Drano vs. Sani-Flush: What’s the Difference?
Purpose:
In this laboratory activity students will examine and analyze two household cleaners. Students
will explore the differences between Drano and Sani-Flush. Students will learn how to create
these two cleaners inexpensively.
Background Information:
Drano is a drain cleaner, whereas Sani-Flush is a toilet bowl cleaner. They both react with water
to produce fizzing, and on the surface it may appear that their reaction mechanisms are similar.
However, upon closer examination, the reactions are shown to be completely different. A few
simple chemical tests can be used to determine the differences in the identity of these two
substances, as well as shed light on how each works.
Equipment:
Test tubes, 18x150
Graduated cylinders, 10 mL
Stirring rods
Test tube racks
Matches
Chemicals and Consumables:
Drano
Sani-Flush
Distilled water
Universal Indicator
Wood Splints
Thermometers
Test tube holders
Scoopula
Sodium hydroxide
Aluminum
Sodium bisulfate
Sodium bicarbonate
Procedure:
Wear goggles throughout the experiment.
Part One
1. Place approximately 4 mL of water in a test tube. Place a thermometer in the water and
record its temperature.
2. Place a scoopula of Drano into the test tube and collect the gas that is liberated in an inverted
test tube.
3. Test for the identity of the collected gas using a burning splint. Hold the inverted test tube in
a test tube holder and hold the burning wood splint at the opening of the test tube.
4. Place the thermometer in the test tube and record the temperature. Rinse the thermometer
with water and dry.
5. Place a few drops of universal indicator into the test tube and record the color. Wash the test
tube with soap and water and rinse with distilled water.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 using Sani-Flush in place of Drano.
Part Two
1. Place approximately 4 mL of water in a test tube. Place a thermometer in the water and
record its temperature.
2. Obtain a sample of aluminum. Clean the surface of the aluminum carefully with sand paper
and cut the aluminum into small pieces.
3. Place a scoopula of sodium hydroxide into the test tube and record your observations. Add
the aluminum shavings to the sodium hydroxide solution and collect the gas that is liberated in an
inverted test tube.
4. Test for the identity of the collected gas using a burning splint. Hold the inverted test tube in
a test tube holder and hold the burning wood splint at the opening of the test tube.
5. Place the thermometer in the test tube and record the temperature. Rinse the thermometer
with water and dry.
6. Place a few drops of universal indicator into the test tube and record the color. Wash the test
tube with soap and water and rinse with distilled water.
7. Place approximately 4 mL of water in a test tube. Place a thermometer in the water and
record its temperature.
8. Place a scoopula of sodium bisulfate to the water. Record your observations.
9. Add a scoopula of sodium bicarbonate to the sodium bisulfate solution and collect the gas that
is liberated in an inverted test tube.
10. Test for the identity of the collected gas using a burning splint. Hold the inverted test tube in
a test tube holder and hold the burning wood splint at the opening of the test tube.
11. Place the thermometer in the test tube and record the temperature. Rinse the thermometer
with water and dry.
12. Place a few drops of universal indicator into the test tube and record the color. Wash the test
tube with soap and water and rinse with distilled water.