14 best drano for septic systems

Drano is a brand of household drain openers and cleaning products, known for its ability to clear clogged drains. However, using Drano or similar chemical drain openers in septic systems is generally not recommended. Here's what you should know about Drano for septic systems:

  1. Septic Systems Overview: Septic systems are a type of wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural or non-urban areas where municipal sewer systems are not available. These systems use a combination of natural processes and bacteria to treat and break down sewage and wastewater.

  2. Chemical Drain Openers: Drano and similar chemical drain openers are formulated with strong chemicals, such as lye (sodium hydroxide) or sulfuric acid. These chemicals work by dissolving or breaking down clogs in pipes, allowing water to flow freely.

  3. Harm to Septic Systems: Using chemical drain openers in septic systems can be harmful for several reasons:

    • Kills Beneficial Bacteria: Septic systems rely on a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria to break down and treat wastewater. Chemical drain openers can kill these essential bacteria, disrupting the system's function.

    • Potential Damage to Pipes: The strong chemicals in drain openers can corrode or damage the pipes in your plumbing and septic system, leading to costly repairs.

    • Risk of Contamination: Chemicals from drain openers may find their way into the septic tank and leach field, potentially contaminating the soil and groundwater.

  4. Safer Alternatives: If you have a clogged drain in a home with a septic system, it's advisable to avoid chemical drain openers.Instead, consider these alternative methods:

    • Plunging: A plunger can often clear minor drain clogs. Make sure to use a toilet plunger for toilet clogs and a sink or tub plunger for other drains.

    • Manual Snaking: A drain snake or auger can be used to physically remove clogs from pipes. This method is effective for more stubborn blockages.

    • Professional Help: If the clog persists or you suspect a more significant issue with your septic system, it's best to contact a professional plumber or septic system technician for assistance.

  5. Preventive Maintenance: To prevent clogs in your plumbing and septic system, it's a good practice to avoid flushing or disposing of items that can cause clogs, such as grease, large food particles, and non-biodegradable materials.

In summary, using Drano or similar chemical drain openers in septic systems is not recommended due to the potential harm they can cause to the beneficial bacteria in the system and the risk of damaging pipes. It's best to explore safer alternatives or seek professional assistance when dealing with drain clogs in homes with septic systems. Regular septic system maintenance is essential to ensure proper functionality and prevent issues in the long run.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best drano for septic systems on the market
  

Drano Advanced Septic Treatment, 3 Count

Drano

Based on 772 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano has your back with maximum strength for your worst clogs - or your money back. Visit DRANO.com for details. Drano Advanced Septic Treatment - Drop & Flush Monthly Maintenance for Your Septic Tank Easy to use: One flush is really all it takes! Drano Advanced Septic Treatment is a septic tank maintenance solution that’s designed to be flushed and forgotten! Dissolvable pouches: No mess, no fuss. Just drop and flush, and let the pouch do its thing. No more loose powders, no more clouds of dust—just a quick and simple septic tank treatment once a month can help you avoid problems.* Concentrated septic tank care: Drano Advanced Septic Treatment breaks down solid waste, paper, oil, grease and proteins. Each power-packed pouch works in septic tanks up to 1500 gallons, providing one full month of treatment. Works safely in all tanks & pipes: Drano Advanced Septic Treatment uses natural enzymes to aid septic tank bacteria in breaking down waste, so it won’t harm your plumbing. *along with regular pumping

  • Easy to use: One flush is really all it takes. Drano Advanced Septic Treatment is a septic tank maintenance solution that's designed to be flushed and forgotten
  • Dissolvable pouches: No mess, no fuss. Just drop and flush, and let the pouch do its thing. No more loose powders, no more clouds of dust. Just a quick and simple septic tank treatment once a month can help you avoid problems
  • Concentrated septic tank care: Drano Advanced Septic Treatment breaks down solid waste, paper, oil, grease and proteins. Each power-packed pouch works in septic tanks up to 1500 gallons, providing one full month of treatment
  • Works safely in all tanks and pipes: Drano Advanced Septic Treatment uses natural enzymes to aid septic tank bacteria in breaking down waste, so it won't harm your plumbing
  • One bag with 3 treatments per order. Contains no phosphate

