Every homeowner’s worst nightmare involves their pipes backing up, even more so when that back up involves their toilet. Any time you hear something about pipes backing up, there’s one product that comes to mind: Drano. But, is Drano safe to use in your toilet?
There’s only one Drano product approved for use in a toilet: Drano Max Buildup Remover. This gel is specifically designed to be safe for septic systems and won’t cause damage to the porcelain or other parts of your toilet and septic system. No other Drano product should be used in your toilet or you could face more serious issues with both your pipes and your physical health.
In this article, we’ll cover the use of Drano in toilets in more detail. By the time you finish reading, you should have a good idea of the dos and don’ts of using Drano in your toilet.
Are Any Drano Products Safe For Use in the Toilet?
Most Drano products are not safe for use in a toilet. However, Drano Max Buildup Remover is designed specifically for use in the toilet. This Drano product is the only one approved for use in your toilet or septic system.
Although it’s the only one safe for toilets and septic systems, it can also be used in garbage disposals, bathrooms, kitchens, and other drains. Unlike other Drano products, Max Buildup Gel contains enzyme microorganisms that help break down solid waste and other things that may have turned to gunk in your septic pipes.
How to Use Drano Max Buildup Remover in a Toilet
Drano Max Buildup isn’t meant to open clogs. Instead, it’s a good preventative measure to use on a monthly basis. Doing this will keep the system running smoothly and without any issues. Also unlike other Drano products, you only need to use a small amount at a time as you’re only using it as a preventative measure rather than a cleaner.
To properly use Drano in your toilet, follow these steps:
1. Open the lid. The childproof cap can be opened by pushing down and turning the cap counterclockwise. Take care not to squeeze the bottle to prevent an accident.
2. Measure out your product. For preventative use, pour one ounce down your toilet once a month. However, slow-running toilets can be remedied by flushing four ounces down the toilet for three consecutive days.
3. Leave the toilet alone. Don’t flush the toilet for between 6-8 hours after doing the treatment. This will allow the product to work properly.
What Happens If You Improperly Use Drano in a Toilet?
Drano products can’t work quickly when poured down the toilet. Because of this, the heat and chemicals the product is made of can crack the porcelain. It can also soften the PVC pipes in your septic system. When PVC pipes soften, they can bubble which then causes serious issues with the pipe’s integrity.
Health Dangers of Drano in the Toilet
Because Drano is made to disintegrate organic matter, it can be detrimental if it gets on your skin or in your eyes. It will, quite literally, dissolve your skin and can severely irritate your eyes and cause potential blindness. If ingested, it can wreak havoc on your organs and also cause issues with your breathing too.
What to Do if You Improperly Put Drano in the Toilet
If you accidentally put the wrong type of Drano in your Toilet the best thing you can do is try continuously flushing it. Adding warm water may also help move the drano through the pipes, but avoid boiling water in your toilet. If your toilet is clogged, try plunging it until the water can pass through, then keep flushing it. If plunging doesn’t work you or a professional will need to snake it using a snaking tool. You want your toilet to flush so you can dilute the Drano as best as possible. You can’t really undue what you already did, so add lots of water and flush a lot!
When you accidentally pour the wrong Drano into your toilet, it’s best to call in a professional. A professional will be able to tell you the extent of the damage done to the toilet or to your septic system if you have one. Even if you don’t want to spend the money on a professional, you can still place a call and ask what you should do on your own. Then, you can decide if you should hire someone or not.
Is Drano Safe for Septic Systems?
According to the Drano website, Drano is considered safe for septic systems and shouldn’t upset the bacterial ecosystem in there. However, the best way to maintain a healthy septic system without issues, you should only use Drano Max Buildup Remover.
Final Thoughts
A clogged toilet is never a fun experience whether you rent or own your home. Using Drano to unclog your septic pipes is a good idea, but remember to only use Drano Max Buildup Remover. Using any other Drano product can cause serious damage to both your toilet bowl and the PVC pipe system that leads to your septic tank.
When using Drano Max Gel, you should also remember to closely follow the instructions on the bottle. Only use the prescribed amount to avoid potential damage to the system. One ounce for monthly maintenance and four ounces for three days in the event of a clog will ensure your septic system and pipes run smoothly from now on.
Related Drano Articles:
- Is Drano Bad for the Environment?
- How Long to Flush Drano with Hot Water
- How to Dispose of Drano?
- Can I Leave Drano Overnight?
- Is Drano Safe for Shower Drains?
- 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.