In this post, I’ll walk you through various aspects of Drano and its competitors in order to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Moreover, I’ll also be responding to queries related to Drano and its competitors so that your doubts are cleared.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

Drano Vs. Liquid-Plumr: Which Is Better?

Let’s have a quick look at both differences and similarities so that making a purchase decision would be easy for you.

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Drano Vs. Liquid-Plumr | Similarities

It goes without saying that both Drano & Liquid-Plumr will not make any dent in your pocket even though you’re on a tight budget.

Moreover, using each of these products is easy and simple.

In both cases, all you need to do is to pour the amount of liquid as mentioned in the instructions on their bottles.

Then, you need to wait for a couple of minutes and allow the water to run.

Moving further, you need to patiently wait till the time everything present inside your pipes is slowly melting and your drain is becoming clean and odor-free.

The thing that I really admire about both these products is the presence of child-proof caps.

On top of it, the child-proof cap is the one that you need to push and turn counterclockwise in order to open it, interesting, isn’t it?

Most constituents are the same for both these cleaners, and as a result, you’ll find them to clean the pipes in almost similar ways.

At the same time, you must be aware of the fact that Drano contains Sodium Silicate that isn’t present in Liquid-Plumr.

If you’re planning to clean PVC pipes then make sure your cleaner doesn’t contain Sodium Silicate liquid gas.

When it comes to the range of products, Drano dominates its competitors.

In simple words, Drano has a wider range of products specially designed for different drain problems.

On the other hand, Liquid-Plumr provides you with two options, that is, liquid, or foam.

Drano And Liquid-Plumr | Features

Let’s have a quick look at some important features of each one of them so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

Does it make sense?

Drano

As mentioned earlier also, Drano is known to provide you with multiple options, that is, gel formula, or even the foamy one.

As a result, you can choose a Drano variant as per your requirements so you’ll always know what will work best in which situation.

Frankly speaking, I’ve tried this little beast as a solution for the kitchen, bathroom, and most importantly, garbage disposal, and unclogging each one of them doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

Do I still need to convince you?

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At the same time, some clients of izzysmarthomeguide.com didn’t like this cleaner as it produces foam which requires a bit of cleaning up.

So, before recommending Drano to your friends and family, make sure they are comfortable with the mess that this cleaner leaves behind.

You might be wondering, what’s the solution in such scenarios, right?

Well, you can try the gel variants of Drano cleaner that are thicker than the majority of gel pipe cleaners on the market.

Trust me, this helps a lot with standing water and stubborn clogging.

Drano products contain Sodium Silicate which is very useful when it comes to cleaning notorious clogs.

However, you must be careful about the chemicals that you’re using before Sodium Silicate as the former may react with the latter.

I would recommend you not to use Drano (Sodium Silicate) with PVC pipes even though the brand claims to be good with all kinds of pipes.

I’m assuming that most readers of izzysmarthomeguide.com would be aware of the fact that PVC pipes, in general, are very risky to treat with chemicals, and so it’s advisable to use cleaners such as drain snakes that are free from Sodium Silicate.

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommend Drano Granules for dealing with grease clogs, and Drano Max Gel for removing hair clogs and standing water.

On the other hand, a foamer or a liquid counterpart could be a viable option if you’re planning to clean slow drains and wants to get rid of odors.

Liquid-Plumr

If you’re on a shoestring budget and can’t afford premium cleaning products then in that case, Liquid-Plumr will do the trick for you.

As far as I know, Liquid-Plumr is one of the cheapest cleaners on the market and can be a great option when it comes to cleaning PVC pipes as it doesn’t contain Sodium Silicate.

However, the absence of Sodium Silicate has nothing to do with its performance.

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In simple words, it is equally effective.

Liquid-Plumr is a chemical drain opener produced by Clorox and contains 0.5-2% sodium hydroxide and 5-10% sodium hypochlorite, plus a surfactant.

Liquid-Plumr has multiple variants as listed below.

• Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Urgent Clear Clog Remover
• Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Foaming Clog Fighter
• Liquid-Plumr Industrial Strength Urgent Clear Clog Remover
• Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator

It is also helpful in getting rid of odors as well as removes any soap, food, or even hair residue that could provoke clogs in the future.

In an epigrammatic span of time, Liquid-Plumr will remove clogs from PVC pipes.

On the downside, we recommend NOT TO USE Liquid-Plumr in your toilet as it may “eat away” the wax ring.

One thing I literally hate about Liquid-Plumr is the strong chemical smell that it leaves behind.

The good news is, the smell will disappear soon so to deal with it, you must put on a mask while applying Liquid-Plumr.

How Does Liquid Plumr Work?

The USP of Liquid Plumr is the triple-action formula that makes cleaning a breeze.

Below is the list of benefits that it comes with.

• Being able to pour through standing water
• Unblocking full clogs
• Protecting pipes
• Fighting odors
• Creating a repellent barrier that protects pipes with regular monthly use

The two active ingredients present in Liquid Plumr are sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.

When you’ll mix this cleaner with water, it will cause the bleach to react to Iye and water.

As a result, the cleaner will become corrosive and will release heat.

Finally, the mixture formed will travel through your pipes and will easily break down the blockage in an epigrammatic span of time with ease.

If you’re using Liquid Plumr as a cleaner for your clogged PVC pipes, then it will do the needful in less than 15 minutes.

Liquid Plumr | Advantages & Limitations

Let’s have a quick look at the advantages & limitations of Liquid Plumr so that you can easily make an informed buying decision.

Advantages

• Clogged drains can be cleaned in less than 15 minutes.
• It is available in multiple versions.
• Even though you’re on a tight budget, you can easily afford Liquid Plumr.

Limitations

• It may damage rubber pipes.
• Liquid-Plumr may not be the best choice for toilet clogs.
• Never mix Liquid-Plumr with any product that contains bleach with ammonia as it will result in a release of poisonous gas.

How Does Drano Work?

The success of Drano as an effective cleaner goes to a large extent to the active ingredients such as sodium hydroxide or Iye which is quick at decomposing organic matter.

Moreover, Drano is also known to contain aluminum shards which contribute to creating a powerful chemical reaction and heat.

The thing that I really adore about Drano is its ability to generate heat at near-boiling temperatures due to lye reacting with water.

In layman’s terms, heat speeds up the decomposition process.

Not only that but also lye reacts further with softened grease, creating something similar to a soap that hot water will easily dissolve.

Furthermore, it easily dissolves with aluminum and forms hydrogen bubbles which help in loosening clogged particles.

In simple words, using Drano starts several chemical reactions in a row which makes it quite powerful.

Drano | Advantages & Limitations

Let’s have a quick look at the advantages and limitations of Drano.

Advantages

• Drano is a budget-friendly cleaner that is easy to use.
• It is capable of dissolving the most stubborn clogs in an epigrammatic span of time with ease.
• Drano needs not more than 15 minutes to clean your drain, including clogs.

Limitations

• Drano may not be the best choice for PVC pipes.
• In some exceptional scenarios, it may damage the environment.
• Drano may burn your skin if it splashes up accidentally so you need to use it properly for getting rid of clogging.

Drano Vs. Plumr: Important Points

• The Bob Vila home advice website listed Drano Max Gel as the third-best bank for the buck. It did not rank Liquid-Plumr.
• Good Housekeeping rated Liquid Plumr has the best drain cleaner for hair clogs. Drano Max Gel, however, was presented as the best overall drain cleaner.
• The Spruce considers Drano Max Gel the best overall drain cleaner and did not mention the competitor in their roundup.
• Research of customer reviews by Best of Machinery awarded the sixth place to Drano Max Gel and the eighth to Liquid Plumr.

In simple words, Drano & Plumr are competitors that are very similar in multiple aspects.

• Both are budget-friendly cleaners.
• Each one of them is advertised as safe for household plumbing except rubber pipes.
• Only Drano Max Build-Up Remover is suitable for toilets.
• Both cleaners are considered safe in septic systems.
• Each one of these cleaners is capable of cutting through standing water.
• Both are NOT SAFE for skin contact.
• Both Drano and Liquid-Plumr don’t take more than 15 minutes to clear the clogs.

