Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Some_Unusual_Name t1_j2fpica wrote

Reply to comment by fubo in [ELI5] Why do plumbers hate Drano? by kalesalaad5

I'm a plumber, you're fairly spot on but 5 things to consider.

  1. If a plunger didn't work then draino is unlikely to work as the clog is likely past the trap and vent meaning that the draino will be very diluted if it ever makes its way to the clog. If it's just a slow drain the draino will drain past it and not help.

  2. Draino can weaken pipes. They swear up and down on the bottle that it doesn't, but it does.

  3. People often have leaks under their sink that they didn't know about. Now there is draino covering your cabinet and floor, possibly leaking into the ceiling space of the floor below.

  4. Draino has lye in it, your pipes have fat and grease in them. What do you get when you mix them together? Hard soap. Do it enough and you've made you problem a lot worse, it can also strip the oils from hair and leave behind the protein eventually causing a bigger problem.

  5. It weakens auger cables. Weak auger cables can break off in pipes. Your problem just got a lot worse.

I started with 2 things to consider but more just kept coming to me. Seriously, try plunging, try using a hand held auger, don't pour boiling water into any of your fixtures, baking soda and vinegar won't do anything (but if you insist on trying DO NOT MIX WITH DRAINO)

33

Peace_Hopeful t1_j2fsg45 wrote

What's bad about pouring in boiling water?

10

legendofthegreendude t1_j2fwhmt wrote

Not a plumber but have done some basic construction work on sites and in houses. A lot of modern plumbing uses PVC pipe or some plastic equivalent. Pouring boiling water into a drain that's clogged shut can trap that water and transfer the heat to the pipe leading it to deform or the joints to come loose.

What I would personally be more worried about is if it's a slower leak. Your drainage pipes have lots of fat and such in them. The hot water will melt or dislodge chunks of it that will reform into a larger problem farther down the pipe.

6

Ironfishmonger t1_j2fvwi3 wrote

Sodium Hydroxide gives off a lot of heat when dissolved in water. By giving it a head start with pre-boiled water you risk it splattering and that stuff does not like human skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

1

Taleya t1_j2fv9en wrote

Baking soda and vinegar are great if you've got a bit of a stank in your drain, but won't do shit for a clog

7