Are Liquid Plumr, Drano and similar products safe to use in an old house, or is there a better alternative?

Question

I live in an 80-year-old house with old pipes that are generally in pretty good condition for their age. Occasionally we have minor clogs (usually hair). Is it OK to use commercial drain openers to fight the clogs? The bottles state that they are safe for all kinds of pipes, including old plumbing, but other people have told me this is not true. Is there something else I should be using instead?

PS I've used enzymatic products to keep the drain open in the past and they seem to work well. But can they open a blocked drain?

Answer 1

The best alternative is to use an enzyme drain cleaner. Caustic cleaners eat a hole in the clog and go down the pipes, leaving the majority of the clog to start clogging again. Enzyme cleaners, such as Draincare by Zep, cling to and eat organic clogs. It is safe for all systems including septic tanks.

Answer 2

I don't like to use heavy or strong chemicals in my house so I use 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar or lemon juice. This breaks down the muck in the pipes naturally and doesnt leave that chemical smell. Good luck.

Answer 3

OOPS I would not want to use it very often........get one of the small screens to catch hair.........once you open it up with drano.....You can use baking soda and vinegar followed with hot water to keep them open.do this about every 2 months...........Good Luck