Damage to Plumbing Fixtures In addition to the pipes, leaving Drano in the drain for too long can damage the plumbing fixtures. This includes the sink, shower, bathtub, and other plumbing fixtures connected to the drain. These fixtures can become corroded and discolored and can start to show signs of wear and tear.
Apply Drano® Max Build-Up Remover overnight or before you go to work, then wait 6 to 8 hours before running warm (not hot) water down treated drains or flushing treated toilets.
After 15 to 30 minutes, clogs are substantially minimized or dissolved. A final blast of hot water flushes away what's left of the clog.
These chemicals are extremely harmful to people and pets and can lead to safety and health issues. The toxic fumes that are released into the air when using Drano, can result in respiratory, breathing and other health issues for your family and pets.
Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.
When Drano is left in the drain for too long, it can cause corrosion of the pipes. The chemicals in the product are designed to break own the clog, but if left for too long, they can start to break down the pipes themselves.
The harmful chemicals in Drano can end up being corrosive to your pipes. Drano has been known to cause toilet bowls to crack, soften and break PVC pipes and break older corroded pipes. Over time, the continued usage of Drano can lead your pipes to corrode, crack and eventually fail.
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.
Liquid Plumbing Fumes Can Be Toxic
Although they are known as household products, some of the chemicals that go into Drano or Liquid Plumr can still be toxic. This most commonly refers to a chemical called sodium hydroxide. When inhaled, they can be caustic to the nose and throat.
Because these chemicals in liquid drain cleaners are so dangerous, it's critical to take proper precautions when using them. Simply breathing in the fumes of the chemicals can cause nose and throat irritation. Wearing a mask can help avoid this. However, these chemicals are even more dangerous if they touch the skin.
Make sure the plunger forms a tight seal over the opening of the drain, then start plunging. You may need to work for several minutes before you see much of a difference. Don't give up unless you have plunged for 5 minutes or more without a discernible change.
When your pipes are clogged, Drano will sit on top of the clog, continually reacting and generating heat until the clog dissolves. This can put a great deal of stress on your drains as the heat can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break or collapse.
Over time, drano can harden and become like cement. This will eventually require much more expensive repairs. It is recommended to use a camera and a snake to attack the cause of the clog. If you don't have the tools or the time to perform the work yourself, hire a plumber who can get it done quickly and correctly.
If standing water remains, use Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover. It pours straight through the water and attacks the clog directly. See? It's as easy as 1-2-3!
Using Drano once or twice is nothing to be too concerned about, and it likely won't cause damage to your pipes. However, if you find that a clog is showing up repeatedly, this can be a sign of deeper plumbing issues that should be addressed by a professional.
If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with hot water—very hot. Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain into the trap may dissolve the clog, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease. Hot tap water won't do the trick—it has to be boiling water.
Keep hands, face and children away from drains while using Drano® drain openers. Never use a plunger during or after use of Drano® drain openers because Drano® may still be present if drain did not clear. Do not use in toilets. For slow running toilets, use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover.
Boiling Water and Soap
To use boiling water and soap to get rid of your drain smell, the first thing you need to do is boil a pan full of water. Then, you'll mix it with soap and slowly pour it down through the sink plughole, little by little.
Chemical burns occur instantly if these products touch your mouth, eyes, or skin. This photo above on the left is from a household drain cleaner.
A majority of the patients with mild to moderate irritant exposure have a self-limited course with full recovery seen within 48 to 72 hours.
Thomas had swallowed one of the strongest chemicals, made to melt through thick clogs in pipes, Drano crystals. He was rushed to Charity Hospital, just floors below his mother and new baby brother. There he stayed for nearly three years.
What should I do if I inhale chemical or toxic fumes? If you have inhaled chemical or toxic fumes, you should get into fresh air straight away. Loosen tight clothing and open doors and windows wide. If you are with someone who has inhaled toxic fumes, seek medical attention immediately.
While the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in breaking down a clog, it will also cause your drain to become more damaged. The baking soda's abrasive nature will wear down your drain over time. This is why you should avoid using baking soda and vinegar solution for cleaning out your drain.
The thick bleach formula in Drano Max Gel Clog Remover cuts right through standing water, clinging to your toughest clogs to blast them fast. It works great to remove hair, soap scum, and other gunky clogs.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.