Best Drain Cleaners Reviewed & Tested
The time finally comes when the plunger no longer works despite the herculean efforts you put. We have all been there, and if you haven’t, it might be sooner rather than later. Often, we end up paying plumbers a small fortune to clear the clogs or spend a ton of money on a plumbers snake when we can avoid the expensive services by purchasing a drain cleaner.
Our Top 3 Picks
[srpshortcode id=”19961″][/srpshortcode][srpshortcode id=”19962″][/srpshortcode][srpshortcode id=”19963″][/srpshortcode]
Clogs of any kind are a nuisance, and having a drain cleaner is the best line of defense. The question though is which is the best drain cleaner? To avoid the back and forth purchasing products that rarely work, we have created a guide for the best drain cleaners.
10 Best Drain Cleaners
1. Comstar 30-500 Pure Lye Opener
One fascinating aspect of this drain cleaner bead shape. This aspect allows the Pure Lye to sink to the bottom and attack the clog. It works best with a slow-moving drain and not a fully-blocked drain. Moreover, it is ideal for all piping other than aluminum, and you can safely use it in a garbage disposal. Ensure you have removed any blockage and let it sit in the unit for 20 minutes before running water.
Though the Comstar Pure Lye drain cleaner is safer and easier to use, we recommend you wear safety glasses and disposable glove to avoid contact. Also, ensure you run warm water first before pouring the Lye down your pipes. Follow this with warm water, and at this time you will hear the Lye fizzing. Ensure you use it only on slow-moving drains, and that windows are ever open in case of fumes though this unit is odorless and doesn’t produce fumes.
Our best features though were that this cleaner is septic safe and it is safe.
Septic tank safe – Pure lye is a naturally occurring substance, and we recommend it if you use septic tanks as it will not harm the bacteria nor will it damage your tank.
Pure – The Comstar pure lye is 100% pure and can be used for more than drain cleaning. You can use it for cold process soap making or baking.
Quantity – 1 pound
Pure and bead-sized
Odorless
Who is it for?
Seeing as this is pure sodium hydroxide, we recommend it for use in hospitals and homes where safety is paramount.
It is perfect to eradicate sewer flies as it will kill all eggs and gets rid of the gunk that could be nesting grounds
Works in minutes and is enough to get rid of roots in the septic or sewer lines
Can be used in most types of piping other than aluminum
Affordable
It will corrode your aluminum drains
2. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
Pour the solution into any slow-moving drain and wait for 15, or 30 minutes for tough clogs. Take the necessary precautions and ensure it doesn’t spill on you or splash on any surface. Once you have let it sit for no more than 30 minutes, we can flush, but we recommend you pour warm water down the pipes.
Nevertheless, what piqued our interest in this item is how it cuts through water, and safety.
Dense – The Drano Max Gel is thick and is designed to cut through water to get to the blockage. As such it is best for a fully blocked drain as it will sink and cling to your clogs blasting them.
Safe – if you are concerned about your pipes, we recommend you get a bottle of this as it is designed to protect pipes from corrosion. You can use it for PVC and metal pipes, and it is septic safe.
Safe for all pipes
Works in 15 to 30 minutes
Guaranteed
Has 35% more components than other drain cleaners
Ingredients: bleach, corrosion inhibitor, water, and a caustic cleaning agent
Who is it for?
We recommend the Drano Max Gel for homeowners dealing with difficult clogs and especially hair clogs.
It works fast. Often, it works in 7 minutes, but it’s recommended you wait for 15 minutes to be sure
It’s a guaranteed product, and you will get your money back should it not work
It protects your pipes from corrosion
There are instances it will not work, and it’s not recommended for toilets
3. Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32
No measuring, and no mess – Thanks to the design of the Dissolve bottle getting the right quantity and emptying it is a breeze. Empty one of the chambers when clearing a clog in the shower or kitchen sink and use both chambers to remove toilet clogs
Rapid dissolve technology – We also recommend the Dissolve owing to its speed and effectiveness at clearing clogs. It works in minutes and dissolves clogs or hair upon contact.
Biodegradable
Non-corrosive
Great for septic systems.
Who is it for?
We recommend the Green Gobbler dissolve for the environmentally conscious individuals and homeowners who always have to deal with toilet clogs.
