Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

It is better and safer to use a drain snake than Drano. Most professional plumbers advise against using chemical drain cleaners like Drano because they can damage pipes over time, are less effective at fully removing clogs, and pose health and environmental risks.

What is the strongest thing to unclog a drain?

The strongest drain unblockers generally contain powerful chemicals like sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye), or strong enzymatic formulas, with Santeen Sulfuric Acid noted for high potency on organic matter, while Green Gobbler or Liquid-Plumr Industrial Strength gels are popular for hair and grease. However, for extreme clogs, professional-grade products like Hercules Clobber (sodium hydroxide) are used by plumbers, but these potent chemicals require extreme caution and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Is it better to use a snake or drain cleaner?

Drain snakes are more effective

Simply put, drain snakes are more effective at busting clogs than chemical drain cleaners. Chemical cleaners often struggle to pierce tough blockages. Instead of dissolving the clog, the chemicals sit on top and slowly eat away at your pipes.

Should I use Drano before or after snake?

For a tough clog, use a drain snake first to physically pull out the blockage (hair, gunk), then follow with a chemical cleaner like Drano to dissolve any residue, as recommended by some systems. However, many plumbers advise against chemicals like Drano due to potential pipe damage, preferring to snake thoroughly or call a pro for persistent clogs, as the snake clears physical obstructions while chemicals can leave residue or harm pipes, say experts from this YouTube video, this Reddit thread, and ctseweranddrainllc.com.
 

What do plumbers recommend to clean drains?

Professional plumbers typically use tools like drain snakes (manual or powered), hydro-jetters, and augers for drain cleaning. These tools help remove clogs by either mechanically breaking up blockages or using high-pressure water to clear debris.

Drain Snake VS Drano VS Baking Soda & Vinegar for SHOWER CLOG

Why do plumbers say not to use drain cleaner?

Damage to Pipes: Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a heat reaction that dissolves the clog. Unfortunately, this heat can also warp or damage plastic pipes and can corrode older, metal pipes. Over time, repeated use of these cleaners can lead to leaks and other serious plumbing issues.

What will dissolve hair in a clogged drain?

To dissolve hair in a drain, use a baking soda and vinegar mixture followed by hot water for a natural approach, or for tougher clogs, use a chemical drain cleaner (with caution) or a mechanical tool like a plumber's snake. For immediate results, you can also use tweezers or pliers to manually pull out visible hair from the stopper area before applying any solution.
 

How much does a plumber charge to run a snake?

On average, hiring a plumber to snake a drain costs between $100 and $300 for common household drains like sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers. If the blockage is in the main sewer line, prices can range from $150 to $500 or more.

When not to use a drain snake?

Drain Snakes Can Damage Plumbing Fixtures

If you have porcelain-coated bathtubs, toilets, or sinks, using a metal drain snake to dislodge a clog can result in damage to those fixtures.

How can I tell if the clog is deep?

Unlike surface clogs, which affect individual fixtures, a deep blockage impacts multiple drains at once, leading to more serious plumbing problems. If you notice slow drains, unusual backups, or foul odors, these could be signs of a deep blockage that requires immediate attention.

What are common mistakes using drain snakes?

Misusing Plumbing Tools

Forcing a drain snake can damage pipes or push the blockage deeper, making it more difficult to remove. Similarly, over-reliance on plungers without understanding the nature of the clog can exacerbate the problem.

What are two things you should never flush down a toilet?

These items should NEVER be flushed down the toilet:

• Anything plastic.
• Band-Aids.
• Bleach.
• Cat litter/ excrement.
• Chewing gum.
• Cigarette butts.
• Coffee grounds.
• Condoms.

Why won't my snake clear a clogged drain?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty, for example. A drain snake (also known as an auger) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.

Does Dawn dish soap unclog drains?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can help unclog minor kitchen drain blockages, especially those caused by grease and oil, by using its degreasing power with hot water to break down and flush away buildup, but it's less effective for solid clogs like hair or food, and some experts warn it can even worsen severe clogs if grease re-solidifies further down. For best results, pour soap directly into the drain, let it sit, then flush with boiling water, but for tough blockages, a plunger or drain snake is usually needed.
 

