Drain cleaners are a must-have for any homeowner. Clogged drains can cause all sorts of problems, from water damage to bad smells.
Drano and Liquid Plumr are two of the most popular drain cleaner brands on the market. They both promise to clear your drains of any clogs, but which one is really better?
In this article, we will compare Liquid Plumr vs Drano and help you decide which one is right for you!
Liquid Plumr vs Drano: How Do They Work?
Both Liquid Plumr and Drano work by using caustic chemicals to break down the clog in your drain.
Drano uses sodium hydroxide, which is also known as lye. This chemical is very effective at breaking down organic material, like hair and grease.
Liquid Plumr also uses caustic chemicals, but they are a bit different. Liquid Plumr contains copper sulfate pentahydrate and sodium hydroxide.
Copper sulfate pentahydrate is a blue crystal that is commonly used as an herbicide or algicide. It works by binding to the cell walls of plants and algae, causing them to rupture and die.
Sodium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a white solid that is also known as caustic soda or lye. It is commonly used in drain cleaners because it breaks down organic material very well.
Both of these brands have multiple products and they have many things in common. You’ll find them using the same core materials with slight variations in the additives in most cases.
Plus, both of these brands use gel formula so that the cleaner can get into the clog without dissolving into the water remaining in the drain pipe.
Liquid Plumr or Drano: Which is More Effective?
When it comes to effectiveness, both Liquid Plumr and Drano are pretty evenly matched. They both use caustic chemicals to break down clogs, and they both work relatively quickly.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, Liquid Plumr contains copper sulfate pentahydrate, which can be toxic if ingested.
Drano, on the other hand, only contains sodium hydroxide, which is not as toxic. In terms of safety, Drano is the better choice.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Liquid Plumr can take longer to work if the clog is very stubborn. Drano, on the other hand, usually works within minutes.
So, if you need a drain cleaner that is going to work quickly and efficiently, Drano is probably your best bet.
However, this can’t be guaranteed that one will work better than the other in all cases. I’m claiming this based on my research and experience, along with the users’ feedback.
One thing that you should know is that both of these products are effective. Which one is more effective is a question that’s hard to answer conclusively.
Which is More Affordable?
In terms of affordability, Liquid Plumr and Drano are both pretty reasonable. They are both available at most hardware stores and supermarkets.
Liquid Plumr is usually a bit more expensive than Drano, but not by much. So, if you are looking for a drain cleaner that is affordable and effective, either one will do.
The price difference is so negligible that you won’t even notice. One or two bucks difference isn’t a deal-breaker, is it?
Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator vs Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover
Now that we have compared the brands generally, let’s take a look at two popular products from the brands in question.
This should clarify things a bit better if you really want to have some conclusive knowledge as to which one is better than the other in removing clogs from the drain.
Materials Used in the Drain Cleaners
The first thing we’ll look at is the ingredients label. According to the label, Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator contains-
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Sodium hydroxide, and
- myristamineoxide
And they’ve also clearly noted that the product doesn’t have any phosphorus in it.
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover also contains sodium hydroxide and a few other ingredients. Such are-
- Water
- Cleaning agent
- Caustic corrosion inhibitor
- Sodium hypochlorite or bleach, and
- Sodium silicate
So, in terms of ingredients, these two products are pretty similar.
If you’re interested, here are brief on each ingredient-
Sodium hypochlorite: A powerful bleaching agent that can kill bacteria and dissolve hair, grease, and oil.
Sodium hydroxide: A caustic chemical that helps to break down debris so it can be flushed away.
Myristamineoxide: A surfactant that helps the product cling to surfaces for better cleaning power.
Water: needed to create a liquid solution
Cleaning agent: Helps to break up clogs
Caustic corrosion inhibitor: protects metal surfaces from corrosive chemicals
Sodium silicate: thickens the solution so it can cling to vertical surfaces.
So, now let’s move on and see how these two products fared in our tests.
How Much of these Products Needed for Unclogging Drain Pipe?
Both of these products require exactly the same amount for unclogging. You need to pour 16 ounces at one go. And the time you need to wait for them to work is also the same, 15 minutes.
Advantages of Using Drano Over Liquid Plumr
Now that we know how much of each product you need and the ingredients they contain, let’s look at some advantages of using Drano over Liquid Plumr.
To start with, Drano is available in different forms. You can get a liquid, gel, or foam form as per your convenience. On the other hand, Liquid Plumr is only available as a liquid drain cleaner.
While you may find foam and gel cleaners from Liquid Plumr, they are not as efficient as the Drano products are. Plus, you won’t find them everywhere like Drano.
Drano is also capable of working on all kinds of clogs, be it hair clogs, grease clogs, or soap scum clogs pretty fast while Liquid Plumr tends to take a longer time than Drano when the clog isn’t mild.
Last but not the least, Drano is less likely to damage your pipes than Liquid Plumr. This is because Drano Max Gel contains corrosion inhibitors that protect your pipes from getting corroded.
Disadvantages of Using Drano
While Drano is an amazing product, it does have a few disadvantages.
The first disadvantage is that it emits fumes when used in enclosed spaces. So, if you’re planning to use it in your bathroom, make sure to open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan.
Another disadvantage of Drano is that it can be harmful if ingested. So, keep it away from children and pets at all times.
Lastly, Drano can damage your septic tank if you are regularly using it on your drain pipe. So, if you want to use Drano regularly, make sure to contact a professional first to see if it’s safe for your septic system or not.
Advantages of Using Liquid Plumr Over Drano
Now that we’ve looked at the advantages of using Drano, let’s take a look at the advantages of using Liquid Plumr.
