3. Oftentimes, the method for clearing clogged drains will depend on the cause. Caustic Drain Cleaners and Plumbing Pipe Corrosion. My biggest worry is that continued use of harsh chemicals like Drano will cause breaks or leaks in the pipe, in turn causing drywall damage to the ceilings downstairs. Plumbing System Damage 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. Not good. Plumbing System Damage 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. It is a caustic substance designed to dissolve biological matter. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, ... Inhaling the fumes can also cause serious damage to your lungs. Again, with it sitting in the pipes for a while, it can either be corrosive and damage the joints between pipes or the PVC itself. When a drain moves slowly or seems clogged, most people reach for the miracle gel, Drano. In fact, Drano ® Max Gel Clog Remover contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion. You’ll be dealing with a clogged toilet and then leaks on top of it. With so many things that can cause a clog, you have to make sure that the clog in question is one that Drano is effective on. You’ll learn: The type of clogs Drano can and cannot handle; How Drano works; How to use Drano to get the most out of it; And much more NOPE. Pros . Lye is a base, not an acid. Your safe options include Max Gel Clog Remover, Dual-Force® Foamer Clog Remover, Max Build-Up Remover, and for Liquid Drain Cleaner. Fortunately, Liquid-Plumr ® is safe for all pipe types except rubber, which is present in some fittings. Advertisement Aside from their effect on pipes, there are other disadvantages to chemical drain cleaners. Q: How long can you leave a liquid plumber in a pipe? Too many uses will lead to trouble. Finally, Drano is a hazard for those with small children and pets. 1 0. Be aware that drano fluid can also burn your skin and stain your clothes so be careful while pouring into drain or sinks. Less effective than comparable drain cleaners. These products are damaging in other ways as well. If any of these things happen, you’re going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs. Drano can leave behind a residue that is just as bad as the hair that it's trying to get rid of. Is this a legit concern? Finally, … Drano, Liquid-Plumr, and countless other popular brands offer drain cleaning products that can not only clear your drain, but leave a fresh lemony scent afterwards. So yes, it does work as long as the right conditions are present for its success. All Drano® products are safe and can be used with plastic pipes or metal pipes. Do Drano and / or Liquid plumber damage pipes? DEAR TIM: You're completely wrong in your past column about using Drano for clogs. Drano is used very often since it’s a convenient do-it-yourself option that’s available at any hardware store. Drano® products are powerful enough to dissolve nasty clogs, but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes, so there's no need to worry. However, PVC pipes have a melting point of 176 degrees F. Pouring boiling water down a PVC pipe can soften the pipe. Further Pipe Damage. Check Price Bottom Line . I would rather have one of my people deal with it professionally (sounds like it needs to be snaked and then put on a routine maintenance schedule) than to have Drano like products put down there and damage the pipes etc. I have heard mixed things about whether these products will damage pipes (e.g. But with all the glitz and glam, some homeowners are still asking the question, “Does drain cleaner damage pipes? Aside from being caustic, chemical drain cleaners result in tangible environmental repercussions. When you think of drain cleaners, Drano is probably the first brand that pops into your head. According to The American Society of Home Inspectors, PVC pipe is only rated to 140 degrees F under pressure (see Resources section). But, that chemical reaction generates heat that can damage your pipes. This is a pro-strength drain cleaner, in a liquid-gel format that is heavier than water, and offers a better chance of slipping down through your clogged pipes. And the explosions do happen. Max Gel . Also, you should never use chemical drain cleaners in completely blocked drains. May emit a pungent odor. It can also ignite flammable material near or around the pipe. based on types of pipes, age, etc). You see, because they produce heat, chemical drain cleaners can warp or damage softer pipes like plastic and older metal piping. It’s such a handy product for DIY plumbers… However, it can be harmful to your pipes, and it doesn’t always work. 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