Bleach as Drano?

**hazystargazer** · 06-03-2009, 10:47 AM

I think I recall reading somewhere that basic household bleach can be used as a frugal alternative to drain cleaner. Anyone tried it?

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-03-2009, 12:39 PM

Bleach will eventually dissolve hair and other collected organic matter if it has a chance to sit for several hours... for example, if the drain is completely plugged with gunk. Otherwise it's just going to go down the pipe and be gone.

Most drain cleaners have chemicals that "stick" to the gunk on the sides of the pipe and act faster to dissolve it.

**lotsadebt** · 06-03-2009, 01:07 PM

I have heard this as a tip before. I did use it as "maintanance" cleaner before. Poured in a few glugs everyday. I did have a big clog though, it got me through awhile until we had to get it power snaked.

**spyzvixxen** · 06-03-2009, 04:51 PM

I would think it would work if the clog isn't really tough. Maybe pour the bleach, let sit for a while & chase with boiling water? I thought Draino contains bleach. Not sure what to do about thickening the bleach though.

**frugalwarrior** · 06-03-2009, 05:02 PM

I remember something about bleach and baking soda. lol.

**lisaflex** · 06-03-2009, 06:37 PM

bkng soda and vinegar and hot water work to unclog a drain

be careful if you have septic w/ straight bleach

**CrazyHomemaker** · 06-03-2009, 09:36 PM

I haven't used bleach for drain cleaner. However, the liquid Drano sure smells like bleach to me. I thought of it when I poured it the other day.

**hazystargazer** · 06-04-2009, 07:36 AM

I went ahead and tried bleach and then really hot water last night, and it seemed to unclog the drain (bathroom sink) somewhat. I'll probably do it again today or tomorrow. 0911, do you know what measurements of baking soda/vinegar/hot water to use?

**Momto2Boyz** · 06-04-2009, 08:25 AM

I use baking soda and vinegar on my kitchen sink regularly to keep it from getting stinky.

I don't think you need any preciose measurements. I just put a few shakes of baking soda in the drain, then pour in some vinegar (maybe 1/4 cup), let it foam and go down, and keep pouring vinegar in, a little bit at a time until the baking soda is gone and there is no more foaming. (You can hear it foaming down in the drain, so when the sound stops, you know all the baking soda is dissolves).

Works better than anything (even bleach) on getting smells out of your kitchen sink!

**craftypam** · 06-04-2009, 09:27 AM

I have heard from plumbers; Do not put bleach in your drain. It ruins the pipes.

**The Muse** · 06-04-2009, 10:03 AM

This works very well and is cheaper (and safer) than bleach.

**IntlMom** · 06-04-2009, 10:56 AM

Thanks Muse!! Great tip!
Bleach may be cheap, but it's so not eco-friendly!! (any more that Drano or Liquip plumber)

Her tip is great!!! and cheap!

**frugalfranny** · 06-05-2009, 01:33 AM

I use the baking soda and vinegar on my kitchen sink too. Works good and is much cheaper than the draino.

I don't do it monthly but try to time it so I use the vinegar on the coffee maker first then down the sink.

**MRAHoffman** · 06-07-2009, 01:57 PM

I am an insurance underwriter and I hear "interesting" stories all day long. I had a "potential" insured that had a prior fire loss. When I asked the agent what happened he told me that the insured had a stopped up drain so they poured gasoline down it AND...threw a match in after it. Can you believe the agent got MAD at me for saying no...I told him that we do NOT insure stupidity. Just had to tell you this

Take care and God bless.

**hazystargazer** · 06-14-2009, 06:07 PM

MRA - just...wow! The stupidity that exists in this world is scary, yes?

I would have done the same thing if I were in your position.

Based on some of the replies here, I think I'm gonna give the baking soda/vinegar combo a whirl. IntlMom, you're right - baking soda and vinegar are much more eco-friendly. I just figured you needed something chemical-y and "intense" to unclog a drain! The Muse, thanks for the link! I may have to try that too.