So, choose the cleaner that not only suits your requirements but also falls well within your budget.

Liquid Fire

Liquid Fire drain cleaner is one of its kind and is highly popular among our clientele for all the good reasons.

You can use Liquid Fire in a wide range of locations including bathroom sink, kitchen sink, tub, and shower.

Like the aforementioned cleaners, it will also complete the cleaning task in less than 15 minutes.

The caustic cleaner can be a viable option for emergency blockage that requires immediate action.

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However, it is highly advisable to NOT leave this little beast in your drain for a longer duration as it may lead to damage to the pipes and other plumbing attributes.

What makes Liquid Fire unique and highly effective is the presence of Sulphuric Acid which is known to easily dispose of clogging.

But, at the same time, you need to be very careful using this cleaner as it may damage iron plumbing pipes.

Make sure to wear gloves and goggles before applying this cleaner to your drain.

The good thing about sulfuric acid is that it is capable of eating a wide range of different types of clogs.

On top of it, Liquid Fire is easy to use and will not consume much of your time either.

All you need to do is simply pour the cleaner down the clogged drain or slow drain

Wait for at least 15 minutes, and then rinse with cool water for free running drains.

In layman’s terms, when you need to break up clogs including soap scums and greases, then Liquid Fire could be a viable option for you.

However, you need to be careful while applying this cleaner to your drain as it contains sulfuric acid so my advice would be to always follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle.

It goes without saying that Liquid Fire is definitely one of the strongest liquid drain cleaners on the market.

Liquid Fire Drain Cleaner | Pros & Cons

Let’s have a quick look at the pros and cons of Liquid Fire drain cleaner so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

Pros

• Needless to say, it works in multiple parts of your home.
• It does the job in less than 15 minutes with ease.
• A budget-friendly cleaner that will match your expectation.
• Liquid Fire contains sulfuric acid which is known to deal effectively with different types of clogs.

Cons

• May not be the best choice for cast iron pipe cleaning.
• The possibility of damage to older plastic pipes, bathtub finishes, and most importantly, chrome faucet finishes can’t be ruled out since it contains sulfuric acid.

Why Should I Buy Liquid Fire Drain Cleaner?

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommends Liquid Fire to our clientele for numerous reasons.

Let’s have a quick look at each one of them so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

Liquid Fire is considered a highly effective acidic drain cleaner.

Yes, you heard it, right?

Liquid Fire consists of sulfuric acid that is known to eat up a wide range of different types of clogs.

However, you need to be very careful in using this cleaner as failing to follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle may do more bad than good.

It may cause deterioration of your plumbing system if not used exactly as directed.

Liquid Fire is easy to use and is capable of effectively dealing with clogging in less than 15 minutes.

All you need to do is to pour the liquid down the clogged drain or slow drain.

Wait for at least 15 minutes and then rinse the cool water for free running drains.

Liquid Fire Drain Cleaner Vs. Drano

Both Liquid Fire & Drano works effectively and are definitely value-for-money products.

However, Liquid Fire takes a marginal lead because of the presence of sulfuric acid.

On the other hand, Drano is more safer for your pipes.

In short, for nasty clogging Liquid Fire could be a better option.

And, for cast iron pipes and other metals that can react with sulfuric acid, Drano is a better choice.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that when you need to break up clogs such as soap scum or grease, you’ll need a strong chemical drain cleaner like Liquid Fire.

Trust me, it will eat at whatever is causing your clogged drain.

At the same time, you need to be very careful in using it as falling to follow the instructions mentioned by the manufacturer may do more bad than good by damaging cast iron pipes, etc.

Green Gobbler

Green Gobbler is an enzymatic drain cleaner which consists of eco-friendly ingredients that are both non-corrosive as well as biodegradable.

If you don’t wanna use harsh chemicals to get rid of nasty clogs then an enzymatic drain cleaner like Green Gobbler can be a great choice.

