Drano in Dishwasher: Drano is a drain cleaner used in homes that is produced from aluminum, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium chloride, and sodium nitrate.
How does it function?
Once poured down the drain, Drano works to initiate a chemical reaction that breaks down the organic material that is causing the obstruction. In order to accelerate the decomposition process, chemicals combine to produce heat at temperatures close to boiling. Additionally, the ingredients in Drano produce soap and bubbles when combined with oil and water to dissolve the clog.
Drano is used to unclog clogged shower, bathtub, and sink drain pipes. There you go. You should never flush it down the toilet, and you should never use Drano to unclog a dishwasher drain.
A dishwasher’s pump actively removes water from the device. There can be an issue with the pump if the dishwasher won’t drain. However, that isn’t the issue the majority of the time. Where the drain line often ends, at the bottom of the appliance, is where anything is most likely to be clogging the drain filter or clogging the garbage disposal.
Drano in Dishwasher: How To Maintain Drano
The ease of obtaining drano belies their possible risks. Caustic soda, also referred to as sodium hydroxide or lye, is the primary component of all Drano products. In terms of pH, this substance is at the other extreme of the spectrum from sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. It’s not acidic and is caustic, but it’s still harmful.
Sodium hydroxide produces a lot of heat when combined with water. Pipes can be cleaned using this heat in combination with the chemical’s capacity to transform grease into water-soluble soap. However, a dishwasher’s drain hose is not just plastic, but also quite thin and brittle, and the heat is sufficiently high to harm plastic pipes.
If you use Drano to unclog a dishwasher drain, damage to the drain line might not even be the worst of your issues. When the dishwasher is running, the caustic chemical may splashback over the dishes if it doesn’t completely flow down the drain. This can harm the drain pump.
When a Dishwasher Won’t Drain
After the cycle is finished, if there is still water in the dishwasher, remove the dishes and racks and clean the filter in the bottom of the machine. If you didn’t know that, it’s probably full of food debris as you’re supposed to do this frequently. The water ought to drain during the following cycle once it has been cleaned.
Running the garbage disposal is another simple solution for dishwasher drainage issues. The dishwasher probably drains into it if you have one. The drain pipe may become clogged if the disposal is overflowing with unground food. The dishwasher should be running while you do this to allow the water to flow from the drain pump.
To examine the air gap is a third trick. You’ll notice a chrome fitting in the shape of a dome on the back of the sink if you have one of these, however they are not necessary everywhere. Dispose of any debris you find by removing the cap.
Drano in Dishwasher: A Secure Replacement for Drano
Manually unclogging a drain hose usually only requires removing it from the sink or garbage disposal tailpiece, lowering it into a bucket, and using a piece of wire or something similar to probe inside the hose. Of course, chemicals are simpler to use, so if you like them, combine vinegar and baking soda instead.
By taking off the filter, you can reveal the dishwasher’s bottom drain. After that, you can add 1 cup each of vinegar and baking soda. The mixture creates a carbon dioxide fizz that, in addition to deodorizing, safely loosens grease and other deposits. After about 30 minutes of continued fizzing, throw 2 or 3 cups of hot water down the drain and start the dishwasher’s rinse cycle.
What Happens If You Unclog Your Dishwasher With Drano?
For unclogging a shower or sink pipe, many people turn to a bottle of Drano. However, a dishwasher is exempt from its magical abilities. In fact, if you try to use Drano to unclog your dishwasher, you can find yourself in a worse situation than before.
With a dishwasher, you run the risk of destroying not only the drain pipe but also the pump and any exposed plastic or rubber components. If that occurs, installing a new dishwasher could cost you several hundred dollars. Even worse, your dishes can be tainted with dangerous chemicals that can lead to burns, irritation, and even lung issues if some of the Drano is still in your dishwasher and you run the following wash cycle.
How to clean a clogged dishwasher without Drano
There are a few things you should examine both inside and outside your dishwasher before unclogging it. You should brush away any food particles and residue that have amassed along the bottom of the appliance. Check there as well since buildup can sometimes occur in the dishwasher’s filter. To remove the case, you’ll probably need a screwdriver, but once it’s off, you can simply take the filter out to clean it.
There are two important places to inspect and clean on the dishwasher’s exterior: within the garbage disposal and at the air gap cylinder. The air gap cylinder that is located behind or on top of your sink may not seem like much, but it actually serves a key function in wash cycles by preventing backups and maintaining correct water flow. The dishwasher may clog if the cylinder becomes loose or is hindered by accumulation. Take a look at the garbage disposal while you are inspecting the area surrounding the sink. The majority of built-in dishwashers drain there. Disposal overflow prevents adequate drainage.
Take a plunge under the sink to see whether any more inspections are required. Make sure the drain pipe is clear and check for any loose or damaged connections coming from the garbage disposal or dishwasher. After performing all necessary inspections and cleaning or fastening every component, if the dishwasher is still blocked, you might need to make a call to the plumber.
Drano in Dishwasher: Conclusion
Use coarse salt to unclog small obstructions. Add 4 liters of water and 1/2 cup of salt together. After pouring the salt solution down the drain, allow it 15 minutes to sit. Down the drain, pour hot water. While the hot water further softens the obstruction and eventually clears the drain, the salt will aid in dissolving the obstruction.
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