Why drain cleaning professionals don’t like Drano (and what to do instead)

If your sink is slow or your shower is backing up, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of Drano (or any “chemical drain opener”) and hope for the best. We get it — you want the quickest fix.

But here’s why most drain cleaning professionals avoid Drano and similar products, and what we recommend instead.

1) It often doesn’t fix the real clog

Many clogs aren’t a simple “chunk” you can dissolve. In real homes, slow drains are usually caused by:

• Grease buildup in kitchen lines
• Hair + soap scum in bathroom drains
• Sludge and biofilm coating the pipe walls
• Mineral scale (hard water buildup)
• Main line issues (tree roots, bellies, heavy buildup)

Drain opener might burn a small hole through the blockage and make it seem better — but the pipe is often still coated, so the clog returns fast.

2) It can damage pipes (especially older plumbing)

Chemical drain openers create heat and corrosion. Over time, that can:

• Weaken older metal pipes
• Worsen existing cracks, worn joints, or corrosion
• Damage certain PVC connections if overused
• Create leaks you don’t notice until there’s cabinet or wall damage

If your home is older, or you’ve used chemicals repeatedly, it’s one of the first things we ask about on a service call.

3) It’s dangerous for you — and for the technician later

This is a big one. When drain opener is sitting in a clogged line, it can splash back during plunging, snaking, or when the trap is opened. That creates a burn risk to the homeowner and anyone working on the drain.

If you already poured chemicals and the drain is still clogged, tell the pro before they start.

4) It can make professional clearing harder

Some chemicals can thicken into a gel-like mess when they hit standing water and debris. That can:

• Slow down the clearing process
• Require extra flushing and safety steps
• Increase the chance of a messy cabinet cleanup

5) It’s rough on septic systems (and not great for the environment)

If you’re on septic, harsh chemicals can disrupt the bacteria your system relies on. And frequent chemical use isn’t great for wastewater systems either.

Try these in order:

Step 1: Boiling water (kitchen only)

For greasy kitchen drains, carefully pour very hot water down the drain in stages. (Avoid this if you suspect a PVC problem or the drain is fully blocked and overflowing.)

Step 2: Dish soap + hot water

A few seconds of dish soap followed by hot water can help break up grease.

Step 3: Plunger (yes, on sinks too)

Use a sink plunger with enough water to cover the cup. Block the overflow opening with a wet rag for better suction.

Step 4: Clean the stopper and hair catcher

In showers and bathroom sinks, you’d be shocked how often the clog is right at the top.

Step 5: P-trap cleanout (bathroom sinks)

If you’re comfortable, place a bucket under the P-trap and remove it to clear gunk. (If you’ve used chemicals, don’t do this—it can burn.)

Call a drain cleaning professional if:

• The clog comes back repeatedly
• Multiple drains are slow (possible main line issue)
• You smell sewage or see gurgling/bubbling
• You’ve plunged and cleaned the stopper and nothing changes
• Water is backing up in a tub when you flush (common sign of a main line clog)

A pro can clear the line safely and recommend the right fix — whether that’s snaking, jetting, or a camera inspection.

Need help in Aurora / Centennial / Parker / Denver?

If your drain is backing up or you’re dealing with repeated clogs, we can help you figure out what’s going on and get it cleared safely — without harsh chemicals.

Give our drain pros a call at (720) 779-4946

Tip: If you already used Drano, just let us know so we can take the right safety steps.