User questions & answers

Question: Can I return this item… Drano? I have 3 unopened bags
Answer: Unknown. Contact Amazon.
Question: can this be used for tubs
Answer: not really, this isn't to clean drains, it is to keep the bacteria count up in your septic tank so it will help break down the raw sewage and keep the septic tank liquid. you need you draino drain cleaner.
Question: Are you supposed to put one in each toilet or just in one toilet
Answer: just one toilet....
Question: Is this like Rid-x? Is it as good
Answer: I never used rid x the man that pumps out tank don’t recommend it, he sell stuff just like this and it works good

Product features

Drano Advanced Septic Treatment

One Drano Advanced Septic Treatment once a month helps prevent your septic system from backing up and keeps it running efficiently. Just drop a Drano pouch directly into your toilet and flush. The no-mess pouch dissolves in water, so the concentrated treatment travels through the pipes directly to your septic tank. There, the natural enzyme formula breaks down solid waste, toilet paper, oil, grease, and proteins. One Drano pouch provides a full month of treatment for septic tanks up to 1,500 gallons. Drano Advanced Septic Treatment is an effective and less expensive** alternative to RID-X* septic treatments.

**Per recommended dosage, based on ACNielsen Scan Track data for the 52wk period ending 2/27/16.

*RID-X is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser LLC.

What's in the Box:

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver, 31 oz

Green Gobbler

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price
  • DISSOLVES HAIR, SOAP, PAPER & GREASE: Forget the dirty work of plunging clogged toilets and end backed-up drains once and for all! The highly effective formula of Green Gobbler clears clogged drains and liquifies grease, hair, paper, soap scum and everything organic that‘s causing clogs within your pipes!
  • MAINTAINS FREE-FLOWING PIPES & DRAINS: The ultra thick formula of green gobblers hair clog remover clings to pipes to keep them free and working.
  • WORKS WITHIN MINUTES: Unclog drains and liquify hair within minutes! This drain opener is safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.
  • EASY AND EFFECTIVE: Annoyed of clogged and backed up drains? This drain cleaner is the simplest, and most effective way for free-flowing drains and pipes!
  • REVOLUTIONARY FORMULA: Green Gobbler sink cleaner is safer than using drain openers like sodium hydroxide and works faster and more effective than most other drain uncloggers on the market.

User questions & answers

Question: Will it work on clog that is several feet past the trap in shower
Answer: At least in my bathroom sink, it was a disaster. This product dissolved something and the pvc pipe detached from the pipe under the sink causing a leak that damaged everything I had inside the cabinet and the hair was still in there. I had a clogged sink and now I have a useless sink because I have to find a plumber to fix the pipes. Thankfully I have two more bathrooms with sinks that I can use. Take the risk if you want, I'm not using it never again.
Question: No instructions on using with garbage disposal? Do you do it the same way as if you just had a drain with no disposal
Answer: I didn't use it immediately after Drano, but I used it after trying Drano for months if not years with limited results. This worked the first time I used it and three months later the drain is still flowing free. I was frankly amazed. I've never seen a product work as well. (I did flush with boiling water after letting this work overnight. I don't know if it enhanced the effect, but I am extremely pleased with it.)
Question: Can it be used on pvc pipes
Answer: Very safe and effective for any shower or tub drains!
Question: If you used drano for a hair clog in shower drain and it didn’t work, can you use this after? Would there be an adverse chemical reaction
Answer: I have not used it in an RV, but it works great in a septic system of our house.

