Best Drain Cleaners for Unclogging Your Pipes

Clogged drains are a common household problem that can be frustrating to deal with. While there are many DIY methods to unclog a drain, sometimes they just don’t do the trick. That’s where drain cleaners come in. A good drain cleaner can quickly and effectively dissolve the buildup that’s causing the clog, without damaging your pipes.

When it comes to choosing the best drain cleaner, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure the cleaner is safe for your pipes. Some drain cleaners are harsh and can damage pipes over time, so it’s important to choose one that won’t cause any harm. Another important factor is the type of clog you’re dealing with. Some drain cleaners are better suited for certain types of clogs, such as hair or grease.

We spent hours researching and testing various drain cleaners to identify the best ones on the market. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top drain cleaners and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a more stubborn blockage, we’ve got you covered.

Best Drain Cleaners

We all know the frustration of a clogged drain. It’s not only inconvenient, but it can also be a health hazard. That’s why we’ve researched and tested the best drain cleaners on the market. Our team has tried and tested various products to bring you a list of the most effective drain cleaners available. Whether you’re dealing with a slow-moving drain or a completely blocked one, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

1) Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner

If you’re looking for a reliable and fast-acting drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is a great option. It’s the #1 selling gel drain cleaner for a reason, and it’s perfect for unclogging sinks and showers.

In our experience, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is a reliable and effective drain cleaner that gets the job done quickly. The gel formula pours through standing water straight to the clog, making it easy to use. We appreciate that it’s safe for all types of pipes, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your plumbing system.

However, the strong chemical smell can be overwhelming, so it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, while it works well for most clogs, it may not be as effective for more stubborn blockages. It’s also important to handle it with care, as it can be harmful if ingested or comes into contact with skin or eyes.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fast-acting and reliable drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is a great option. Just be sure to use it safely and in a well-ventilated area.

2) Drano Max Build Up Remover Drain Cleaner

If you’re looking for a drain cleaner that can help prevent build-ups and septic system back-ups, then Drano Max Build Up Remover Drain Cleaner might be a good option for you.

We recently tried Drano Max Build Up Remover Drain Cleaner, and we were impressed with its performance. After pouring it down the drain and leaving it overnight, we noticed a significant improvement in the water flow. The natural enzymes in the formula helped break down the build-ups, and the product was safe to use on all types of drains.

However, we did notice that the product may not work effectively on severe clogs. It is more suitable for regular maintenance to prevent build-ups and septic system back-ups. Additionally, some users may find the bottle’s design inconvenient, making it difficult to pour the product into the drain.

Overall, if you’re looking for a drain cleaner that can help prevent build-ups and septic system back-ups, Drano Max Build Up Remover Drain Cleaner is a good option to consider. Just keep in mind that it may not work effectively on severe clogs and that the bottle’s design may not be convenient for all users.

3) Green Gobbler Liquid Hair Drain Clog Remover & Cleaner, For Toilets, Sinks, Tubs – Septic Safe, 2 Pack

If you’re looking for a drain cleaner that can handle tough clogs without damaging your pipes, Green Gobbler is a great option.

In our experience, Green Gobbler is a reliable and effective drain cleaner that can handle most clogs. The formula is safe for a variety of plumbing types and dissolves hair and other organic matter with ease. Plus, the dual-chamber bottle makes it easy to use without measuring. However, it may not work on extremely stubborn clogs and the odor can be unpleasant for some users. Additionally, the packaging can be difficult to open, so be sure to use caution when handling it. Overall, we would recommend Green Gobbler to anyone in need of a reliable drain cleaner.

4) Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner

If you’re looking for an effective and natural drain cleaner, Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner is a great option.

We recently tried Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner and were impressed with its ability to quickly break down clogs and eliminate odors in our kitchen sink. The natural lipase enzymes effectively digested oils, fats, grease, and other food waste within hours of application. We appreciated that this product is safe for our pipes and the environment, and found it to be a great alternative to harsh chemicals like Sodium Hydroxide.

One potential downside is that it may take multiple applications to fully clear stubborn clogs. We also noticed that the formula seemed less effective than previous versions according to some users. Additionally, the large bottle size can be difficult to pour without splashing, so be sure to use caution when applying.

