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Pouring drain cleaner down a vent pipe isn’t recommended. First of all, unlike a clog in a sink or bath caused by such material as soap scum build-up, toothpaste, and hair, clogs in a vent pipe are likely the result of debris from trees or even an animal stuck in the pipe. Drain cleaners won’t be able to eat through this kind of material. The cleaner will only become clogged in the vent with the debris, causing even more problems.

Most commercial liquid drain cleaners work in 15 to 30 minutes. Consult the label on the bottle for additional instructions or time suggestions to prevent damage to your drainpipes. Alternative solutions such as baking soda, salt, white vinegar, and/or boiling water can take longer since they are less harsh than liquid drain cleaners.

While there is no specific “best” method to clear hair out of a drain, several options work well. Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve the hair clog is a great and easy way to help clear the drain. Drain snakes are also effective for more severe clog buildups. 

Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.