Drano Commercial Line Max Build-Up Remover 64 Ounces, 2-Pack

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano has your back with maximum strength for your worst clogs - or your money back. Visit DRANO.com for details. Drano Max Build-Up Remover treats your drain before it becomes clogged. With a unique formula containing natural enzymes and bacteria, Drano Max Build-Up Remover helps prevent clogs from blocking your pipes. Use it on a monthly basis to help prevent plumbing problems and keep your drains running smoothly. The more build-up you remove now, the less likely it is that you'll need a drain cleaner to unclog your drain later.

  • Safe for Toilets and Septic Systems
  • Contains no phosphorus

User questions & answers

Question: Does it remove limestone from the pipes
Answer: I don’t know but it did not unplug my drain.

Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains, Unclogs and Removes Hair, Soap Scum, Blockages, 80 oz

Drano

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Formula for Tidy Drains Gel-based Drano Max Gel Clog Remover collides and clings for longer to clean up the clogs. It works effectively to drive out the sludgy or pasty waste and makes way for smooth flow. Quickly restores the drain by passing through standing water and removing even viscous or messy waste. Thick, gel-based clog remover suitable for most types of pipes works fast and restores drains easily. It's thicker and better and easily unclogs the track. Just For You: Plastic, metal pipes, garbage disposals, PVC or septic systems. A Closer Look: It can be used to clear even tough clogs in drains at homes. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover comes with a unique ingredient that prevents pipes from corrosion. Removes even tough wastes like soap scum or hair. This clog remover is great for most kinds of pipes and even overnight usage does not cause any damage to pipes. Results are normal functioning of the drains/pipes without any blockages.You Won't Find: Phosphorus Get Started: Use half bottle (for 32 oz.) of the gel. Leave it for 15 minutes or 30 minutes for stubborn clogs. Flush with hot water.

  • Formulated thick to dissolve the tough clogs fast
  • Cuts through standing water straight to the clog
  • Safe on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals and septic systems
  • More than just a hair clog remover - guaranteed to work or your money back
  • Removes and cleans clogs in all bathtubs, showers, and sinks

User questions & answers

Question: I have cast iron pipes and I want to use this in my shower drain and sink...will it harm cast iron
Answer: It is ok to use with cast iron pipes
Question: Does it remove clogged garbage
Answer: Great question. Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover can be used in a garbage disposal, but you’ll want to keep in mind that it will not dissolve foreign objects. It’s a great solution for removing clogs caused by organic buildup like soap scum, grease or hair. 
Question: Does it works in the bath drain hair cloded
Answer: Yes it does. I only buy this brand
Question: Does it works on a toilet
Answer: It works on a toilet.

Product features

Open carefully. Do not squeeze bottle. Avoid splashing. Clean up spills at once. Keep hands, face, and children away from drains while using Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Never use a plunger during or after use of Drano Max Gel Clog Remover because Drano Max Gel Clog Remover may still be present if drain did not clear.

For garbage disposal drains, if drain does not clear, do not turn on disposal since Drano Max Gel Clog Remover may splash back. Consult plumber. Do not use in toilets. For slow running toilets, use Drano Max Build-Up Remover. Do not reuse empty container. Rinse container and replace cap before discarding. Read product label for additional information and precautions.

Where And How It Works

Safe for garbage disposals, bathroom, kitchen and other drains, like laundry sinks.

How It Works

The thick bleach formula in Drano Max Gel Clog Remover cuts right through standing water, clinging to your toughest clogs to blast them fast. It works great to remove hair, soap scum, and other gunky clogs.

