is sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye.Mar 28, 2019
What harmful chemicals are in drain cleaner?
There are 3 common types of drain cleaners used: caustic drain cleaners, oxidizing drain cleaners, and acid drain cleaners. These contain aggressive and toxic chemicals such as lye, bleach, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid that are formulated to dissolve blockages such as hair and food.
Is drain cleaner hazardous?
Drain cleaners contain very dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to your health if you swallow them, breathe them in (inhale), or if they come in contact with your skin and eyes. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in drain cleaner.Feb 12, 2021
Does drain cleaner contain chemicals?
Caustic drain cleaners contain ingredients such as lye that give electrons to the material causing the clog. This creates a chemical reaction that produces heat and makes grease thinner and easier to dissolve. They are most useful for drains that have been clogged with greases such as a kitchen sink or grease trap.Apr 19, 2021
Is drain cleaner carcinogenic?
Certain ingredients found in drain cleaners combine with nitrites to form carcinogens and neurotoxins. Repeated or long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase your risk of certain cancers. When handling drain cleaners, you should always use safety precautions.Jun 12, 2015
What happens if you inhale drain cleaner fumes?
If a large amount is ingested it can cause shock, coma, and death. When inhaled, these toxic chemicals enter your lungs and are distributed throughout your bloodstream, instantly causing attacks of coughing, seizures, or more. To avoid the inhalation of chemicals, stay away from them altogether.Jan 22, 2020
What is Drano active ingredient?
Drano's main ingredient is sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, a substance that decomposes most organic matter. Hair and grease included. The lye is mixed with small shards of aluminum, creating a strong reaction that generates heat at near-boiling temperatures.Mar 23, 2016
What happens when someone drinks drain cleaner?
Symptoms: Poisoning symptoms vary depending on what cleaning product was ingested. For example, swallowing toilet bowl cleaner can cause burns in the esophagus, severe pain in the abdomen, and blood in the stool. Symptoms of drain cleaner poisoning include burns in mouth, difficulty breathing, drooling, and collapse.Oct 13, 2021
What is a liquid Sosa?
Effectively clear sluggish and clogged pipes, sinks and drains with Gleam Liquid Sosa! This liquid plumber dissolves hair, grime and grease rapidly and thoroughly. Can be used once a month, by pouring 100 ml. to keep drains running smoothly.
Is drain cleaner organic or inorganic?
The main ingredient in drain cleaning products is usually lye, which breaks down organic material using chemical reactions.Aug 20, 2019
Is sodium hydroxide safe for pipes?
It is a strong base and effective when attacking clogged drains. Sodium Hydroxide is naturally occurring and is sewer and septic safe as it is diluted in its journey down your pipes. Though not as effective as sulfuric acid, it is safer and easier to use.
Is there a limit to how much drain cleaner I can pour down my sink or shower?
Although there are recommendations on every package, there is no set limit on the right amount for any specific clog. The best advice is to use as...
Is drain cleaner dangerous to touch?
Some drain cleaners are safe to get on your hands. However, some are highly corrosive and their packaging warns that the solution should not come i...
Can I mix different drain cleaners for more strength?
No. You should never mix chemicals of any sort together unless explicitly directed to do so by the makers. Mixing different types of drain cleaner...
Do I need a special drain cleaner to fix a clogged toilet?
Not necessarily. Most consumer drain cleaners are meant to be used in both sinks, bath tubs, and toilets.
Do I need to use the entire bottle of drain cleaner to unclog my drain?
That depends on the severity of the clog and the type of drain cleaner you’ve purchased. The safest bet is to always follow the instructions on the...
Will using drain cleaner in my home damage the interior of my pipes?
Most drain cleaners are designed to be used in homes with standard plumbing. This means that they should not cause any undue damage to your pipes o...
What is the main ingredient in drain cleaner?
In general, an acidic drain opener will have an acid main ingredient; caustic one with have a base as the main ingredient. Biological drain openers use enzymes and bacteria, and so on.
What is drain cleaner?
Drain cleaners (aka drain openers) are chemical substances that are poured into a clogged drain for the sole purpose of clearing out any debris and unclogging it. Drain cleaners are formulated to dissolve organic waste, food particles, hair and other common substances that clog drains. Drain cleaners can be in the form of liquid, pellets or powder.
What is the best way to unclog a drain?
A homemade drain cleaner will generally contain baking soda and vinegar. Mixing these two elements creates a foaming reaction which helps penetrate and unclog a drain . There are other homemade drain cleaners that use cream of tartar, salt or Borax.
What are the additives in caustic drain cleaner?
The typical additives in caustic drain cleaners include wetting agents and penetrating agents. These chemicals act as a catalyst or enhancer. Companies use two types of wetting agents, namely anionic and ionic. Anionic wetting agents include sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl aryl sulfonates, Aeroso OT and others.
What is a caustic drain opener?
This is made by mixing sodium hydroxide which is also called as caustic soda with chlorine. Thus, this drain opener gets its name; caustic drain opener. Other chemicals are added to the cleaning solution to reduce foaming, reduce surface tension and for better mixing of the solution components.
