Is Drano / Liquid Plumber truly bad for your pipes? If so how does one unclog them without calling a plumber?

Question

I'm a first time homowenrs learning as I go..and have encountered a clogged sink.

Answer 1

There is an excellent product on the market called "One-Second Plumber" or something like that, and it involves inverting the product into the drain and pushing, and the force from the can contents pushes out the clog. Most hardware stores should stock it. I've used this several times with success. It won't work on severe clogs, for which you'd need a snake--simply a coiled wire that you release into the drain in order to push the clog out. I've had to use this because city workers were doing sewer maintenance, which cause a clog beyond my house plumbing. Myself, I prevent clogs by not allowing drain build-up. Never mix drain cleaner products. As added protection, wear goggles and disposable gloves when handling caustic chemicals, even a mask if you are sensitive to chemical smells. I've had dirty sink-water clogs come back on me, so protective gear is a good thing. Sometimes a simple plunging will work, so a plunger is a must to keep in your house. Once your clog is licked, to prevent future clogs, do this pipe maintenance in your home: when you have extra hot water from boiling water in the kettle, take this and pour it down the drains with baking soda. When you replace the used box of baking soda in your fridge, use the used box of baking soda for this purpose instead of just throwing it out. It is slightly abrasive, and naturally fumigates odours. Salt also works. Don't do this in winter in a porcelain bathroom sink, though. At that time of year, the porcelain stays cold, and could crack from the sudden influx of boiling water. So flush the drains every month or two this way, don't put grease or excess food scraps down the drain, and you will seldom if ever need to de-clog your drains. I always save empty food jars for getting rid of food grease; just store them under the sink. Throwing out grease this way prevents animals in your garbage and saves the drain from getting clogged, as mentioned. The liquid drain cleaners are good, but don't over-use them, and you won't need them if you follow the above preventive measures. Good luck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is Drano / Liquid Plumber truly bad for your pipes? If so how does one unclog them without calling a plumber?
I'm a first time homowenrs learning as I go..and have encountered a clogged sink.

Answer 3

They aren't bad if used in moderation. Being a homeowner, I have tried everything myself before I call a professional and I can usually fix the problem.
Anyway, try the Drano or Liquid plumber first. I have also tried to blow out the drain with the reverse of the vacuum and then if that doesn't work you should have a joint somewhere in the pipe that can be unscrewed and cleaned out from there. Hardware stores also sell small "electric eels" (not really electric, but hand crank) that you can use down the drain.
Watch what you put down the drain, food etc.

Answer 4

How Does Liquid Plumber Work

Answer 5

I use Liquid Plumber gel if there is standing water in the sink; Drano crystals if you just need to clear the trap on a slow draining sink. Drano is good for hair clogs. Liquid plumber is better for cutting through grease.

Answer 6

It depends on what type of clog you have, and what type of pipes you have. Both of those products are not good for metal pipes. They are ok for most PVC pipes, when not used often, and as long as they don't sit in the pipes.
They use a chemical reaction to "eat" the clog. If it is in your kitchen sink though, odds are that you have a grease clog. They can help with that, as well as hot water can melt the grease and have it pass through.
If it is your bathroom sink, its probably hair. Not many drain cleaners can disolve hair. Use one that specifically says its for disolving hair. Whink manf. has a great hair clog remover.
The best advice is probably go to your local small hometown hardware store and ask someone who works there what their advice is. Most times at smaller stores there is someone who can tell you what works, and you don't have to make the call yourself relying on TV commercials.

Answer 7

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I think I've usually gotten Liquid Plumber. The one thing that irritates the heck out of me with those liquid drain uncloggers, is that it always says "use 1/4 (or 1/3, whatever) of the bottle, but you can't see how much you've used cause the bottle is a solid color. It's very poor planning on their part..

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Is Drano Safe

Answer 10

I would use the plunger first. You have to block off any vent holes or if you have a two sided sink, block off that side (I stuff a plastic bag very tightly inside to block off the air). The you should get some great plunging suction. If it is really bad, use the Drano or whatever....it won't kill your pipes with occasional use.