Green Gobbler BIO-FLOW Drain Strips - 24 Strips | Drain Cleaner & Deodorizer Drain Sticks

Green Gobbler

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price
  • Ultra concentrated Strips for powerful cleaning and deodorizing of household drain lines. Smelly drain? Bio-flow drain Strips will eat away at organic matter better than the no-name drain cleaner you have under your sink. Drop one strip into your drain and the slow-dissolving bacteria and enzymes will start to work instantly.
  • Eliminates & digests grease, oil, fats, scum and food quickly for easy drain cleaning. The gunk that's stuck inside of your drain won’t stand a chance against bio-flow’s enzymes. Grease, oil, fats, scum, food: all gone in a matter of minutes. How’s that for easy drain maintenance?
  • Utilizes powerful yet slow dissolving enzymes to take care of lodged organic materials. Food and grease will stick to your drain like Velcro. Pretty gross. Luckily you can clear the gunk in your drain with a bio-flow deodorizing strip.
  • Safe on all pipes and septic systems (including old pipes and PVC pipes)
  • Perfect as part of a monthly drain cleaning routine. Traditional use: once a month, drop one bio-flow strip into the drain for cleaning and deodorizing. Perfect for kitchen and bathroom drains.

User questions & answers

Question: Can these sticks be used in a dishwasher
Answer: They are designed for use in sink drains and release enzymes which dissolve grease clogs over time. I don't think this would work well in a dishwasher. The strips are actually more like straws and are a few inches long, so probably not ideal for use in a dishwasher drain.
Question: I had a new bathroom sink installed and the drain now smells horrible! Can I use these every day for awhile
Answer: We use it about once a week (until I can get my boss to pony up for a plumber). We have not had any problems. They last quite a while. I agree with the other person though. In my home bathroom I used a mixture of baking soda, salt and vinegar. Cleared everything right out. Also make sure to some hot water through for a couple of minutes every once in a while. The water stands in the ptrap and gets smelly if you dont.
Question: Can this help with shower sulfur oder
Answer: We had a foul odor coming from our shower drain and this product eliminated it in just a few days. We now put a stick down once a month
Question: There are no instructions. how do i use them? what do i do for a sink with only one drain that is also a garbage disposal
Answer: You should put a bio-flow stick completely down the drain & then start its action by flowing some warm water down that drain. Use one stick monthly for preventive maintenance. As for a drain that has a garbage disposal, the stick has to be placed completely below the blades to avoid splintering & possible clogging.

Product features

Strong Enough...

to get the job done...but easy on your pipes! Our Green Gobbler Bio-Flow Drain Strips easily break down grease, fats, oils, soap scum, food & organic build up! Won't harm drains, pipes or septic systems.

Eliminates Foul Odors & Clogs

Our Bio-Flow Drain Strips use slow-dissolving enzymes to eliminate fouls smells and prevent future clogs and backups in household drains. Use monthly to keep your pipes smelling fresh and flowing freely.

Powerful Enzymes Digest Matter

Once inserted into the drain, Bio-Flow releases a highly-concentrated and powerful blend of enzymes directly into the pipe trap which is the source of the build-up and odor.

Drano Advanced Septic Treatment, Septic Tank Pouches, 3 Count (2 Pack)

AmazonUs/SCJAB

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano Advanced septic treatment - drop & Flush these septic tank tablets for monthly maintenance to your septic tank. Easy to use: one flush is really all it takes! Drano Advanced septic treatment is a septic tank maintenance solution that's designed to be flushed and forgotten! Dissolvable pouches: no mess, no fuss. Just drop and flush, and let the pouch do its thing. No more loose powders-just a quick and simple septic tank treatment once a month can help you avoid problems, along with regular pumping. Concentrated septic tank care: Drano Advanced septic treatment helps break down solid waste, paper, oil, grease and proteins. Each power-packed pouch works in septic tanks up to 1500 gallons, providing one full month of treatment. Works safely in all septic tanks & pipes: Drano Advanced septic treatment uses enzymes to aid septic tank bacteria in breaking down waste, so it won't harm your plumbing.