Is Liquid-Plumr better than Drano Max gel?

Drano Max Gel and Liquid-Plumr are both popular chemical drain cleaners, with testing suggesting Drano might be slightly better for hair clogs and Liquid-Plumr good for general maintenance, but both struggle with tougher blockages like grease and food, and plumbers generally advise against them due to potential pipe damage, recommending plungers or snakes first, especially for PVC pipes. Choose based on your clog type (Drano for hair, maybe Liquid-Plumr for grease) but be aware of risks.
 

What not to pour down the drain?

You should not pour fats, oils, grease (FOG), coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous foods (like celery, potato peels), pasta, rice, paint, medications, and harsh chemical cleaners down the drain, as they clog pipes and pollute water; instead, dispose of them in the trash or take hazardous waste to a proper facility. Also avoid flushing items like "flushable" wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, as they don't break down and cause severe blockages.
 

What do professional plumbers use to unclog drains?

Professional plumbers use mechanical tools like drain snakes (augers) for basic clogs, powerful hydro-jetting for tough buildup, and specialized equipment like camera inspections to diagnose issues, often avoiding harsh chemicals for safer, more effective, long-term solutions. They select tools based on clog severity, from small clogs in sink drains to tree roots in main lines, prioritizing methods that clear the pipe thoroughly. 

Is snaking bad for pipes?

Yes, a drain snake can damage pipes, especially if it's the wrong size, used too aggressively, or if the pipes are old and corroded, potentially causing scratches, cracks, or punctures, leading to leaks, particularly with PVC, cast iron, or older metal pipes, but professionals generally know how to avoid this. The risk increases with improper technique, using a snake too large for the pipe, or dealing with fragile, aged plumbing, where excessive force can break weak spots.
 

Can snakes come up through shower drains?

While it may sound like something out of a horror movie, snakes can find their way into drains and even toilets. This is especially true in areas where snakes are more common, like near natural bodies of water.

Does Dollar tree have drain snakes?

Yes, Dollar Tree does carry drain snakes, specifically the flexible plastic type (often branded as Roto-Rooter or Drain Rooter) that are great for snagging hair and small clogs in sinks and showers, available for about $1.50-$1.75, perfect for quick fixes without harsh chemicals.
 

How much does Roto Rooter charge to snake a drain?

Roto Rooter Main Sewer Line Cost

A popular method of unclogging is using a roto rooter, which costs homeowners between $200 and $450 on average.

How do you know if your main line is clogged?

You know your main sewer line is clogged if multiple drains (toilets, sinks, tubs) are slow or backing up, you hear gurgling sounds in fixtures, smell sewage, or see water coming from your main cleanout pipe or a basement floor drain when using water. A single fixture issue is usually localized, but a main line clog affects the whole system because all pipes feed into it. 

Is it okay to pour boiling water down the drain?

It's generally not recommended to pour boiling water down the drain, especially in homes with modern PVC pipes, as the extreme heat can soften plastic, warp pipes, damage seals, and melt glue, potentially causing leaks or clogs to shift further down. While occasional hot tap water is fine, boiling water poses risks like pipe damage, porcelain cracks, and steam burns, with plumbers advising safer methods for clogs. 

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

You should avoid using baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains because the fizzing reaction creates weak, temporary pressure that doesn't break up tough clogs, can push debris further down, and the resulting salt water isn't a strong cleaner; plus, vinegar's acidity and the reaction's buildup can damage pipes and rubber seals over time, making the problem worse or leading to leaks, with better options being plunging, drain snakes, or enzyme cleaners.
 

Why is my bathtub taking forever to drain and I already clogged all the hair?

Mineral deposits: For homes with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate inside your drain pipe, narrowing the opening and causing slow drainage. These deposits can combine with other residues, leading to significant blockages.