Whether it be food particles, soap scum, hair, or other organic materials, your drain has seen it all. It can be convenient to consider your drain to be a miniature receptacle for residual waste, but the more times a drain is exposed to grime and gunk, the more likely it is to be clogged.
Clogged drains can be an incredibly frustrating problem, but products like Drano and Liquid-Plumr have been designed to break up clogs and free your drain of obstructive materials. In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits of each product for specific drain concerns and what you need to know before buying. Additionally, we’ll offer advice about when it’s time to call a professional.
Let’s get started!
Drano Overview
Drano has been a staple in household cleaning regimes since 1923. It has become one of the most recognized names in drain cleaning. The company has created many products over the years, such as the Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, the Drano Max Gel Clog Remover (Commercial), and the Drano Balance Clog Remover.
All three products have the same basic ingredients. The ingredients in Drano involve water, a defoaming agent, a corrosion inhibitor, and bleach. Each of these ingredients work together to break up tough materials that coat drains, such as hair, soap scum, and more.
Liquid-Plumr Overview
Liquid-Plumr is another very popular brand for removing drain clogs. Established in the middle of the 20th century, its reputation is well-known, as the price has consistently remained affordable. Today, Liquid-Plumr offers various products that work excellently for specific drain issues, such as the Full Clog Destroyer, which is ideal for pipes with touch clogs. Another great product is the Hair Clog Eliminator, which works well to break up hair-related blockages.
Drano vs. Liquid-Plumr: Key Differences
So, what are the key differences between Drano and Liquid Plumr? In this portion of the article, we will investigate the leading aspects of each product that make them stand out.
1. Active Ingredients
Drano and Liquid-Plumr both offer great clog solutions, but they have different active ingredients that suit various plumbing issues. Drano uses sodium hydroxide (lye) and sodium silicate. This combination is likened to “liquid glass,” as it protects pipes during the chemical reaction that dissolves a clog. On the other hand, Liquid-Plumr uses PipeGuard, which is an additive to minimize corrosion risk. If you intend to use one product frequently, the better option might be Liquid-Plumr, as it is safer for more regular use in places like bathrooms, where hair is often an issue.
2. Product Forms
Both products have multiple forms available, such as liquids, gels, foams, and powders. Liquid forms are usually thinner, enabling it to reach a clog. Kitchen sinks and bathroom drains are the best conduit for these products, as Liquid-Plumr’s Full Clog Destroyer is a great example.
Gels are also quite useful against tougher clogs, as the heaviness allows them to physically push through standing water to reach a clog. Drano Max Gel is a fairly popular and effective solution among gels. Lastly, foam is perfect for soap scum, as it dissolves clogs over time.
3. Effectiveness
Drano and Liquid-Plumr are both quite effective at cleaning drains, but they perform differently based on the type of clog you’re contending with. Liquid-Plumr is known for breaking down dense hair clogs and soap scum at rapid speeds, which makes it a strong choice among professionals for bigger clogs.
Drano is ideal for grease clogs, as the gel dissolves oils quickly, but this product can damage PVC pipes if used in excessive amounts or too frequently.
4. Price Comparison
When comparing price per bottle Liquid-Plumr is more affordable, usually ranging from $5-15. However, Drano has a wider range of products offered, whether you have a clog issue, an odor issue, or both. Drano products can be up to $20 per product, but this increase in price reflects the special formulation offered for grease concerns or septic care.
5. Safety Considerations
Both products contain caustic chemicals that require proper safety precautions. Not only can you cause plumbing damage by not using the products as intended, but you can injure yourself as well. It is recommended that you use gloves and masks to avoid respiratory or skin irritation. In terms of plumbing considerations, Drano uses sodium silicate, which can be quite tough on PVC pipes, potentially leading to structural damage.
6. Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of Drano and Liquid-Plumr are minimized when the products are used responsibly. If not, the corrosive agents in the products can contaminate water sources and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, altering the pH of the water irreparably.
Which is Better for Different Clogs?
Now that we have reviewed the important items to consider when choosing a product, let’s visit each common clog-related issue seen in drains, and discuss the proper product for addressing all issues individually.
1. Hair Clogs
Liquid-Plumr may be more effective for hair due to its specific formulation, which is designed for hair removal. It is recommended, for hair clogs, that you use a foaming product to better coat the hair and dissolve the clog.
2. Grease Clogs
For grease clogs in kitchen sinks, Drano tends to perform better with stubborn blockages. These products include lye, which catalyzes a strong heat reaction that liquefies grease and clears blockages quickly. If you have smaller grease buildup, Liquid Plumr should work just fine, and it is safe for long term use in your pipes.
3. Toilet Clogs
Neither Drano or Liquid Plumr is ideal for toilets. In the case of a toilet clog, use a plunger, or other toilet-specific products. If you do not have a plunger, you can use an auger to loosen and extract an obstruction, or you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to let the solution break up small blockages.
Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners
As mentioned with toilet clogs, there are other methods to clearing obstructions that do not involve the use of caustic drain cleaners (though, there is nothing wrong with bringing out stronger chemicals). A gentler method uses around a gallon of hot/boiling water and half a cup of dish soap. The combination will produce a subtle reaction that breaks up little clogs or food particles.
When to Call a Plumber
Professional help is the last step to take, when the drain cleaners do not work. If you have persistent clogs or if you suspect pipe damage, it’s time to call a plumber.
1. Persistent Clogs
It is wise to call a plumber if the clog persists despite multiple attempts to clear it, with a drain cleaner or mechanical methods.
2. Severe Clogs
If you are concerned about serious clogs involving main sewer lines, definitely call a plumber to have them assess the issue. If left untreated, a clog in this position can cause serious health and other hazards.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Drano and Liquid-Plumr, there are differences in formulation and effectiveness, but the products equally offer clog removal. It is important to know which product works better for certain issues.
Drano, for instance, is best for tough kitchen clogs involving grease or food particles. However, if you have PVC plumbing or are prone to hair clogs, Liquid-Plumr should be your first line of defense. Regardless of which product you choose, always use them safely, and remember that preventative maintenance is the key to extending the life of your plumbing system!