  • Drano Advanced septic treatment makes at home septic tank maintenance Easy
  • The septic tank cleaner comes in a mess-free pouch that makes it easy to just drop and flush
  • Septic tank enzymes help break down solid waste, paper, oil, grease and proteins
  • Drano Advanced septic treatment is a septic safe toilet cleaner that uses enzymes to aid bacteria in breaking down waste, so it won't harm your plumbing
  • Every pouch provides one month of septic tank treatment

Drano Gel Clog Remover - 80 Oz - 2 Pk

Drano

Based on 786 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Formula for tidy drainsgel-based Drano Max gel clog remover collides and clings for longer to clean up The clogs. It works effectively to drive out the sludgy or pasty waste and makes way for smooth flow. Quickly restores the drain by passing through standing water and removing even viscous or messy waste.Thick, gel-based clog remover suitable for most types of pipesworks fast and restores drains easily it's thicker and better and easily unclogs the track.Just for you: plastic, metal pipes, garbage disposals, PVC or septic systems a closer Look: It can be used to clear even tough clogs in drains at homes. Drano Max gel clog remover comes with a unique ingredient that prevents pipes from corrosion. Removes even tough wastes like soap scum or hair. This clog remover is great for most kinds of pipes and even overnight usage does not cause any damage to pipes. Results are normal functioning of the drains/pipes without any blockages.You won't find: phosphorusget started: use half bottle (for 32 oz.) of the gel. Leave it for 15 minutes or 30 minutes for stubborn clogs. Flush with hot water.

  • Formulated thick to dissolve the toughest clogs fast
  • Pours through water straight to the clog
  • Includes new collar card with “works in 7 minutes” benefit

User questions & answers

Question: It says 2 pack and size is 1 pack. Do you get 1 or
Answer: 2 in 1 package
Question: safe for plastic pipes
Answer: Very safe and effective.
Question: is it easy to use
Answer: Yes it is very simple, you just pour it down the drain and wait 15 minutes or so before flushing with hot water.

Drano Max Clog Remover Gel, 32 Ounce (Pack of 2)

Drano

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano max gel pro strength clog remover. Clears total blockages. ! SC Johnson. A family company. 2 32oz bottles.

  • Drano Liquid Maximum Strength Clog Remover it is the best at removing hair, soap scum and other gunky clogs
  • It is safe for plastic, PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals and septic systems
  • It pours through water straight to the clog

User questions & answers

Question: Is This Dishwasher Safe
Answer: Don`t think I would try it
Question: Can it eat up a wash rag
Answer: No
Question: Is This A Gel
Answer: Yes
Question: does it work on toilet
Answer: No

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, 80 Fl. Oz (2 Count), 2 Pack

Drano

Based on 85 reviews Check latest price

Product description

2 Pack

  • Formulated thick to dissolve the tough clogs fast
  • Cuts through standing water straight to the clog
  • Safe on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals and septic systems
  • Guaranteed to work or your money back
  • Two 80 fluid ounce bottles. Can leave in drains overnight

User questions & answers

Question: This listing is ambiguous. It looks like a 2 pack (160 oz total), but the price per oz implies that “80 oz (2 count), 2 pack” is a total of 320oz
Answer: total is 160 each bottle is 80
Question: Are there 2 x 2-packs for 4 total bottles
Answer: 1 pack of 2 bottles

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover 32 oz (Pack of 2)

Drano

Based on 215 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover 32 oz (Pack of 2)

  • Pack of 2
  • Product of Drano
  • Number of items: 2
  • Package Weight: 2.359 kilograms

User questions & answers

Question: Are the bottles 32oz or 80oz? Listing says 32 but pic shows
Answer: I got 2 80 oz bottles. Weird though, I don't think I would have ordered if the listing said that when I ordered...? The Green Gobbler worked on a slow-draining hair clogged bathroom sink (Liquid Plumbr stopped working on that sink). Followed instructions and let it sit overnight. I will use the Drano for grease clogs in the kitchen.
Question: Can you use this product in a single kitchen sink with a garbage disposal
Answer: Yes.
Question: Does it unclogged toilets
Answer: I wouldn't recommend that. If I remember it specifically said not recommended for toilets. Potential explosions.
Question: does it work on bathroom sinks
Answer: yes I believe so.Have used on my bathroom sink,it worked to clear the clog.