Why do drain cleaners have additives?
Many additives are added to make the acid effective for unclogging and to dilute the dangerous effects of pure acid. The choice of additive ingredients varies from one manufacturer to other. Since these additives make a difference in their brand, drain cleaner companies generally refuse to publish their formulas.
What is drain cleaner classified?
Drain cleaners are classified based on the main ingredients used. Most companies refuse to specify their exact formula and chemical additives that enhance the dissolving action. So we will focus on the main ingredients present in each type of drain cleaner that you can find at the store or make at home.
Key considerations
When you have a tough clog that you need to clear, there are a number of different factors to consider when choosing a drain cleaner. Both the source of the clog and the specs of the drain cleaner will impact the decision. Take the following considerations into account when shopping for a drain cleaner.
Features
Some of the more powerful drain cleaners have the power to dissolve hair and other solids into liquid form. As mentioned above, these will be some of the most chemically corrosive drain cleaners, but this is a feature that is often needed on the most stubborn of clogs.
Drain cleaner prices
Inexpensive: Between $10 and $15, you’ll find drain cleaners that are mostly of the liquid variety. They include the most popular and common brands and are both acidic and alkaline.
Tips
Follow the directions on your package of drain cleaner exactly. If you do otherwise, you may not get the desired results.
What is the best way to clean a drain?
Baking soda (a base substance called s odium bicarbonate) and vinegar ( a mild acetic acid ) react together to create a fizzy, bubbly action that releases carbon dioxide, which can loosen up clogs so they can be washed down the drain. Paired with boiling water, which helps to wash out any clogs or debris, you've got a reliable recipe ...
How much does it cost to use a drain cleaner?
Skill Level: Beginner. Estimated Cost: $10 to $15. Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous to use, highly poisonous, and so caustic that they can cause skin burns. 1 Even worse, they're not always effective, leaving you with a sink full of toxic chemical water that's stopped up by the same clog you started with.
How to get rid of backed up water in shower?
If your sink (or tub or shower) is full of backed-up water, bail out as much of the water as you can using a cup and dumping the water into a bucket. It's fine to leave a small amount of water down in the drain opening itself, but the sink, shower, or tub should be mostly empty so your drain cleaner can get as close as possible to the clog.
Can you use vinegar to clean a drain?
Truth is , you don't always need the strength of a chemical drain cleaner. A slow drain often can be cleared with a homemade drain cleaner concoction consisting of boiling water and a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. If you've ever made a model volcano erupt with this household concoction, you have an idea of why it works on drains.
What is a drain opener made of?
This product is made of 99 percent pure lye beads that are industrial strength and can clear out even the toughest pipe clogs.
How long does it take for a bathroom drain to unclog?
Time of Exposure While some formulas can work in as little as 20 minutes, others do best when left overnight to unclog your drain.
What is a Pequa drain opener?
The Pequa Drain Opener is a highly-rated product for both commercial and residential use, and it gets top marks from users who say it's their go-to drain opener . This product comes in a 64-ounce bottle, and it can dissolve all organic matter, including hair and grease.
What to do if your sink isn't draining?
If your kitchen sink isn't draining properly, you may want to try Invade Bio Drain Gel, which not only fights clogs, but helps to eradicate drain flies in the process.
Can a drain opener damage a garbage disposal?
Similar to septic tanks, heavy duty chemical drain openers may damage your garbage disposal, so you need to be careful about what you put down your sink. To effectively unclog your drain and freshen up your garbage disposal, try the Green Gobbler Refresh Concentrate Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaner, and Deodorizer.
Is septic tank cleaner safe?
Because it doesn't affect inorganic materials, it's safe for use on all plumbing systems, including septic tanks. Reviewers say that if you use the product as directed over the course of several days, it will effectively clear up any clogs or backups, allowing your pipes to drain better than ever.
Can a septic system be a chemical drain opener?
If you have a septic system , it's best to stay away from harsh chemical drain openers, as they can harm your plumbing. Instead, you'll want to use a septic system-friendly product such as Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria.
Best Multi-Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner
This drain cleaner clears clogs in nearly any drain around your house in just 15 minutes. Effective for sinks and tubs as well as PVC, metal pipes, septic tanks, and garbage disposals, this drain cleaner is a must-have for any homeowner.
Best For Hair Clogs: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner
With 360-degree rotation and an 18-inch length, this drain cleaner reaches down deep to get clogs caused by hair without damaging your drain. Made of thin and flexible material, this drain cleaner fights through curves to get hair from even the hardest-to-reach places.
Most Versatile Cleaner: Forlivese 5-in-1 Sink Snake Cleaner
This drain cleaner pack comes equipped with five drain snakes in three styles to ensure that it can tackle any drain or clog you might have. The stainless steel snake with the blue handle is ideal for bathrooms and sewers, while the one with the red handle tackles hair and smaller items.
Best Single-Use Cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Clog Remover
Coming in five single-use, ready-to-go packets, this drain cleaner takes the guesswork out of unclogging drains. Effective on sinks, toilets, tubs, floor drains, and more, this cleaner is a quick and easy way to remove items blocking your drain. The packets are also paired with drain snakes to double up on the unclogging power.
