Having clogged drains is not something that any homeowner or renter enjoys. Thankfully, products like Drano exist to help us with persistent or intense clogs in our sinks or drains- but how long can you leave Drano in your pipes for?
Can I leave Drano overnight? Yes, you can leave Drano overnight. However, it isn’t necessary, and leaving Drano in your pipes without thoroughly flushing with hot water can damage your pipes over a long period of time and extended use.
But what exactly happens if you leave Drano in your pipes overnight without rinsing the product away? And is there anything else that you can do to help with a clogged drain without using Drano in the first place?
In this article, we will endeavor to answer all of these questions for you, including what happens to pipes if you leave Drano unattended overnight. Let’s dive in.
What Happens if You Leave Drano Overnight?
A few things can happen if you leave Drano overnight in your plumbing. Chances are, nothing will happen, especially if you are able to rinse the Drano from your pipes within 24 hours. Some Drano products also recommend leaving their formulas to work overnight in your plumbing, so you may in fact be following the manufacturer’s instructions should you leave it alone.
However, there is a chance that Drano will damage your pipes if left overnight. Drano has been known to harden into a cement or plaster-like substance, making a clog even more possible in your pipes. This process often happens after more than 8-12 hours, but it may not be a risk that you want to take.
Drano has also been known to damage pipes if left sitting for a long period of time, often over weeks or more. However, this damage usually only occurs if you are using Drano frequently, and on the same stubborn clog. The Drano formula is usually mild enough to not harm your pipes.
Given that some Drano products need to be left overnight in your pipes, you may in fact be following the product’s instructions. Let’s talk more about this now.
Does the Type of Drano Matter?
The type of Drano left in your pipes overnight does matter. For example, standard Drano should be washed away with hot water after 15-30 minutes of sitting in your pipes. However, another Drano product, known as a build-up remover, should be left for 6-8 hours or overnight.
This is where it can be confusing to determine how you can best use Drano in your plumbing systems, given that certain products work differently. However, you should never leave Drano in your pipes longer than 12 hours- this is likely when Drano will begin to harden or otherwise harm your pipes.
Be sure to leave their build-up remover in your pipes overnight, as this product is more mild and meant to be used as maintenance. However, standard Drano products should be used sparingly, and only as instructed.
Leaving Drano Overnight
Still have questions about whether or not you can leave Drano overnight? Let’s talk in more detail now!
Can Drano Cause Damage to Pipes if Left Too Long?
Yes, Drano can potentially cause damage to your pipes if left too long. However, this instance is rare, and is easily avoided so long as you follow the specific packaging instructions provided by Drano. Drano claims that their products do not damage pipes, so long as their instructions are followed.
Plumbers have claimed that Drano can damage pipes, either through hardening or corroding the metals and plastics in your intricate plumbing system. Many plumbers agree that it is a better idea to use a plumbing snake or hire a plumber if you are experiencing issues with a clog. However, plumbers are often an upfront cost that many homeowners are remiss to spend.
While Drano can potentially damage your pipes if left too long, it is also important to note how often you are using Drano on the same clog. The consistent use of Drano can lead to damage as well, regardless of how long you let it sit in your pipes.
Can Drano Damage Your Sink Overnight?
No, Drano is unlikely capable of damaging your sink overnight. However, it is important to always follow the instructions included with any Drano product. It is designed to be poured down your sink drain so that it can tackle clogs, so keeping it in the basin of your sink likely won’t help.
While Drano claims that their products are safe to use with any sink or tub material, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Make sure that Drano goes down your sink drain rather than sticking to the basin overnight. You don’t want to risk damaging your sink’s finish!
Can Drano Damage Your Bathtub Overnight?
No, Drano likely won’t damage your bathtub overnight. However, just like dealing with a clogged sink, you should always follow Drano’s specific product description and instructions before using. Drano says that their products won’t damage fixtures or finishes, but only if the product is used according to its product instructions.
Can Drano Damage Your Shower Overnight?
No, Drano shouldn’t damage your shower overnight, but make sure that you follow the instructions thoroughly. Just like you should read the product description when using Drano on your sink and bathtub, the same can be said when using Drano on your shower drain as well.
Given the shallow floor found in showers, you should use Drano slowly. The chance of it hitting the clog in your plumbing and backing up into your shower is likely, and you don’t want Drano to overflow onto your floor.
Take your time when using Drano in a shower scenario, given the possibility for both water and dangerous drain unclogging products to back up, both onto your floor and skin. Always wear protective gear when using Drano, such as gloves and eye goggles.
Are the Fumes from Drano Dangerous After a While?
Yes, the fumes from Drano can indeed be dangerous. Drano includes a wide variety of harmful chemicals, including ones that are dangerous to both ingest and breathe in. You may even experience eye irritation from Drano fumes, which is why it is always best to stay safe!
Make sure that you use Drano in a well-ventilated area, or have your bathroom fan turned on for this process. Always leave the room when Drano is working to unclog your pipes; this is when the worst fumes can occur.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the room should you happen to smell anything chemical in nature. Chances are, it isn’t something worth breathing in, especially if you have to leave Drano sitting for some time!
What Can I Do Instead of Leaving Drano Overnight?
There are many things you can do instead of leaving Drano overnight. If you can leave the Drano product alone for 15-30 minutes, you should plan on following the product’s instructions. This usually involves you rinsing your clogged pipes with hot water; using hot water allows the Drano to better dissolve and disperse rather than sticking to your pipes.
You can use a plastic snake tool or a plunger to try and unclog your pipes rather than leaving Drano overnight. You can also rinse your pipes with hot water, especially if you have allowed Drano to sit for an adequate amount of time.
Another option for you to try instead of leaving Drano overnight is sea salt and boiling water. Pouring a cup or more of salt down your drain can help dissolve potential gunk and build up, and the addition of boiling water can be helpful in loosening up any clogs that you may have.
A plastic snake is your best bet, as many clogs are caused by hair, especially if you are struggling with a clog in your shower or bathtub. You can use a snake even after you have poured Drano down your pipes. Just be sure to flush everything clean with warm or hot water!
Is there a Time You Should Avoid Using Drano?
There are times when you should avoid using Drano. For example, Drano is unlikely to help you with garbage disposal clogs, though it may be better than nothing. However, Drano does not break down food build up as well as other products might.
You should also avoid using Drano in your home toilet. Drano is not designed to help you with toilet clogs or build up, given the chemicals involved and the intricate nature of toilet plumbing. If you have a clogged toilet, you should call a plumber, as Drano is not suitable for this task.
Another instance where you should avoid using Drano is if you seem to be tackling the same clog consistently. Using Drano over and over again, for the same clogged area of your home, can further damage your pipes and fixtures.
Drano can build up overtime and eat away at your pipe glue or fasteners. This is especially true if you have been consistently using Drano on the same location or clog. If you find yourself reaching for that bottle of Drano yet again, it may be better for you to call a plumber instead and get the job done, once and for all!
Final Thoughts
Leaving Drano overnight in your plumbing isn’t the end of the world. We all forget things and make mistakes- but it is important to stay up to date on how often you are using Drano. This can help you avoid overusing Drano and potentially damaging your pipes in the long run! Have you experienced any adverse effects while using Drano? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Check out our related Drano articles:
- Does Drano Work in Standing Water?
- Is Drano Safe for Shower Drains?
- Does Drano Work on Hair? All You Need to Know
- Does Drano Expire? Everything You Need to Know
- 5 Easy Fixes When Drano Isn’t Working
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.