Yes, you can certainly use Drano in the kitchen sink to remove your garbage disposal. However, it’s not recommended at all because Drano is toxic for both humans and animals. Aside from that, it can damage the PVC pipes and severely damage and create leakage in the old pipes. But in some cases, it works as a temporary solution for severe clogs.
In this article today, I’ll break down every point of why you shouldn’t use Drano in your kitchen sink even if it’s safe.
Let’s say you have a clogged sink with some garbage stuck at the pipe. Drano claims that they have some products completely safe for garbage disposal. Such as-
- Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
- Drano Max Build-Up Remover
- Drano Liquid Drain Cleaner
- Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover
Though these products are safe, the manufacturer warns us to read the instructions before using the products. I recommend you choose other options, like using baking soda and vinegar rather than Drano. If your garbage disposal is mildly clogged, then you won’t even need the Drano.
What Is Drano?
Drano is a chemical drain cleaner used to remove clogs in household plumbing. It is a highly concentrated blend of sodium hydroxide, aluminum chips, and sodium nitrate. When mixed with water, it produces heat and creates a strong chemical reaction that can dissolve hair, grease, and other common clog-causing materials.
Drano drain cleaner is available in liquid or gel form. However, it also has some harmful effects but can be used as a temporary solution for severe clogs and should be handled with caution.
Is Drano Toxic?
Yes, Drano is highly toxic for humans and animals. As mentioned before, Drano has high and harsh chemicals that can even damage your plumbing fixtures. You can compare it with bleach. After using Drano you may have rashes, burnt skin, or allergic reactions in your skin if you don’t cover your skin properly. Plus, if you inhale the Drano, it can cause breathing problems.
Is It Safe to Use Drano For Unclogging The Kitchen Sink?
Nope! It’s not safe or recommended to use Drano to clean your garbage disposal. Drano has very harsh chemicals that can cause acidic or corrosive effects on the pipe or fittings of the plumbing of your kitchen sink. You should rather use other available enzyme-based cleaning chemicals.
You can use a plunger first. If it doesn’t work, then try using baking soda and vinegar. It’s a very natural and effective remedy to break down clogs without using abrasive chemicals.
Does Drano Work On a Garbage Disposal?
Yes, it can unclog your garbage disposal as it has very harsh and abrasive chemicals. The brand states that if you read the instructions and follow them carefully, there shouldn’t be any issues with unclogging.
However, the manufacturers also recommend not using one specific product of Drano. Drano Professional Strength Crystal Clog Remover is very abrasive, so using this can heavily damage your disposal. Therefore, for the abrasive nature of Drano, it’s recommended to use it too less often, not more.
Now, if you have decided to use Drano in your garbage disposal, then you better follow the steps given below-
- First, start by switching off the power of your garbage disposal. Just flip the switch under your sink or on the wall.
- Then, remove the drain cover on the top of the disposal.
- Now, pour a small amount of Drano down into the disposal.
- Immediately, run cold water down to the sink for 30 seconds to flush the drain.
- Next, switch on the power of your garbage disposal and run it for a couple of minutes to unclog the garbage.
- If the clog is mild, it should already go away. However, if it’s still clogged, then repeat the processes from the beginning.
- Once you can understand that the clog is completely cleared, then run hot water down to the drain to flush any residue of clog or Drano. You must run down hot water to eliminate all the residue of Drano, and also, if you skip the hot water part, the residue Drano can melt or damage your sink pipe and lead to severe damage.
If you follow the steps just as given here, there shouldn’t be any damage rather; the disposal will be cleaned properly. If you are still confused, check the video below.
How Often Should I Use Drano In A Garbage Disposal?
You can use Drano once a week to keep your drain or garbage disposal clean. However, if you have too much food waste, then you can use it more. Always remember that, DON’T use Drano more than 3 times a week. Otherwise, it’ll highly damage your disposal.
The Thumb rule is, when you’ll face a heavy clog in your disposal or drain, only use Drano then. Before using Drano, try using other DIY methods that can effectively clear your clogs without any single side effects.
When Should You Not Use Drano?
If you are still confused about using Drano, then I would love to remind you of some facts. Such as-
- If your house has PVC pipe, then don’t use Drano. Due to the acidic and corrosive nature of Drano, it can severely damage your pipe or fittings.
- Don’t use Drano in your toilet. As the construction of toilets uses traps of “S” shape, Drano won’t even reach the blocage.
- If you use Drano unconsciously and get it engaged with your body part, it can cause burns to the skin and eyes.
- Sometimes Drano makes the problem worse as it can’t work with all types of clogs.
- It can be dangerous if used improperly, such as mixing with other chemicals.
- Lastly, you shouldn’t use Drano in a house with old pipes as it can damage the glue holding the pipe together.
Can You Leave Drano For Overnight?
No, you can’t. You shouldn’t leave Drano overnight as it can melt the pipes or damage the plumbing fixtures. Rather, you shouldn’t even leaven Drano in the drain or pipe for more than 30 minutes. Your goal should be to clean your disposal as soon as possible after using Drano. So, don’t leave Drano in your kitchen garbage disposal for more than 30 minutes.
How Do You Unclog A Kitchen Sink Drain With A Garbage Disposal?
Let’s see what we can do before using any chemical base products in your garbage disposal-
1. Check Manually
First, take a peek inside your disposal and find out the main culprit behind the clog. Use a pillar or tong to unclog or loosen the clog and repeat the process until there is any disposal.
2. Baking Soda & Vinegar
This solution is a worldwide effective DIY hack. After mixing the equal amount, just pour the solution into the garbage disposal. Wait for 20 minutes to break down the clog. Wash down the waste with hot water to remove any residue.
3. Plungers
The plunger works by using the water pressure to push the tough clogs down to the drain. Use the plunger to plunge up and down vigorously to loosen the clog. Repeat the process until the clog is gone.
4. Call The Plumbing Service
If all of these don’t work, then calm for any plumbing expert service. Just search Plumbing service near me and find the best feedback service.
Lastly, Should I Not Use Drano?
It’s a debate. I’ve described all the nuts and bolts of using Drano. It can somehow damage your blades or fixtures if you overuse this or do not use this according to the instructions. However, it cleans up any clogs very well. So, now the choice is yours if you want to use it or not. Therefore, if you use this I’ll recommend reading the manual very carefully and following the directions.
FAQs
What drain cleaner is safe for garbage disposal?
The safest options for drain cleaners for garbage disposals include vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid-based cleaners. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach or lye as they can damage the disposal and pipes. However, if you ask for commercial products then you can check the below products.
- Liquid Plumr Kitchen Clog Destroyed Gel
- Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer Plus+Pipeguard
Can you use Liquid Plumr in a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal?
Yes, it’s completely safe to use liquid inside your garbage disposal. Just pour it through your disposal, wait for a while, and then run down tap water to remove all the waste.
Final Verdict
So, that’s all for today – Can you use Drano in the kitchen sink with the garbage disposal?
Now, if you want the straight answer then the answer is, Yes. But, Is it recommended? No! It can clear all the garbage and waste, as well as it can damage the pipes and fixtures. So, if you’re having trouble with the clogged garbage disposal, first use the plunger or baking soda & vinegar solution. If these methods are not effective, then use Drano. Carefully use Drano and follow the steps. Best of luck!
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