Drano Max Gel Clog Remover will not damage metal pipes. However, you should not use it in your toilet, and some people report problems with plastic pipes. Can Drano make a clog worse?

When physically removing a clog isn’t possible, the next step is to break up the clog with home solutions. “Sometimes all it takes is very hot water to clear the path,” says Dougherty. “Be careful not to use boiling water. If the pipe is plastic, the high heat from boiling water could partially melt and deform the material.” The manufacturer states that it won’t damage plastic and acid-resistant metal pipes (copper). It can also be used in tubs or showers, though avoid using it in pipes made of corrosion-prone metals like aluminum or galvanized steel.By now you probably know that enzymes are naturally occurring bacteria that break down residue. Bio-Clean is our favorite enzymatic drain cleaner for its efficient and biodegradable formula that doesn't compromise its cleaning power. All the organic waste and buildup found in drains (like hair, soap scum, and paper) act as food for the bacteria in this drain cleaner. It will feed on, swallow, and digest the clog, ultimately clearing your drain. Because the formula in Bio-Clean only affects organic matter, it will not damage your pipes and other inorganic materials. As a bonus, this product has environmentally-friendly ingredients that will not create harmful fumes. CON: It may require additional equipment when used, which are not indicated on the label. What NOT to Flush Down Your Septic System For Liquid-Plumr, you shouldn’t use the product for unclogging toilets or dishwashers. Avoid using a plunger along with Drano and Liquid-Plumr. The force from plunging can cause the drain cleaner to splash out of the bowl. Do not use Liquid-Plumr for your garbage disposal unless you’ve chosen a product specifically designed for that purpose. Liquid-Plumr can also not remove foreign objects from the drains. So if there is silverware or something else causing a clog — you will need to call a plumber. While this drain cleaner shouldn’t be used in toilets, it’s suitable for garbage disposals and septic systems. Follow the directions to avoid any possible accidents, such as switching on the disposal too soon, which can cause drain cleaner to spray out. This product also can be used in standing water to clear clogs and get the wastewater flowing into the septic system or to the municipal sewer system again.

The tire producer / manufacturer of the tires you are buying, and Canadian Tire is responsible for the recycling fee that is included in your invoice. The tire producer / manufacturer and Canadian Tire uses this fee to pay for the collection, transportation, and processing of used tires. Enzyme cleaners use bacteria to eat away at the clog, breaking them down into tiny particles so it can be washed away. These are a bit safer and eco-friendly since they don’t contain harsh chemicals, but they’re not always as powerful and effective as chemical cleaners. It can be challenging to know where to start when shopping for a drain cleaner. If the clog isn't bad, we recommend putting in the elbow grease and using a drain snake to start. If that doesn't work, it's time to pull out the drain cleaner. Type If consumed, it can lead to drain cleaner poisoning. It can also damage plastic used in old pipes if not used specifically according to the directions. Not Effective on Toilet or Sewer LineBoth of the plumbing professionals we spoke to recommended using enzymatic drain cleaners to treat and maintain your pipes safely. Busch again emphasizes the key to clearing out a clog with a drain cleaner is to follow the directions exactly if you don’t want to damage your pipes.

If there is standing water in the shower or bathtub, Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, suggests using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the pipe. Additionally, a plumber’s snake with a small auger can often clear hair and debris from your pipes without using any chemicals.Grease is one of the top kitchen sink cloggers, and while it’s best to keep as much grease out of your sink as possible, sometimes grease buildup happens. The Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener is the best drain cleaner for grease since an easy-to-use product that's reliable and effective on grease and other clogs in your home.

This heat can melt plastic pipes or corrode metal pipes. While caustic drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs, they are also dangerous if they touch your skin and they can lead to corrosion of the pipes. With the drain stopper removed, pour the drain cleaner as slowly and steadily as possible into the clogged drain. Before resorting to using chemicals or a plumber’s snake with an auger, a plunger is the easiest solution for toilet clogs. “Everyone should have a plunger at home to help them get through unexpected clogs. This is the first tool to try if the clog is in your toilet,” says Thomas Dougherty, Vice President of Operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. So, if you’re wondering which drain cleaner is “better,” rest assured knowing both are effective. What Others Are SayingThis Green Gobbler enzymatic cleaner contains a proprietary blend of eco-friendly ingredients that gobbles up toilet paper wads, cotton swabs, hair, lint, grease, and soap scum clogs. Use it in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, tubs, showers, and even toilets—the noncorrosive, biodegradable formula is safe on all kinds of pipes, from plastic to copper. The enzymes present in the formula work on a range of substances, including food, hair, grease, oil, and even paper. By breaking them down into liquid form, they can be easily flushed away. For optimal results, it is recommended to leave the formula in the drain overnight and use hot water to flush it out the next morning. While this is relatively easy to do with a kitchen sink and garbage disposal, it may require more effort for a separate drain. The 32-ounce bottle of commercial cleaner comes with a convenient pour spout for effortless application. Just pour a few ounces of cleaner into the drain, wait 15 to 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.