The unique thing about Green Gobbler is that it consists of enzyme-producing bacteria that feeds on the clog.

Since Green Gobbler doesn’t contains corrosive chemicals so you can expect it to be safer on pipes and can be used on a regular basis.

Even overusing Green Gobbler will not damage pipes permanently.

On the downside, the time to clean the nasty clogs is way more than drain cleaners that contains clog-attacking chemicals.

Green Gobbler is also safe on all types of pipes, including plastic and copper.

Since Green Gobbler doesn’t contains any harsh chemicals such as sulfuric acid so it’s unlikely to cause skin, eyes, or even respiratory irritation.

Green Gobbler Ingredients:

For detailed information about Green Gobbler ingredients, you can click this link.

• It consists of an active agent named Viable bacteria culture that acts as a cleaning agent.
• Monopotassium phosphate and Dipotassium phosphate act as buffer.
• In order to prevent the formula from foaming up, a defoamer is used.
• Benzisothiazolinone, Sodium hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone are preservatives.
• Green Gobbler consists of non-ionic surfactants that act as de-emulsifier.
• For diluting the formula, water is used.

Green Gobbler Products

• Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener (Check Current Price On Amazon)
• Green Gobbler Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover
• Green Gobbler Septic Saver Bacteria Enzyme Pacs
• Green Gobbler Drain Opener Pacs
• Green Gobbler Bio Flow Drain Strips
• Green Gobbler Enzymes for Grease Trap & Sewer

Green Gobbler Vs. Drano

Green Gobbler drain cleaners are expensive as compared to Drano so if you’re on a tight budget then latter can be a better choice.

Green Gobbler products are enzyme based which makes them non-corrosive and biodegradable.

On the other hand, most Drano products are caustic based which simply means they includes harsh chemicals.

Green Gobbler products are relatively more versatile as they are safe on toilets as well as all types of pipes.

On the other hand, Drano products works faster due to the presence of harsh chemicals and are capable of clearing the clogs in an epigrammatic span of time.

The best part is, both the brands offer money-back guarantee so if you’re NOT satisfied with their performances, you can easily get full money refund.

If you’re someone who is worried about the Drano’s toxicity then Green Gobbler could be a viable option.

Moreover, Green Gobbler is also more versatile product.

On the other hand, Drano could be the best option if want a drain cleaner that has proved its mettle time and again, and is backed by the trusted parent company S.C. Johnson.

FAQs

In this section, I’ll be responding to the queries related to the topic in order to help you clear your doubts.

Feel free to contact us, if your questions aren’t answered.

Are Drano products safer for plastic pipes?

Of course, all the Drano products are safer for both plastic pipes and/or metal pipes. All you need to do is to follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle.

In simple words, Drano products willn’t damage your pipes of plumbing.

In fact, Drano products are powerful enough to dissolve most nasty clogs but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes.

You can try DRANO MAX GEL CLOG REMOVER (Check Current Price On Amazon) as it contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion.

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com advice our clients to avoid acidic chemical clearners that contains sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid as it can damage porcelain, metal, or even any other metarial if used incorrectly.

The good news is, sufuric acid is slightly less damaging to metal plumbing but can damage stainless steel, porcelain, and aluminum if used incorrectly.

If you’re planning to use cleaners that consist of harsh chemicals then follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle, and hire a professional if needed.

Will Drano product harm my septic system?

Definitely, NOT.

Drano products are safe for septic system and willn’t harm or upset the bacterial action in septic system.

For the best result, you can consider using Drano Max Build-Up Remover (Check Current Price On Amazon) on a montly basis.

By doing so, you’ll be able to replenish the bacteria in your septic system that will help in breaking down the toilet paper as well as organic matters in your pipes.

Which Drano product is good for slowing running toilets?

At izzysmarthomeguide.com, we recommend Drano Max Build-Up Remover for dealing with slow running toilet.

For optimum result, you must use it as per the label direction.

It consists of microorganisms that are capable of breaking down toilet papers as well as organic matters responsible for slowing water flow.

Make sure to NOT USE any other Drano product in your toilet as they don’t contain microorganism.

