This article may contain some affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on any of teh links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
When it’s time to wash the toilet, different people use different detergents or special cleaning agents that tend to have more cleansing power.
However, when your toilet is clogged, it’s a whole different scenario. To unclog a toilet, you need to use a reliable product that would do the job perfectly. Some people use Drano products in an attempt to unclog their toilet drain, but is this proper? Can you use Drano in a toilet?
Well, it is essential to note that Drano manufactures different products with chemical formulas. These chemicals used in making Drano products can heat PVC pipes and melt them; thus, most people don’t recommend using Drano for unclogging toilet drains.
Why Is Your Toilet Clogged?
Apparently, you flushed a hard material that could not easily pass through the toilet’s pipe, and so the material or object got your drain clogged. Well, you may not have intentionally did this, but it does happen sometimes.
There are many other possible reasons why your toilet drain is clogged, but that’s not the main point here.
This article aims to clarify the usage of Drano for unclogging toilet drains, and below is the detailed explanation you seek.
What is Drano?
Drano® (Drāno) is an American brand that produces drain cleaning products owned by S. C. Johnson & Son.
The Drano product is a lye-based household drainage cleaning solution that is sold in different forms, consisting of variations of sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium chloride (salt), sodium nitrate, and aluminum.
The product contains ingredients chemicals that can quickly dissolve hair, gunk, and soap scum. Drano can be used to unclog a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, clogged bathtub, shower, but avoid using them in the toilet.
Can You Use Drano In a Toilet?
Firstly, it is essential to note that toilet drains are typically different from the rest drains in a house. This is because toilet drains are constructed with PVC pipes and not steel.
Hence, when the PVC pipe is clogged, one of the ways to unclog it is by uninstalling the pipe and then pull out the clog.
But not everyone would love to try this method; hence, the controversy about using products like Drano cleaners becomes the day’s topic.
Basically, it is not advisable to flush down Drano through your toilet drain in a bid to unclog the pipe. Why? This is because PVC pipes are not resistant to caustic chemicals, and virtually all Drano products are caustic.
More so, unlike kitchen sink clog, which can typically happen due to soap and other minor objects, for your toilet to get clogged means something huge forcefully went down the drain.
Drano products can work perfectly for unclogging kitchen drains but definitely won’t work for your toilet. You may end up damaging the PV pipe used for your toilet drain while trying to use Drano to remove the clog in there.
Here’s how Drano products work and why you shouldn’t use them for your toilet drain.
How Does Drano Work?
Drano does produce a lot of products, including an enzyme-based liquid, which works for preventing your drains from getting clogged.
Most Drano products are formulated with sodium hydroxide (lye) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
These chemicals (particularly sodium hydroxide) are caustic and work perfectly for removing greases, thick grime, soap scum, and other gunk that may accumulate and form clogs.
Also, these chemicals would definitely generate intense heat when applied to any surface.
As an oxidizing agent, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) lifts greases and grime and makes them easily washable. Apparently, PVC pipes can’t withstand intense heat – they’d melt if subjected to such temperature.
Thus, being that Drano classic drain cleaner can generate incredibly intense heat, it is not recommended for unclogging PVC pipes.
Well, it’s not just Drano drain cleaners; you should not use a chemical drain cleaner for your toilet.
Not only do they have the tendency of bursting your toilet drain, but they can also burn your hand or any part of your body that comes in contact with the liquid chemical.
Understanding that a clogged toilet could be a serious problem to you, it is advisable to be mindful of what you flush through the W.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Drano to work?
It can take Drano up to 60 minutes to work, but it totally depends on the degree of the clog.
How dangerous is Drano?
The continued usage of Drano can corrode or crack your pipes over time, which will eventually lead to the pipes failing.
Drano is also dangerous for your eyes, lungs, and skin. Since Drano is meant to dissolve organic tissues, if it touches your bare skin, mouth, or eyes, it can cause rashes and burns if you not washed off immediately.
Why do plumbers hate Drano?
Basically, most drain cleaners such as Drano and Liquid Plumber are dangerous. They are formulated with a very harsh chemical that can potentially be hazardous to pets, humans, and the plumbing itself.
What happens if you don’t flush Drano?
Not flushing Drano will not be a big problem in a sink drain, but it can create a serious issue in a toilet since the product does not work quickly on the toilet.
The heat generated from the chemical reaction can soften the PVC of the pipes or crack the porcelain of the toilet.
Can Drano make a clog worse?
Yes, just like other chemical cleaners, Drano can worsen a clog by turning it into a more solid, congealed mass. It can also build up in a clogged area, thereby corroding the pipe.
With repeated use, Drano may also eat their way through a pipe, causing a leak or a total collapse of the system.
Can you shower after using Drano?
Yes, once the chemical is flushed out with enough water, nothing corrosive should remain there, so showering should be totally safe.
Summary
Can you use Drano in a toilet? The simple answer is NO. Don’t try using Drano to unclog your Drano; the company itself (Drano) does not recommend using its products on toilet drains.
The best alternative way to unclog your toiler is using a Plunger, or you can get a plumber to do the job for you. But, if you must do it yourself, ensure to use a Plunger or get a toilet auger, also called a closet auger or closet snake.
Note: Don’t use a chemical drain cleaner to unclog your toilet; some people learned this the hard way.