Drain cleaners are a popular solution to a clogged drain. If you notice water puddling inside your sink, then it may be time to use Drano. But, does Drano work? How does Drano work? Are Drano products effective? Will it damage your plumbing system?
This detailed review of Drano for clogged drains answers all these burning questions and more. After reading through, you will know the following:
- How Drano really works
- How to get the most out of your Drano products
- What type of clogged material can Drano get rid of
Instead of breaking the bank and purchasing harsh chemicals, cleaning supplies, or calling in a plumber, read this review to learn whether Drano is effective against your clogged drain.
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Drano Products and Uses
Before you get started on clearing a clogged drain, it is important to pick the right Drano products fit for your plumbing system.
Drano has a total of 9 products that deal with different types of clogged material that help prevent future plumbing problems:
- Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover: Fit for oily, greasy clogs in your kitchen sink
- Drano Liquid Drain Cleaner: Affordable option for minor toilet bowl clogging, etc.
- Drano Max Build-Up Remover: Helps to prevent soap scum build-up in your drain pipes
- Drano Kitchen Gel: Helps prevent water puddling in your kitchen sink
- Drano Advanced Septic Treatment: Prevents clogging in septic tanks with enzymes
- Drano Snake Plus Tool + Gel System: For clogged toilet that needs manual loosening
- Drano Max Gel Clog Remover: For a tough clogged drain
- Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover: Suited for clogs from garbage disposals
- Drano Hair Buster Gel: For clumped hair clogging the pipes
Picking the right one for your clogged drains is step 1 in clearing your drain pipes.
Is Drano Effective? Does Drano Really Work?
Dealing with any kind of clog can be a total nightmare and according to most home solution websites, Drano is the perfect inexpensive solution to clearing your drain pipes.
But, does Drano work?
Absolutely! Yes, Drano is one of the best drain cleaners and is highly effective against tough clogs as a result of clumped hair, soapy substance, organic matter, softened grease, toilet paper, physical matter, poop, etc.
It can easily clear your bathroom or kitchen sink, bath or shower drains, garbage disposal, etc., within 30 to 40 minutes. While most Drano products are meant for sink clogs, Drano Max Build-Up Remover can help prevent tough toilet clogs as well.
After careful testing, we determined that Drano works exceptionally as a drain cleaner against all kinds of tough clogs.
Drano is also applauded by several home solution and review websites as a top-quality drain cleaner including The Spruce which chose its Drano Max Gel Clog Remover as a top choice for drain cleaners in 2020 thanks to its effectiveness against various tough clogs.
BobVila.com also mentioned the Drano Max Gel Clog Remover as a winner for the most affordable drain cleaners against hair clumps.
So, does Drano work? Yes! It remains a fantastic and affordable solution against clogging, but depending on the situation, you may require professional advice.
How Does Drano Work?
How does Drano actually work? Most homeowners may find themselves asking the same question. How is Drano different from other drain cleaners? To understand this, we must first know that there are 3 major types of drain cleaners: enzymatic, acidic, and caustic.
Enzymatic cleaning supplies are eco-friendly and “green”. Acidic cleaners use harsh chemicals such as sodium nitrate or sodium hydroxide, or even sulfuric acid to disintegrate the clog.
Drano is a type of caustic drain cleaner as it contains a balance of sodium hydroxide, sodium meta-silicate, bleach, and lye. The result from these several chemical reactions helps corrode organic tissudrae and break down even the toughest of clogs in your drain pipes.
We also recommend running hot water down your pipes after the clog is cleared to push any remaining bits out and keep mold or further clog from forming.
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Does Drano Clear All Types of Clogs?
Simply put, not all clogs are the same and some may require additional professional help.
While Drano is a powerful cleaner against most clogs, some are just far too serious or big.
This is where it is important to pick the right Drano product for your clogged drain. The right formula can help break down soapy substance, scum build-up, grease, hair, etc.
For the following type of clogs, we recommend using specific Drano products:
- Softened grease build-up in your kitchen sink can be eliminated with Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover.
- Clumped hair, toilet paper, etc., can be cleared with Drano Hair Buster Gel or Drano Snake Plus Tool + Gel System.
- Standing water in your sink or bath can be removed with Drano Max Gel Clog Remover.
- Clogged garbage disposal can be dealt with using Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover.
Can I Use Drano on Clumped Hair and Clogged Toilets?
Yes, you can. Drano works against clumped hair in your bathtub or shower drain, bathroom sinks, etc. The Drano Hair Buster Gel or Drano Snake Plus Tool + Gel System is the perfect option against such clumps.
For clogged toilets, Drano might not be the best option but one Drano product is truly a game changer. The Drano Max Build-Up Remover releases microorganisms that disintegrate elements such as toilet paper, poop, and other organic matter in the pipes.
For more effective results, we recommend using a plunger first and then using the Drano product when your toilet starts to drain slowly, not when it is clogged to the brim.
When is Using Drano Ineffective?
For the occasional clog, Drano remains the top choice. However, there are times when it is best to call in a professional instead:
- In case of outdoor drains, you may need government permission to use approved products and clear out clogged material.
- Clogs from strange items or uncommon materials that do not include grease, hair, soap scum, biological materials, etc., will require professional help as Drano will be ineffective against such clogs.
- Persistent clogging may be a result of something else. If it doesn't clear despite using Drano products multiple times, then it is time to call in plumbing services.
- For eco-friendly solutions, we would not recommend Drano as it is not free of chemicals and additives. Don't be confused what to use instead of Drano.
- For greener alternatives, you may need additional research or call in the plumber.
Can Using Drano Damage My Pipes?
No, Drano works in a way that keeps your plastic or metal pipes safe from any damage. These are not acid-based products; therefore, they cannot corrode your pipes.
However, we highly recommend following the recommended guidelines for product usage as repeated use can corrode the glue base in your pipe joints resulting in cracking.
Repeated use in a short amount of time can also cause stress to the pipes and the heat from the active ingredients can affect your pipe strength.
How Long Does it Take for Drano to Show Results?
Always follow the instructions when using Drano. Wait for the set amount of time and make sure to run hot water down the pipes afterwards.
Different Drano products can take different amount of time to show results:
- Drano Max Gel Clog Remover: 15 to 30 minutes
- Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover: 15 to 30 minutes
- Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover: 60 minutes
- Drano Liquid Drain Cleaner: 15 to 30 minutes
- Drano Snake Plus Tool + Gel System: 30 minutes (after using snake)
- Drano Hair Buster Gel: In as little as 7 minutes, but up to 30 minutes
- Drano Kitchen Gel: 15 to 30 minutes
Final Verdict: Does Drano Work?
Yes! Drano is extremely effective against occasional clogs and can clear them out within 30 to 40 minutes. It can eliminate substances such as soap scum, hair clumps, grease build-up, etc.
You can check out its product reviews on Amazon to see just how effective Drano is against clogged drains.
Labeled under the reputable SC Johnson company, Drano has a track record of leaving behind highly satisfied customers.