Drano Kitchen Granules Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner, Unclogs blockage from Grease or Cooking Oil, 17.6 oz

Drano

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When your kitchen sink is clogged you need a quick solution. The powerful Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover formula melts grease and is the only product specifically designed for kitchen clogs. It is safe on all pipes. Simply pour it into the drain, follow with hot water and wait 15 minutes. Stock up now and you’ll be prepared for your next clog. Clogs happen, but with Drano you and your drains are unstoppable.

  • Specifically designed to destroy tough, greasy kitchen clogs
  • Unclogs kitchen sinks, even drains blocked from grease, cooking oil, or bacon grease
  • Powerful new formula heats water to quickly melt drain grease
  • Safe on all pipes and septic systems
  • For kitchen sinks with garbage disposals use Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover instead

User questions & answers

Question: The package says not to use it if you have used another drain clog product "recently." what is "recently"? within the past day? past week? past month
Answer: I purchased this and asked for a refund. It actually made my slow drain worse, it a terrible product.
Question: So it's safe to use drano granules with garbage disposals, but not the crystals
Answer: I am not sure if this is safe for disposals as there may be plastic or rubber and as the product yields high temperature it may be damaged. But this works great in sink pipes. Works like wonders!
Question: Is it Septic tank safe
Answer: Yes, have used for a while with a septic.
Question: Can the Fantastic be used in the bathroom to clean tiles sink etc
Answer: I wouldn’t recommend it,it turns into a very Powerful acid which will destroy whatever your using to clean as well as what you’re cleaning. Good Luck 😉

Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner 16oz and Snake Plus Tool 16 inches, Unclogs tough blockages, Commercial Line

Drano

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano Snake Plus Drain Cleaning Kit is a simple two-step solution for unclogging your drain. Drano paired a 23-inch flexible tool with its most powerful gel to clear your drain the first time guaranteed or it’s free. Use the snake tool to knock clogs loose, then pour Drano Max Gel Clog Remover down your drain to clear the clog away. The gel pours straight through standing water and works fast to restore your drain to a free-flowing state. Drano Snake Plus is tough on hair, soap scum, and other gunk, but safe for all pipes. Clogs happen, but with Drano you and your drains are unstoppable.

  • Simple two-step solution for powering through tough clogs
  • Easy-to-use tool penetrates hard-to-reach clogs
  • Gel cuts through standing water to clear and unclog at the source
  • Safe to use on all pipes and plumbing fixtures
  • Box contains one 23-inch flexible tool and one 16 fluid ounce bottle

User questions & answers

Question: Is this safe for homes with a septic system
Answer: no there are other brands that are
Question: Can I use in kitchen sink
Answer: Yes you can. My kitchen sick was clogged and it worked perfectly. I thought I may have to do repairs but not. Drano worked perfectly
Question: Is this safe for garbage disposal clogs
Answer: While our Drano® Snake Plus Drain Cleaning Kit is not recommended for garbage disposals, I encourage you to check out Drano® Max Gel Clog remover. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us at 1-800-558-5252 (Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM CST) and provide reference number: 019733059A.
Question: Can you use this for dishwasher clogs
Answer: While this product is not designed for use inside dishwashers, it can be used in a drain that leads to the dishwasher (such as a kitchen sink).

Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover (17 oz. Pack of 2)

Drano

Based on 59 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover (17 oz. Pack of 2)

  • SC Johnson #14768 17OZ Drano Foam Liquid
  • S C JOHNSON WAX

Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover (17 oz.Pack of 4)

Drano

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drano Dual Force Foamer Clog Remover (17 oz.Pack of 4)

  • Sc Johnson #14768 17oz Drano Foam liquid
  • S C Johnson wax

Latest Reviews

View all