It is ultra-dense and will easily pass through the water to the clogs
The unit is biodegradable, and you get to clear your clogs while still conserving the rivers and marine life
It dissolves clogs and any other gunk in a matter of minutes
It’s non-corrosive
It will not work if your sink is completely clogged
4. Thrift MARKETING GIDDS-TY-0400879
Start by heating the drain to prepare it and then add the crystals followed by warm water.
The formula will dissolve hair and any other clogs in less than 60 seconds. Moreover, you will appreciate that this product is made in the U.S.A. With so many manufacturing jobs leaving the country, it is a nice touch to see some still operating and offering employment to Americans. Our best features though were that it’s odorless and works well with septic systems.
Odorless – Thanks to its non-acid formula, the Thrift Drain Cleaner is odorless making it a favorite for homes and hospitals.
Septic Safe – For people using septic systems, you will appreciate that this drain cleaner is septic friendly. It contains sodium hydroxide which is affable to bacteria, and it is non-corrosive maintaining your septic tank.
Quantity: 1lb/2lb
Odorless
Fast-acting
Made in the USA
Who is it for?
We recommend this product for hospitals and other areas where an odorless drain cleaner is required.
It is a fast acting cleaner and dissolves hair and other clogs in less than 60 seconds
It is remarkable for root control in your drain or septic system
Using the Thrift is more pleasant as this unit is odorless
It is safe for all pipes as it is non-corrosive
Well, it happens to be pricey compared to our top picks, and it cannot be used in the garbage disposal
5. Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria
One fascinating aspect of this cleaner is that it has four enzymes unlike the two found in liquid cleaners. The four enzymes work on four types of waste (protein, carbohydrates, grease, and fibers) found in drains. Moreover, it retails in powder form to retain the potency and is not affected by gravity. That is, once the bacteria find their way to the clogs, they will eat their way and spread to every part of the drain. Moreover, this product is economical since a 2-pound container can clean a 1,000-gallon septic tank, or be used for 100 drain treatments. Our top features though were the safety and how septic-friendly it is.
Safe – The Bio-Clean produces no fumes, creates no heat, and doesn’t boil. As such it is safe for use in households with young kids and can be used for all drains.
Restoring bacteria action in septic tanks – The Bio-Clean uses natural bacteria to clean your pipes, and these bacteria inadvertently end up in your septic tank repairing damage from chemicals, bleaches, food preservatives, bowl cleaners, etc.
Works in less than 1 hour
Quantity: 2 pounds
Who is it for?
We recommend the Bio-Clean for regular drain maintenance and for people whose clogs is from waste build-up. Also, it is best for people looking to restore bacteria action in their septic tanks.
It is environmentally friendly as it changes waste into water, mineral ash, and carbon dioxide
It eliminates foul odors and the need for deodorant blocks as it eats away all the build-up
It restores bacteria action in septic tanks
It takes a while to act and cannot be used for inorganic waste
6. XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener
Another fascinating aspect of this product is that it is recyclable, and you can use it in all pipes. It is easy to use and odorless for home and hospital purposes. We recommend you use it regularly if you have a history of obstructions. Our best features though were the perfect balance and that it is biodegradable.
Biodegradable – There are more than enough harmful chemicals in the environment as it is, and we should strive not to add more. The Safer product is manufactured with the environment in mind as it is biodegradable.
Perfect Balance – Most homeowners are looking for options that are extremely powerful but safe to use, and these are rare. On the one hand, you have acidic cleaners that work in minutes if not seconds, but are quite dangerous, while on the other you have enzymatic cleaners that are safe but take too long to clear a clog. The Safer drain opener is a perfect compromise, as it is safer than acidic cleaners but works faster than enzymatic products.
Septic safe
Made in the USA
100% performance guarantee
Who is it for?
Great for people dealing with stubborn clogs but are also concerned about their safety.
It is easy to use, and you get top value for your money; moreover, it is odorless and thus quite comfortable to work with
It is safe than other caustic products, and thus it will protect your pipes and keep you from harm
It’s a fast acting product
It is not the most potent cleaner out there
7. Scotch Corporation 1969
Using this cleaner is also a breeze as it only entails pouring ½ the bottle or two cups down the drain and waiting for an hour. Overnight is better. However, you will have to use more than one bottle if the clog is further down in the drain. Our best features about this product are that it is septic safe, and its performance.
