The use of Drano in RV plumbing is something many people overlook until they get clogged. Drano is the go-to product for first-time RVers when they encounter a blockage in their RV drain pipes. It is never recommended to pour Drano down your RV drain. Dranos are not recommended for use in RV plumbing systems as they can damage them. The best thing to do is try something else that is safe. An RV technician must open any drains that are still clogged. Most RVs are not aware of the existence of drain cleaners when they begin their journey.
Find out why RV pipes should not be treated with Drano in this article. Along the way, you’ll discover safe alternatives.
Here are 4 safe drain cleaners for RVs:
Is your RV drain not draining properly? There is no need to worry; there are ways to unclog the pipes in your RV.
1. Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive and safe ways to unblock RV drains. Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, so combining the two produces a chemical reaction similar to an elementary school science fair. Due to the pressure generated by this reaction, blockages are often dislodged.
Before you try to unclog the drain, pour in a half cup of baking soda. Half a cup of white vinegar should be added about 15-20 minutes later. Once the drain has stopped bubbling, pour in about a half gallon of boiling water.
2. Boiling water
You can also unclog RV drains with boiling water. Your tanks and pipes will break down solids faster if you use hot water. Pour a gallon at a time of water down clogged drains. You can repeat this method several times if the blockage doesn’t dissolve after the first try. If you boil too much water, you could damage plastic tanks or RV pipes. The boiling water method should be tried first, but if it fails, another method should be tried.
3. Use of enzymes to clean drains
Green Gobbler is an enzyme-based drain cleaner to consider if you have RV drains. Due to its ability to break down oil and grease, this type of cleaner will not damage RV pipes. In addition to lowering pH levels, enzyme-based cleaners also remove odors and reduce clogging.
4. Clean drains with Drainbo
Drainbo biologically treats holding tanks in RVs and boats. In addition to cleaning and sanitizing an environment, it breaks down fats, biological waste, and detergents by penetrating, breaking down, and digesting them. You will also be able to clean the sensors in your holding tanks and remove odors.