Frequently Asked Questions

Drano® Liquid Clog Removers open drains fast. They contain chemicals that quickly dissolve hair, soap scum and gunk. You can use Drano® Liquid Clog Removers in pipes, but DON'T use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes.

Drano® Max Build-Up Remover works over a longer time period to prevent Build-Up in pipes. Used regularly, it can help keep your whole plumbing system flowing freely. It contains helpful microorganisms that release enzymes to break down residue.

You can use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover in drains, toilets and even septic systems. But you must give the microorganisms time to grow along the drain line and clean it as they go. Apply Drano® Max Build-Up Remover overnight or while you're at work. Then wait 6 to 8 hours before running water down treated drains or flushing treated toilets.

Yes, all Drano® products can be used safely with plastic pipes or metal pipes. Just follow the label directions.

No, all Drano® products are safe for septic systems and will not harm the bacterial action in septic systems. Follow the package instructions for the right amount of product to use.

The only Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets is Drano® Max Build-Up remover. When used according to label directions, the microorganisms in this product will break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes, which can slow water flow. (This product will NOT open a completely clogged toilet.)

Do not use any other Drano® product in toilets. Drano® Kitchen Crystals Clog Remover generates heat that can cause the vitreous china in the toilet bowl to crack. Drano® Liquid Clog Remover and Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover do not contain microorganisms. The trap configuration in toilets prevents the Drano® Liquid Clog Remover and Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover from reaching areas where matter can accumulate and cause slowness, making them ineffective.

Yes, Drano® plastic bottles are manufactured with 25% HDPE and are recyclable.

Drano® Dual Force™ Foam will not harm sink or tub surfaces and fixtures, such as plastic, porcelain, ceramic or metal, when used according to label directions. To use, simply empty the contents of the Foam package into the drain and pour 16 fluid ounces of hot water slowly down the drain. Product may foam up from the drain; this is normal. Let the product finish foaming and then rinse the foam down the drain with a minimum of water. This will keep the foam from having prolonged contact with tub or sink surfaces.

Yes, all Drano® clog removers are safe for use in Garbage disposals, with the exception of Drano® Kitchen Crystals Clog Remover.

These products that are safe include: Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover, Drano® Dual Force™ Foam, Drano® Max Build-Up Remover, and Drano® Liquid Clog Remover.

(NOTE: Drano® Kitchen Crystals Clog Remover is NOT safe for use in garbage disposals).

Drano® Snake Plus was designed to fit kitchen drains, bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs and even laundry drains—however sometimes inserting the tool takes a couple of additional steps.

Often drain grates and other clog-preventing mechanisms cover the opening of the drain making it difficult to insert the Snake Plus tool. If you’re working on a shower drain, a tub drain, a kitchen drain or a laundry drain you may encounter a drain grate—simply remove the grate using a screwdriver and then insert the Snake Plus tool.

If your drain has a stopper, try rotating the stopper and them remove it using an up and out pulling motion. Occasionally, the stopper will be attached to the pipe in which case you’ll need to go under the sink and remove the screw or bolt from the vertical shaft. Then pull the rod out from the pipe and finally pull the stopper out of the sink.

If you’re having difficulty maneuvering a drain with a shallow vertical pipe, such as a bathtub, you may have difficulty fully inserting the tool. Try angling the tool away from you while inserting and slowly work past the bend in the pipe.

Sometimes clogs are too intense to be fully removed by just a gel alone—that’s why we integrated the Snake Plus tool. By manually loosening the clog in the pipe with the tool first, the concentrated gel can then power through and completely dissolve even the most stubborn clogs.

No. The wand (and clog remnants) should be promptly thrown away for both sanitary and safety reasons.

Yes. It’s totally fine if some of the barbs break off while dislodging the clog. They will not make the clog worse, nor will they damage your pipes. Any rogue barbs will be flushed away by the concentrated gel.