Performance – The Hair and Grease cleaner is perfect for bathtubs, showers, and sinks. First, it dissolves the hair clearing the blockage, and it produces heat to melt grease in the drain.
Septic Safe – The chemicals in this product are sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Both are fast-acting but are friendly not only to your pipes but also to your septic tank as they don’t harm the bacteria and enzymes responsible for breaking down waste.
Chemicals: Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide
Quantity: 20 oz., 1 liter, 2 liters, or 1 gallon
Who is it for?
This product is designed to clear clogs owing to hair and grease, and should only serve that purpose.
It is a safe product to use
Easy to use
It is fairly priced
Its usage is limited to grease and hair and will not work for other blockages
8. Invade Bio Drain Gel
This product also works to clear drains and is quite effectual. The Invade Bio Drain consists of natural microbes, a gelling agent, and an emulsifier blended to create a thick consistency. This mixture sticks to the walls of your drain and immediately begins working on the waste or blockage. Moreover, seeing as these are natural microbes, it is septic friendly, and safe to use. Our best features though were how economical it is, and the fact that it is odorless.
Odorless – One component included in the Invade Bio Drain is citrus oil. It helps eliminate the odor from the gunk; it makes the product great for urinals as it has a sweet scent.
Economical – You can expect a 1-quart bottle to last you for eight applications as you only need 4 oz. for the first application. You can follow this up with 1 oz. weekly application per drain. Moreover, one gallon will last for 32 applications.
Components: an emulsifier, citrus oil, natural microbes, and a gelling agent.
Who is it for?
Best for homeowners who want to get rid of gunk build-up and drain flies.
It eradicates the drain flies after the first application
Smells great and is thick enough to coat the drains
The product is too thick to go down small pipes
9. RID-X Commercial Septic System Liquid Treatment
Moreover, it is eco-friendly as it has 100% natural enzymes and bacteria. The enzymes begin working immediately they come into contact with water while it takes the bacteria about 2 to 4 hours to germinate. Our best features though are the bacteria restoration and how economical this unit is
Economical – One container of Rid-X will sustain you for six months with monthly application. This is far better than most drain openers that can only be used twice.
Bacteria restoration – After years of pouring bleach, food preservatives and other harmful products down the drain, the bacteria, and enzymes responsible for breaking down waste your septic tank are affected and not useful. By using the Rid-X septic liquid, you restore enzymes and prevent septic back up.
Contains amylase, cellulose, lipase, and protease
Lasts about six months
Works well after 2 to 4 hours when bacteria germinates
Who is it for?
We recommend this product for maintaining drains and not unclogging them.
Eco-friendly
It is an enzymatic cleaner and 100% safe
Contains four components to break up all the possible waste in your drain
It takes a while to act and is more of a preventive measure, i.e., it cannot be used to clear clogs
10. CLR PP4-5
The PP4-5 is a revolutionary aerosol cleaner formulated for use in sinks, tubs, toilets and shower stalls. It uses the water in your pipes as a ram to push the blockage down the drain, and it can reach 50 feet into the sewer. However, our best features were how eco-friendly and economical it is.
Economical – When investing in a product, you want to get top value for your money, and the PP4-5 delivers. Each can has a limit of 15 applications which is way better than most drain cleaners that you can only use twice.
Safe and Eco-friendly – In a house with young kids, we recommend the PP4-5 as it is safe. It doesn’t contain any harmful acid or lye that could harm you, your kids, or your pets. Moreover, it is quite friendly to your pipes, and the environment. It can be used for any plumbing, and you don’t have to worry about the enzymes and bacteria in your septic tank.
Shipping weight: 1.6 ounces
Clears clogs 50 feet down the drain.
Who is it for?
We recommend the CLR PP4-5 for inorganic blockages and for people who are on a tight budget.
It is a potent product
It clears clogs in a matter of seconds
You top value for your money as you can use it a max of 15 times
You can expect clean operation provided you follow the instructions
It needs more equipment to be used, and this isn’t indicated on the product
Drain Cleaner Selection Criteria
Getting the right cleaner for your home can be quite confusing given the many brands on the market. This guide will help you make an informed decision and thus you can get top value for your money.