Best For Septic Tanks: Xion Lab Safer, Greener Drain Clog Remover
With innovative technology that fights clogs at the root, this drain cleaner is powerful enough to handle tough clogs without damaging the biological enzymes that keep septic tanks operating. It uses a heavy gel formula that sinks through water to reach the obstruction.
What causes a drain to clog?
Toothpaste, shaving cream, heavy items (i.e. tiny toys kids put in the drain) are also common causes of drain clogs. When shopping around for the best drain cleaner, first determine what is causing the blockage. The best drain cleaner for hair might not be the best drain cleaner for grease, for example.
How long does it take for thrift drain cleaner to clean?
Shop or Read Reviews. Our Review: Super fast acting, Thrift Drain Cleaner can clean out a drain line in just 60 seconds. It works for sewer lines, drains, grease traps, and septic tank systems. And you don’t have to worry about it damaging your pipes because it’s safe to use with chrome, metal, and plastic pipes.
How long is a drain millipede?
Our Review: Kin to FlexiSnake’s Drain Weasel, the Drain Millipede is 18 inches long and features over 4,000 hook and loop micro-hooks that allow you to easily retrieve hair, gunk, and other forms of buildup from your home’s drains. With a flexible steel core, the Drain Millipede can coil up into a small, pocket-sized drain cleaner and can be uncoiled whenever you need to use it. Unlike the Drain Weasel, you can use the Drain Millipede multiple times. Just clean it using warm water, soap, and an old toothbrush.
How big is a drain snake?
An excellent alternative to liquid drain cleaners, which can be harsh and toxic, the plastic drain snake by Ormont is 19.7 inches long and 0.31 inches wide.
How does a sanitizer work?
The product works by changing the pH level of the obstruction and is primarily designed for toilets. However, you can also use it on sinks, tubs, and other main drain lines. You can use it in boats and RVs, too. For best results, use the entire bottle overnight, while water usage is at its lowest.
Is a septic tank biodegradable?
It’s safe for all types of pipes, your septic tank, and is biodegradable as well. The bottle’s dual chamber means you won’t have to bother with measuring cups. If you’re using the product as a sink drain cleaner or to unclog your tub, just empty one chamber into the drain.
Can a clogged drain be avoided?
Though there are things we can do to delay the onset of a clogged drain, a clogged drain is not altogether avoidable.
How to clear a clogged drain with baking soda?
It's not powerful enough to clear a complete clog, but can help keep your drains fresh and flowing. •Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup table salt and pour it down the drain. •Let the foaming bubbles stand 10-15 minutes and then flush with hot tap water for 15-30 seconds.
How to avoid spills when pouring drain cleaner?
Wear gloves and eye protection. Do not stand in a tub or shower stall when pouring the drain cleaner. Carefully pour the drain cleaner to avoid spillage. The caustic nature of some chemical cleaners can damage surrounding stone, marble, stainless steel, and other materials.
How does Vastar drain snake work?
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, the flexible Vastar Drain Snake reaches deep into drain pipes and flexes at the P-trap, where most obstructions occur, and is an inexpensive option to mechanically remove clogs. The barbs grab hair and other messy clogs, allowing you to remove or dislodge them — many reviewers, while loving this product and how well it works, reminded us how icky some of these clogs smell, so take heed. The Vastar Drain Snake can be cleaned or disposed of after use.
How does liquid plumr work?
Liquid Plumr's thick gel powers through hair clogs that slow sink, tub and shower drains. Testers raved about how well it works. It is safe for pipes and drains, including septic systems. Wait for all the water to drain out of the sink or tub, then pour the bottle of Liquid Plumr slowly down the drain. It takes at least 15 minutes to work. For badly clogged drains, you can leave Liquid Plumr in the drain overnight to work, then flush thoroughly with hot water in the morning.
How long does it take to clear a drain with CLR?
Prevention is best when it comes to drains, and CLR's Clear Pipes and Drains makes it really simple to keep your pipes clear and prevent clogs with a quick, once-a-month treatment. Testers raved at how easy it was to use (it takes less than five minutes!) and how clear their drains ran afterwards.
How long does it take for thrift drain cleaner to work?
Safe for septic system maintenance too, Thrift's drain cleaner claims to work in only 60 seconds on slow-flowing drains. Hot water is required to warm the pipes, dissolve and activate the crystals, before you thoroughly flush the drain after 60 seconds. Reviewers are impressed by how quickly it works.
What is bio clean?
Bio Clean uses a special combination of naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes to digest organic waste such as hair, grease, soap scum, paper, food particles, and more. Being an enzymatic cleaner, it works more slowly than traditional chemical drain cleaners and works best overnight on slow flowing drains and as a once-per-month maintenance product. It won’t clear a complete blockage, and multiple uses are sometimes necessary to thoroughly clear partially clogged drains. Many reviewers have also used Bio Clean as a preventative maintenance product, and swear by its effectiveness. Because of its composition, Bio Clean is safe to use in toilets.
