How Green Is It… To Use a Drain Cleaner?
by September 25, 2019 5:32 am 11,428 views8
We’ve all been there. There’s something clogged in the drain, and Drano is clearly the cheapest and easiest option.
First launched in 1923 and appearing in its current commercial form since 1969, Drano is under nearly every sink in the country.
Commercial drain cleaners claim their products are safe for septic systems, won’t harm your pipes and if used appropriately, they won’t have a huge effect on the environment.
Actually… that last part is true.
Although Drano isn’t technically considered a pollutant, all sorts of dangerous toxins can form (including Mustard gas) if it comes into contact with surface water.
But the truth is, Drano doesn’t have a terrible effect on the natural environment, especially when compared to other household cleaning products. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with our own health and safety.
The bottle is plastered with health and safety warnings and scored an F on EWGs Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Drain cleaners have links to skin irritation, vision problems, vomiting, shock, nose and throat irritation, chest pains and even chemical burns.
Worse, Drano has been misused and abused in the creation of methamphetamine and doesn’t currently have the same regulations like ephedrine/pseudo-ephedrine products.
Blatant examples of greenwashing abound on nearly all commercial drain cleaners, and plumbers and other professionals all agree on using Drano… If you can’t clean out your drain physically, don’t use a chemical solution.
So… How Green is it to Use a Drain Cleaner?
Not-So-Green
Best Green Solution: As with many things, preventative care is best. Don’t wait until water pools in the sink to take care of business. Try one of the plumber-endorsed, eco-friendly solutions below. Or, you can always use a handful of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar followed by slowly pouring boiling water down the drain.
Don’t be tempted: To use a harsh, toxic, unsafe chemical product for clogged drains, especially when there are other effective options out there.
Sunny Means February 15, 2023 at 6:45 am
Hello greenlivingdetective.com webmaster, Thanks for the informative post!
Tex Hooper July 25, 2022 at 5:28 pm
I agree that drano shouldn’t touch surface water. I need to unclog some pipes in my house. I’ll have to hire a plumber to snake everything out.I agree that drano shouldn’t touch surface water. I need to unclog some pipes in my house. I’ll have to hire a plumber to snake everything out. https://associatedmechanical.com/specialties/
Selena Qn November 19, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Thrift Drain is a very good cleaner. thanks for this cool guide.
Braden Bills September 23, 2021 at 8:55 am
I’ve been having issues with my drains getting clogged, and I’m not sure what the problem is. It makes sense that it could be something more! I’ll be sure to work with a professional to see if they can clean it out for me. https://www.snbcservices.com/drain-cleaning
Afton Jackson April 12, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Wow, I never knew just how harsh these products can be to your drains, especially if you use them constantly. With the number of times we’ve used these to solve our drain clogs, I am starting to feel slightly afraid of the current state of our pipes. I’ll hire a professional plumber to do some inspections and replace any pipes that might have already been damaged, along with making sure we never use these kinds of products in the future.
https://www.aspenplumbingjackson.com/
Kayla December 10, 2020 at 5:12 am
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article. I recently bought a new drain cleaner. I learned from your article how to use a drain cleaner which helped me a lot. Thank you very much ..!
take a look at the site here https://cleaninglounge.co.uk/best-drain-unblocker/ hopes it helps you
Chris Pederson October 14, 2020 at 3:53 pm
I’ll agree to use eco-friendly solutions that plumbers approve. I think the first time I’ll have a plumber clean my drain. They could show me what works best for me drain.
https://www.brucesdraincleaning.com/services
Rebecca Gardner October 6, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I was surprised when you said that drain cleaners have been tied to issues like chemical burns and skin irritation. I was thinking about getting a chemical cleaner from the store because my kitchen sink got clogged yesterday evening. Thanks for helping me see why hiring a professional drain cleaning service instead would be worth the cost! https://www.jarrachcesspool.com/sewer-and-drain-cleaning https://www.jarrachcesspool.com/sewer-and-drain-cleaning