The first advantage is that it usually contains less harmful chemicals than Drano does. So, if you’re worried about the fumes or your children and pets ingesting it, Liquid Plumr is a better option in most cases.
Another advantage of using Liquid Plumr is that it works on both clogged and slow drains. So, if you have a drain that gets clogged often or one that is just slow, Liquid Plumr can help with both problems.
Lastly, Liquid Plumr is less likely to damage your pipes than Drano because it doesn’t contain as many corrosive chemicals.
So, if you’re looking for a drain cleaner that is less likely to damage your pipes, Liquid Plumr is the better option.
Disadvantages of Using Liquid Plumr
While Liquid Plumr has some advantages over Drano, it also has some disadvantages.
The first disadvantage of using Liquid Plumr is that it doesn’t work as quickly as Drano does in most cases. So, if you need a drain cleaner that works fast, Drano is usually the better choice.
It doesn’t as good as Drano does when it comes to fully clogged drains. So, if you have a really bad clog, Drano is usually the better option.
Lastly, Liquid Plumr can be more expensive than Drano in some cases. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, Drano is usually the way to go.
Conclusion
So, which drain cleaner is better? It depends on your needs. If you need a fast-acting drain cleaner that works well on fully clogged drains, Drano is usually the better choice.
However, if you’re looking for an option that is less likely to damage your pipes, Liquid Plumr is usually the better choice. Whichever you choose, just make sure to use it safely and follow the instructions on the package.
Drano vs Liquid Plumr: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liquid plumber as good as Drano?
This is a difficult question to answer. They are both effective at clearing clogged drains, but they work in different ways.
Liquid Plumr and Drano, both are chemical based cleaners and their ingredients are mostly the same as well.
Both products have their pros and cons. Drano is typically more effective at clearing stubborn clogs, but it can damage your pipes if used too often. Liquid Plumr, on the other hand, is a bit mild and that of course, at the cost of not being as effective as Drano in some cases.
Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?
Drano is made of harsh chemicals that can be corrosive to your pipes. Over time, the chemicals in Drano can eat away at your pipes, causing them to break down and eventually leak.
This is the main reason plumbers usually say not to use Drano. However, if you are using it occasionally, this shouldn’t be an issue as long as you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Is there anything that works better than Drano?
If your sink is full of hair and other gunk, Drano may not be able to unclog it. In that case, you can try a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If those don’t work, you may need to call a plumber.
Drano is an industry-leading brand in drain cleaning and there is hardly any product that may go above and beyond what Drano offers in terms of removing clogs from the drain pipe.
Should I use Drano or call a plumber?
When it comes to a clogged drain, you may be wondering if you should use Drano or call a plumber.
While Drano can be effective in most cases, it’s not always the best solution. If your drain is completely blocked, Drano may not be able to clear the clog without causing harm to the pipe. However, if your drain is slow, but not completely blocked, Drano may be able to clear the drain pretty fast without damaging your pipes.
If you’re not sure whether or not Drano will work on your clogged drain, it’s best to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
If your drain is completely blocked, the plumber will likely need to use a snake or other equipment to clear the clog. However, if your drain is simply slow, the plumber may be able to clear the drain without damaging your pipes.
Is Liquid plumber safe for pipes?
Yes, Liquid Plumber is safe for pipes when used as directed. However, if you have a septic system, you should check with your local authorities to see if Liquid Plumber is safe to use.
Additionally, if you have old or cast iron pipes, you may want to consult a plumber before using Liquid Plumber as it may eat away at the pipes.
Which Drano is the strongest?
Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is the strongest Drano product. It’s twice as thick as regular liquid drain cleaners, so it clings to blockages longer to clear them fast.
Plus, it has an extended nozzle that helps you get right to the clog. For tough jobs, use Max Gel.
If you have a tough clog, Max Gel is the best option. For standing water or slow drains, try Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover. It pours as a liquid and expands as a foam to reach deep into your drain to break up the clog.
When should you not use Drano?
If your pipes are made of copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel, Drano can damage them. Also, if you have a septic tank, Drano can kill the helpful bacteria that live in it and cause it to stop working properly.
If you’ve already tried a plunger and other traditional methods without success, you might be tempted to try Drano. But before you do, there are a few things you should know.
If your sink, tub, or toilet is draining slowly, that’s usually a sign of a clog somewhere in the drainpipe. Before reaching for Drano, try using a plunger or pipe snake to clear the blockage.
If that doesn’t work, you can try a homemade drain cleaner. Combine one cup baking soda with one cup vinegar and pour it down the drain.
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. If neither of these methods works, then you can try using Drano.
Can Drano make a clog worse?
This is a common myth, but it is not true. Drano will not make a clog worse, and it can actually be helpful in clearing most clogs.
However, if you have a particularly stubborn clog, you may need to use a plunger or another type of tool to get rid of it. If you are not sure what type of clog you have, it is always best to consult a professional before using any type of chemical drain cleaner.
Does Drano dissolve hair?
Yes, Drano can dissolve hair. This is because hair is made up of keratin, which is a protein that Drano can break down.
How long do you leave Liquid Plumber in the drain?
If you are using Liquid Plumber to unclog a drain, the product label will tell you how long to leave it in the drain. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may need to leave Liquid Plumber in the drain for up to 30 minutes.
After that time, flush the drain with hot water to remove any residual Liquid Plumber. If the clog is still present, you may need to repeat the process.
Is it OK to leave Drano overnight?
No, it is not ok to leave Drano overnight. Drano is a powerful chemical that can cause serious issues if used improperly.
If you must use Drano, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and never leave it unattended.