Purpose of use
First, determine why you need it. Often, it boils down to either clean your clogged drain or to prevent clogging. If it’s the latter, e., to avoid backed up pipes, we recommend you use a mild drain cleaner, but if you are in the market for a product that will clear out clogs, we recommend a more potent cleaner.
Types of drain cleaners
There are three types of drain cleaners, and each has its pros and shortcomings. Caustic cleaners are basic and contain ingredients such as lye and caustic potash. They create an exothermic reaction when mix with water and are best for greasy clogs as they transform it into a soapy substance that drains quickly. Moreover, they are best for deeply embedded clogs as they are heavier than water.
Oxidizing cleaners, on the other hand, use nitrates, bleach, and peroxides to oxidize the clogs. They make the obstruction lose its electrons breaking down the organic material. Finally, there are acidic drain cleaners which are only sold to professionals as they contain a high concentration of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids.
Causes of clogging
It’s also crucial to take into account the reason for the clog as cleaners are designed to handle different materials. If hair is the cause, we recommend a cleaner together with a strainer that enables you to grab the hair, and a drain brush that allows you to drag the hair out.
Also, you can opt for an acidic solution or a solid-basic solution if your drains aren’t metallic. Ensure that the product is in the pipes before running the water. However, you will need a chemical that can fragment food if you are dealing with a food clog. The latter is especially prevalent in kitchen drains.
Finally, toilet clogs are often a result of an obstruction brought about by flushing items the toilet drain couldn’t handle, say napkins or sanitary pads. We recommend you use acidic cleaners but only in instances where flushing has become slow. Otherwise, hire a plumber if it is completely blocked.
Chemicals used
The safety of your family should be a top concern when buying a drain cleaner. Some of these products are harmful. We recommend you purchase organic drain cleaners as they are safe to use around kids. Moreover, you should consider the effects they will have on your drains. First, some of these products use strong caustic chemicals to handle tough clogs caused by grease or hair.
However, they have a shortcoming in that they will damage any steel, aluminum or copper pipes. Also, these products create an exothermic reaction when they dissolve in water, and they might melt any plastic piping.
Budget
Consider the cost of the cleaner before you purchase. Though you get what you pay for, buying an expensive cleaner doesn’t mean it will work. There are instances where you will be buying the brand and paying for marketing.
Furthermore, investing in a low-cost unit doesn’t intimate that it will not work. Look at previous customer reviews for a feel of what the cleaner can do.
In conclusion, avoid acidic drain cleaners if your house is connected to a septic tank. The chemicals kill the enzymes and bacteria that break up waste, and they can damage the tank.
FAQs
How can I predict my drain is clogged?
Often, you can’t tell when your drain is blocked or blocking. By the time you spot a slow-moving drain, it is often too late, and it leads to mayhems.
It is recommended you get a professional to inspect your drains (especially the main pipe) semi-annually. Moreover, use a preventive drain cleaner at least once a month to clear any build up in your pipes.
How can I prevent clogs?
Before we get into how to prevent clogs, first we should be able to identify the primary causes. Most bathroom drain clogs are a result of dirt and hair binding to soap scum on the drains of the pipes. To prevent this, we recommend you use a hair strainer drain cover to trap hair before it gets into your pipes.
As for kitchen sink clogs, they are a result of grease buildup from cleaning greasy dishes and overusing the garbage disposal. The slight film builds up over time and is difficult to use. We recommend you reduce the use of your disposal to once a day, and wipe grease off your utensils before cleaning them.
Furthermore, pour hot water down your drain regularly to prevent this build up.
Can I make drain cleaners at home?
Yes, you can, but they work for smaller clogs and results aren’t guaranteed. However, you can try them before buying a drain opener.
- Baking soda and vinegar – These are ingredients in most homes, or they are easy to acquire. Pour ¼ of baking soda down your clogged drain, and follow it with ½ a cup of vinegar.
- Baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt – We recommend this method as the results are splendid. Mix ¼ a cup of the above ingredients and pour into your drains. Pour about a liter of hot water and rinse with some cold water.
Conclusion
Drain cleaners might not be enough to handle all the clogs and especially main drain clogs, but they are inexpensive compared to getting a snake or hiring a professional. The guide above can help you break a tie between two great products or to get the right drain opener.
Finally, be sure to let us know if there is anything we missed in the comments below.
