Skip to Content

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Drano Not Working? Here’s 4 Easy Fixes

Most homeowners reach out for Drano to unclog blocked drains. To unclog the drain, you will first have to figure out what caused the clog in the first place. There are many causes, including grease or other kinds of food items. 

If it is a simple clog, you can use Drano. However, you will need to find an alternative solution if you don’t see any results even after pouring a lot of Drano, because that means drano is not working out for you.

In this article, we shall look at different methods of unclogging drains without Drano. So, read on and help yourself with these methods.

Here’s what to do when Drano doesn’t go down the drain and does not solve your problem. We have listed some effective alternative methods below.

1. Make Your Own Homemade Drano With Vinegar And Baking Soda

You can go with a homemade drano alternative for unclogging the drain. This method is more straightforward than you think. All you have to do is mix some ingredients in your kitchen and let them sit in your drain.

Take a small bowl and add some baking soda. Next, mix equal parts vinegar and soda to use it as a homemade drain cleaner. Then, let it sit in the bowl for about half an hour to one hour.

Moreover, you have to ensure that there is no standing water in the drain before you try this method. Once the drain is clear of all water, you can add this mixture to the drain. 

This simple homemade mixture can break down the clogs slowly. Sometimes, this method can even turn out to be more effective than Drano or Drano max.

2. Plunge In The Drano With a Plunger

If Drano doesn’t work in your shower drain, bathtub drain, or kitchen sink, you can try using a plunger. There are many types of plungers available in the market. You have to pick the type of plunger depending on your requirements.

For instance, you can not use a cup-shaped rubber cut plunger made for the kitchen sink for the toilet. At the same time, you can not use a toilet plunger for the kitchen sink. Hence, you need to use only the right plunger.

Moreover, only an appropriate plunger can provide enough suction pressure required. 

You can unclog your sink, tub, or shower using the standard cup plunger. Then, start the process by covering the overflow drain with a wet towel. This step will improve suction power by preventing the air from escaping. 

After that, place the rubber bell firmly over the sink or shower drain and submerge the ball entirely in standing water. Now, plunge with quick and firm thrusts without breaking the seal. You can pull the plunger away after about 90 seconds.

3. Snake The Drano Out

If plunging does not work, you can use a plumbing snake or a drain snake to thread or push through the drain.

A plumbing snake is a flexible cable that you can push down the drain. It will reach the clog no matter how deep it is. Moreover, it can smoothly snip around and work its way through the clog.

You can remove the trap plug or the entire trap if the clog is after the sink trap. Further, you will have fewer bends, making it easier to reach the clog with the plumbing snake.

Moreover, you can use a DIY plumbing snake using a wire coat hanger. All you have to do is straighten out the entire hanger except the hook at the end. Then, you can use it to work it down into the waste tee.

Usually, you can find a clog in this area, and the hook can easily remove it. Hence, it is easier to use a plumbing snake if Drano doesn’t solve the drainage issue.

Here’s a great plumbing snake/drain auger on Amazon, if you are not in the mood for DIY.

4. Use Boiling Water To Unclog

This is probably the easiest way to unclog your drain when Drano does not help. Put the kettle on and boil enough water. Then, pour it slowly down the kitchen drain or clogged bathtub. 

Take your time and pour it into three to four stages. The heat can break up the clog and clear your drain. Even though this is a straightforward and quick method, the outcomes are reliable.

drano not working

Wrapping Up

Try each of the methods one-by-one, starting with the one that is easiest for you to try.

If one method does not work, there is always another, so there’s no need to hurry!

If none of these methods work, it is time to call in a plumber. They will help you with the unclogging and will let you know if there is a bigger problem. Clogged drains often smell like cat pee, so its best not to delay unclogging them.

We hope this article helped you find a solution to your drainage problems.