When you have a clogged drain slowing you down, you need to know what the best drain cleaner out there is. Thankfully, there is more than one. Learn about some of the best drain cleaners out there to use on your clogged drain.
Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
Drano has been around the sink and tub when it comes to drain clog cleaners. And at a reasonable price of about $7.00 for an 80 oz bottle, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is super affordable. In addition to working quickly, it sinks right through the standing water in your tub or sink. And, it won't corrode your pipes. It also had 4.3 stars on Walmart.com. However, you have to give it a little time to work. According to the package, it takes between 15-30 minutes. However, if you add a bit of boiling water to the mix, the two definitely work faster.
Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver
If you have a family full of long hairs, then reach for Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver. When they say dissolver, they mean it. Green Gobbler effectively dissolves any hair that is clogging your tub or shower. And it sinks through the water fast to start working on the clog. Like Drano, Green Gobbler is advertised as safe for pipes and biodegradable. It comes with a price tag of $5 for a 31 oz bottle at Home Depot. It also has 4.9 stars. However, this enzymatic cleaner might need to sit overnight to fully eradicate your clog. So, patience is a must.
Professor Amos SuperFast Drain Cleaner
SuperFast Drain Cleaner is a pipe cleaning wonder that's even okay to use on metal, plastic, and PVC pipes. This drain cleaner uses the power of lye to clean your pipes while being gentle. This can be great if you're worried about plastic or copper pipes. With 4.5 stars on Amazon, it's got a lot of reviews backing up his clog cleaning prowess. However, getting this cleaner is pricey at $40 bucks for a two-pack.
Pequa Drain Opener
Another top option for clearing out your drains is to try Pequa Drain Opener. Pequa is safe for all kinds of pipes and works pretty fast. Additionally, it's a non-acid drain cleaner that will dissolve skin, hair, and grease. For about $9 for a 32 oz bottle, you can take it out of the bathroom and into the kitchen as well. Lowe's gave this project 4.5 stars from commercial and residential users. It should be noted; however, while this works on grease and hair, it wasn't strong enough for deep clogs.
Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner
If you are looking for a clog eradicator that goes to the septic level, then Bio-Clean is your go-to. Rather than acids or lye, Bio-Clean uses bacteria and enzymes to cut the grime out of pipes. With an impressive 4.5 stars from more than 2,500 users, it's an Amazon Choice product with a price of $50. However, this is a clog decomposer that can keep your pipes running smoothly. Therefore, the treatment takes days, and it's not designed for instant clog removal for a completely blocked drain. Instead, using this as recommended can keep your pipes working and prevent clogs in the future.
Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener
They weren't lying when they called this drain cleaner liquid fire: Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener is a fast-acting cleaner using sulfuric acid to pop through those clogs. One of the benefits of this cleaner is it works fast. Therefore, you only have to wait about 15 minutes or so before your pipes get moving again. And a 32 oz bottle is only about $10 at Ace Hardware. More than 400 Amazon users also gave this product 4.5 stars. However, given that this is sulfuric acid, you don't want to pour it down aluminum or galvanized steel pipes. And, you might want to think about keeping it away from your sinks by using a funnel to get it into the clogged pipes.
Rockwell Invade Bio Drain Gel
Rounding out our best drain cleaner list is Rockwell Labs Ltd, InVade Bio Drain. A self described "green cleaner," InVade uses probiotic gel to clean out your pipes. Therefore, this is a great alternative for those that are looking to stay away from harsh acids and chemicals. In addition to working in the kitchen, it's recommended for use in fountain beverage drip trays and urinals and costs $15 a quart. It's also designed to get rid of those irritating drain flies. Reviewers on Amazon gave it 4 stars and noted the citrus smell. However, since this is a natural cleaner, it's not going to be as effective on big clogs.
Tips for Using Drain Cleaners
While these are some of the best drain cleaners on the market, here are a few tips for unclogging your drains.
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Follow the instructions. Even the greatest cleaner isn't going to work properly if you don't follow all the instructions.
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Pay attention to warning labels and recommendations for ventilation and safety equipment.
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If hot water is recommended, try boiling it. This can be a deal-breaker for getting some clogs moving.
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Drain cleaners don't mix. Therefore, if you are trying more than one method, ensure the previous method has been completely removed first. This includes homemade clog removers.
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If commercial cleaners worry you, try a natural method like vinegar and baking soda first.
Best Drain Cleaners
If you are looking for a product to unclog your drain, then the ones mentioned have been tested and approved. It's important not to panic when it comes to a stopped-up drain and to consider your plumbing needs to save a visit from a plumber down the road.