Overall, we would recommend Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner for anyone looking for a natural and effective solution to clogged drains and foul odors.

5) FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Hair Clog Remover Tool

If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to unclog your drains, the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Hair Clog Remover Tool might be the perfect tool for you.

We recently tried out the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Hair Clog Remover Tool and were impressed with how easy it was to use. The tool features a patented design with 360° rotation and micro-hooks that make it easy to lock in hair, filth, and grime. The disposable wands make clean-up a breeze, and the drain clog remover kit is easy to use and doesn’t require any special plumbing skills.

While the tool might be a bit flimsy and might not work well with tougher clogs, it’s a great solution for hair clogs in sinks, showers, and tubs. The disposable wands might not be environmentally friendly, but they do make clean-up a lot easier.

Overall, we would recommend the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Hair Clog Remover Tool to anyone looking for a quick and easy solution to unclog their drains. It’s a great tool to have on hand for those pesky hair clogs that can be a real pain to deal with.

6) Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Grease and Hair Drain Clog Remover

If you’re in need of a powerful drain cleaner that can tackle tough clogs, the Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Grease and Hair Drain Clog Remover may be the solution you’re looking for.

We recently tried out the Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Grease and Hair Drain Clog Remover in our home, and we were impressed with its ability to clear tough clogs. The thick gel formula clings to the sides of the pipes, allowing it to dissolve hair, grease, and other materials that can cause clogs.

One of the standout features of this drain cleaner is its versatility – it can be used in toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, and drains, making it a great all-purpose solution for your home. Plus, it’s safe for all types of pipes and septic tanks, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your plumbing system.

While the Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Grease and Hair Drain Clog Remover may take a bit longer to work than some other drain cleaners, we found that it was worth the wait for its powerful results. Some users do report a strong chemical smell, so be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.

Overall, if you’re looking for a drain cleaner that can handle tough clogs and is safe for your plumbing system, the Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Grease and Hair Drain Clog Remover is a great option to consider.

7) Vacplus Drain Clog Remover

If you’re looking for a drain cleaner that can handle a variety of clogs, the Vacplus Drain Clog Remover is worth considering.

We recently tried the Vacplus Drain Clog Remover on our bathroom sink, which had been draining slowly for weeks. After emptying the standing water, we followed the instructions and left the pack still for about 20 minutes. When we flushed the sink, the water drained quickly without any issues. We also used it on our kitchen sink and shower drain, and it worked equally well.

One of the things we appreciate about this drain cleaner is that it doesn’t have a strong scent and doesn’t leave any residue. We also like that it’s safe for most pipes and septic systems, which gives us peace of mind.

Overall, if you’re looking for an effective and easy-to-use drain cleaner that can handle a variety of clogs, the Vacplus Drain Clog Remover is a solid choice.

8) Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner

If you’re looking for an effective and natural way to clean your drain, then Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner is worth considering.

We tried Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner and found that it worked well on our kitchen sink drain. It cleared the clog and eliminated the foul odor. We also appreciated that it’s a natural alternative to harsh chemicals and is safe for our pipes. However, we did have to use it a few times to get rid of a stubborn clog.

In summary, we recommend Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner for those looking for a natural and effective way to clean their drain. It’s safe for pipes and helps maintain drain lines, septic tanks, grease traps, and grease interceptors. However, it may take a few days of repeated use to clean stubborn clogs, and the formula may not work as effectively as before.

9) Thrift Drain Cleaner

Thrift Drain Cleaner is a powerful and effective drain cleaner that is safe to use on most kitchen or lavatory surfaces. We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a fast and easy solution to clear out clogged drains.

Thrift Drain Cleaner is a highly durable and effective product that adds great value to any household. We were impressed by how quickly and easily it dissolved grease and hair in our drains, leaving them clear and free-flowing in less than a minute. The non-acid formula is safe to use on most surfaces, including porcelain, chrome, plastic, and metal pipes, as well as fine plumbing fixtures, acrylic, and fiberglass. We also appreciated that the product enhances the growth of active bacteria, which can help prevent future clogs.