Which Drano products don’t contain microorganism?

Below is the list of Drano products that don’t contain microorganism.

• Drano Liquid Drain Cleaner
• Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover
• Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

Is Drano sold in recycled plastic?

Yes, Drano plastic bottles contain up to 30 percent recycled plastic materials.

Also, the bottles are recyclable so once you’re done with unclogging your toilet, its a good idea to rinse, re-cap, and recycle the Drano plastic bottles.

Are Drano products safe for use in garbage disposal?

Below is the list of Drano products that are safe for use in garbage disposal.

• Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
• Drano Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover
• Drano Max Build-UP Remover
• Drano Liquid Drain Cleaner

Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?

Some Drano products are corrosive in nature so they may cause toilet bowl to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break, and most importantly, the glue that holds the pipes may be eaten away.

What is Drano?

Drano is a household drainage cleaner that consists of few or all of the below-mentioned chemicals.

• Sodium hypochlorate (bleach)
• Sodium hydroxide (lye)
• Sodium chloride
• Sodium nitrate
• Aluminum.

Can I put Drano in toilet?

The Drano Max Build-Up Remover is the only Drano product that you can put in slow moving toilet.

It consists of microorganism that is capable of breaking down organic matters in pipes responsible for slowing down water flow rate.

Is Drano toxic to breathe?

It’s advisable NOT to breathe Drano products as they may contain chemicals that can harm your health if you swallow or breathe them.

So, you should keep them away from your eyes and skin.

Wear goggles and gloves while applying Drano products in order to prevent any last minute debacle.

Is Drano safe for PVC pipes?

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com don’t recommends using Drano for PVC pipes.

Old and corroded pipes may get damaged, and Drano may eat away the glue holding these pipes together.

What is a clean alternative to Drano?

You can consider using Baking Soda and Vinegar as a substitute for Drano.

• Pour a half cup of baking soda into your drain along with a half cup of vinegar.
• Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Then, pour in boiling water.
• The chemical reaction between the Baking Soda & Vinegar will break down nasty clog something similar to Drano, and the water will flush it out.

Is Drano an acid or base?

The pH level of Drano is 11 which simply means that it is highly basic.

Moreover, Drano products consists of variation of sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, and aluminum.

What is the pH of Drano?

The pH of Drano is 11 which means it is basic in nature.

On the other hand, a strong acid like HCL measures in the range of 0 and 1.

Can you use Drano everyday?

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com don’t advice our clientele to use Drano everyday as it may eat away grease build-up in your pipes because of its corrosive nature.

Using it once in 2 months isn’t a bad idea and will do the trick for you.

Which Drano is the strongest?

As far as I know, Drano Max Gel Ultra Clog Remover is the strongest among all Drano cleaners.

Correct me, if I’m wrong.

What kind of acid is in Drano?

First and foremost, you need to understand that Drano isn’t acidic in nature.

The pH of Drano is 11 which means it is alkaline in nature and not acidic.

It consists of sodium hypochlorite, sodium metasilicate, and sodium hydroxide.

How much Drano do I use?

The below-mentioned dose is for Max Gel Clog Remover.

• Pour 16 oz on clogged or slow-running drains.
• For complete clog or extremely slow-running drains, pour 32 oz.

Is Drano water soluable?

Yes, Drano products are water soluable.

It consists of sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride which when added to water get dissolved and liberates heat. making solution slightly warm.

Drano Vs. Liquid Plumr Vs. Liquid Fire Vs. Green Gobbler: Which Is The Best?

Frankly speaking, each product comes with its own set of pros and cons that we’ve already discussed.

So, its better to choose the one that not only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.

My two favorites are Green Gobbler & Drano – based on my past experience and the feedbacks and reviews from my clientele.

It’s A Wrap

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort in coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information.

And, in case, you liked our effort and wants to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are searching for similar piece of information.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?

Long story short, I’ve tried to the best of my capabilities to provide you with the necessary information so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

Still, if you’ve any doubts or queries, feel free to contact our core team and they will help you in the best possible ways that they could.

That’s all, as of now:):)