Drano, Draino, and other commercial drain cleaners contain a powerful combination of strong chemicals that can quickly break down clogs. These cleaners are usually safe to use when used according to the instructions on the bottle. However, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly or on the wrong type of clog.
What Color Is Drano?
When liquid Drano comes into contact with a clog, it begins a chemical reaction that dissolves and decomposes the mass that is blocking the drain. However, this can also be harmful to pipes if it is repeated often. This is because the corrosive nature of Drano and similar products can cause toilet bowls to crack, soften PVC pipes, or even break older corroded metal ones. It can also damage the glue that holds a pipe together and cause it to leak or burst.
The main ingredients in Drano are Sodium Hydroxide (or lye), Polydimethylsiloxane (a defoaming agent), Sodium Hypochlorite (a bleaching agent), and Sodium Silicate (a corrosion inhibitor). When these ingredients come into contact with a clog, they react to create heat that disintegrates the mass. However, the corrosive nature of these chemicals can be harmful to your pipes if they are frequently used or if the clog is too large for them to penetrate.
Because of this, professional plumbers are adamant about urging homeowners to avoid the use of Drano and similar products. Instead, they recommend using a plunger or trying to snake a drain for more stubborn clogs. If the clog persists after trying these DIY methods, it is time to call in a plumber.