However, it is important to note that the product contains a high percentage of sodium hydroxide, which can be dangerous if not handled with care. The odorless formula can also make it difficult to tell if the product has been properly applied, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Additionally, the product must be stored in a cool, dry place and kept out of reach of children and pets.

Overall, we highly recommend Thrift Drain Cleaner to anyone looking for a fast and effective solution to clogged drains. Its powerful formula and versatility make it a great value for any household.

10) Green Gobbler BIO-FLOW Drain Strips | 12 Pack | Drain Cleaner & Deodorizer

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use drain cleaner that is safe for all pipes and septic systems, then Green Gobbler BIO-FLOW Drain Strips might be the one for you.

We recently tried out Green Gobbler BIO-FLOW Drain Strips and were impressed with how easy they were to use. Simply drop one strip into your drain, and the slow-dissolving bacteria and enzymes will start to work instantly. We also appreciated that these strips are safe to use on all pipes and septic systems, so we didn’t have to worry about damaging our plumbing.

One thing to note is that these strips might not be effective for clearing tough clogs. If you have a particularly stubborn clog, you might need to use a more heavy-duty drain cleaner. Additionally, some customers have reported that the scent of these strips is too strong, so if you’re sensitive to smells, you might want to consider a different product.

Overall, we think that Green Gobbler BIO-FLOW Drain Strips are a great option for maintaining your drains and keeping them smelling fresh. They’re easy to use, safe for your plumbing, and effective at clearing out organic materials.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best drain cleaner, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Type of Drain Cleaner

There are several types of drain cleaners available, including chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical. Chemical drain cleaners use powerful chemicals to dissolve clogs, while enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic matter. Mechanical cleaners use physical force to remove blockages. Consider the type of clog you have and the severity of the blockage when choosing a drain cleaner.

Safety

Safety should always be a top priority when using any cleaning product. Look for drain cleaners that are safe for your pipes and won’t cause damage. Some drain cleaners may also be harmful to the environment, so consider eco-friendly options if this is a concern for you.

Effectiveness

Of course, the most important factor to consider is how effective the drain cleaner is at removing clogs. Look for products that have a good track record of success and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how well the product works.

Ease of Use

Some drain cleaners require more effort and time to use than others. Consider how easy the product is to use and whether it requires any special equipment or tools. Look for products that are easy to apply and require minimal effort.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the product. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that cheaper products may not be as effective or safe as more expensive options. Look for products that offer a good balance of effectiveness, safety, and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective solution for unclogging hair from drains?

When it comes to unclogging hair from drains, we recommend using a drain cleaner that contains enzymes. These enzymes break down the hair and other organic matter, making it easier to clear the clog. Products that contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid can also be effective, but they can be harsh on pipes and should be used with caution.

Which drain cleaner is recommended for use in kitchen sinks?

For kitchen sinks, we recommend using a drain cleaner that is specifically designed for grease and food buildup. These products typically contain enzymes or bacteria that break down the organic matter and prevent future clogs. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, as they can damage your pipes and harm the environment.

What cleaning agent is safe and effective for older plumbing systems?

If you have an older plumbing system, it’s important to use a cleaning agent that is safe and gentle. We recommend using a drain cleaner that contains natural enzymes or bacteria, as these products are safe for all types of pipes and won’t cause damage or corrosion. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or acids, as they can cause leaks and other plumbing problems.

Can you suggest a drain cleaner suitable for PVC piping?

When it comes to PVC piping, it’s important to use a drain cleaner that is safe and won’t cause any damage. We recommend using a product that contains natural enzymes or bacteria, as these are safe for all types of pipes and won’t cause corrosion or leaks. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or acids, as they can damage your pipes and cause problems down the line.

What is the preferred product for clearing shower drains?

For clearing shower drains, we recommend using a drain cleaner that is specifically designed for hair and soap scum buildup. These products typically contain enzymes or bacteria that break down the organic matter and prevent future clogs. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, as they can damage your pipes and harm the environment.

How should one maintain a toilet drain to prevent clogs?

To prevent clogs in your toilet drain, we recommend using a drain cleaner that is specifically designed for toilets. These products typically contain enzymes or bacteria that break down the organic matter and prevent future clogs. Additionally, it’s important to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet, as this can cause clogs and other plumbing problems.