Max Gel Clog Remover, 80 oz. What's Great About It: This plumber-recommended cleaner is the perfect starting point for newly-formed clogs and slow drains. Make sure to remove the drain protector regularly to remove any trapped debris and clean the protector. Drain cleaners remove clogs caused by hair, grease, food, and other materials. Drain cleaners generally reduce odors because they help clear clogs and eliminate foul-smelling waste from the insides of pipes. Acidic drain cleaners are generally safe for newer plastic or metal pipes (e.g., copper) in the sink, tub, shower, and toilet drains. Yes, it's a messy job. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 31 oz. Learn more about our, 10 Best Drain Cleaners for Tackling Tough Clogs, Tested by Home Care Experts, Lynn Redmile, Good Housekeeping Institute, Carolyn Fort, Good Housekeeping Institute.
This product is ideal for cleaning clogs from grease traps and septic systems, but it isnt the right option for toilet clogs, garbage disposal blockages, or any issues with standing water. This Drano Max caustic drain cleaner has a thick viscosity that allows the solution to stick to the interior of the drain pipe as it flows toward the clog, which helps remove any bad odors and clean the interior of the pipes. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Effective on sinks, toilets, tubs, floor drains, and more, this cleaner is a quick and easy way to remove items blocking your drain. Plus, the thermoplastic coating is durable and bends easily through pipes without tearing, so once you invest in this product, you'll be able to use it for any drain problem that may come up in the future. It can be left to work overnight on grease traps. Be sure to cover any overflow outlet first for maximum pressure, turn off the water supply and always use a plunger before (not after!) Be sure the drain cleaner you choose can handle the clog youre trying to tackle. For badly clogged drains, you can leave Liquid-Plumr in the drain overnight to work, then flush thoroughly with hot water in the morning. If you are a homeowner or a business owner, this is one item that you should have on hand for quick drain clearing.". For the same reason, dont let acidic cleaners contact non-acid-resistant surfaces (like a marble shower floor or stainless steel sink). Unclog those slow-draining or stopped-up sinks, toilets and showers ASAP. By Manasa Reddigari and Timothy Dale | Updated Jun 20, 2022 6:54 PM. Caustic cleaners are considered safe for newer (less than 20 years old) plastic or metal pipes made of stainless steel or copper. Ensure that the drain cleaner youre purchasing is appropriate for whats causing your blockage. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. For complete clogs, or slow-flowing drains, the gel works in 15 to 30 minutes. If using a caustic cleaner, avoid exposing it to any natural stone surfaces surrounding a drain (such as a granite sink) to avoid etching it. Get the Liquid-Plumr drain cleaner on Amazon and at Target. This drain cleaner clears clogs in nearly any drain around your house in just 15 minutes. Need Help? Give the product from 2 hours up to a full night of dwell time and then flush the drain with water to restore pipes to pristine condition. While hair and food particle clogs can be removed with a classic drain snake, you'll have to use a different set of tools to remove a grease clog. Always stand outside of tubs or showers when pouring drain cleaner. Tradeoffs: This formula is not chemical-free, so be cautious not to spill any or use it around pets and kids. Enzymatic drain cleaners contain enzyme-producing bacteria like bacillus that feed on clogs. If youre using an enzymatic drain cleaner or drain snake, you dont need to take any safety precautions. Using a regular drain snake on a clogged toilet can cause damage to the porcelain, but the Ridgid has a vinyl protective guard to help protect against scratches and cracks. Both cleaners seem safe for newer (within the past 20 years) plastic and copper pipes. There are three types of formulas used to make liquid or powder drain cleaners. Clogs near the opening can be identified as hair, paper, etc. To start, assess how bad the clog you're dealing with is. Made with plant-based surfactants, this soap is completely free of dyes and harsh chemicals, which means it won't have a negative effect on the longterm health of your pipes. The one in the kitchen was bad. Tip: If the clog is deeper, make an educated guess based on the clogs location (kitchen sinks are magnets for food and grease, bathroom sinks and tubs often collect hair and soap scum, and toilets can accumulate paper products). Though not technically a drain cleaner, its a great way to help prevent hair clogs, and it worked so well in our GH Cleaning Lab tests that we just had to include it here. Theyre also typically free of harmful toxins and skin/eye irritants, so protective gear is usually not required. and how clear their drains ran afterwards. Prevention is best when it comes to drains, and CLR's Clear Pipes and Drains makes it really simple to keep your pipes clear and prevent clogs with a quick, once-a-month treatment. These are the best drain cleaners, according to testing: This top performer is a consumer favorite. No measuring, no mess, Green Gobbler's single packs can make clearing a slow-flowing drain super easy. Thrift Marketing GIDDS-TY-0400879 Drain Cleaner, Amazing Products Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener, TubShroom Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector, Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner, Bio-Clean Drains-Septic Tanks Grease Traps, FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner, Bio-Clean Drain Drains-Septic Tanks - Grease Traps, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Bathtub Cleaners for Your Cleaning Caddy, The Best Drain Hair Catches for Your Shower, 7 Clever Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger, The 8 Easiest Ways to Eliminate Bathroom Odor, Specifically formulated to dissolve hair clogs, Use for sink, shower, or septic system clogs, Safe for PVC, plastic, copper, and older pipes, Not suitable for toilets or garbage disposals, Not designed for toilets or standing water, Safe for septic systems, garbage disposals, and toilets, Specifically formulated for grease traps and septic systems, Thick consistency to help cleaner cling to pipes, Suitable for toilets, garbage disposals, sinks, and floor drains, May erupt violently from drain if poured into hot water, Can be used in kitchen or bathroom drains, Safe for garbage disposals and septic systems, Thick gel formula clings to the interior of pipes, Micro-hooks easily grip hair, grime, and debris. For this roundup, Carolyn worked with Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute. Dont use them on older plastic or metal pipes or pipes of any age made of aluminum chrome, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. After inserting the rod, spin the hooks and pull up the clog. Flush any remaining cleaner with water at the temperature recommended in the manufacturers instructions. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Pour the drain cleaner into the drain and wait about 15 minutes. Caustic and acidic selections usually work within minutes, but the effectiveness of each product depends on its formula. I didn't want to use harsh chemicals that may shorten the life of my pipes. With very little assistance from me the hose kept pulling itself down the drain until it stopped. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting. The Vastar Drain Snake can be cleaned or disposed of after use. If dealing with bad odors and clogged kitchen drains, the five pack of Drano clog remover may be a better option. Because of its composition, Bio-Clean is safe to use in toilets. Sulfuric acid is the key ingredient in this ultra-strength Liquid Fire acidic drain cleaner. She has deep analytical testing and editorial writing expertise in categories like washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, cleaning products and all things and tips needed to keep a home clean and organized. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com. Liquid Heat Gel Industrial Drain Opener, Commercial Line 42 fl. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Additionally, we considered the type of drain cleaner, the suitability of each product, and the average or expected working time of the product. However, this method takes about 60 minutes to work. The chemical reaction can cause toxic gas or even an explosion.
This option from FlexiSnake features a 360-degree rotating handle that spins an 18-inch wand tipped with strong micro-hooks to grab clogged hair. Xion Lab Safer, Greener Drain Clog Remover. Tom Silva shows how to install baseboard trim that become visual anchors for any room. While this hose may have a higher learning curve than other cleaners, it'll pretty much last forever. Just pop the drain protector into the drain and leave it in place to prevent hair and other debris from clogging the drain. The odorless drain cleaner comes in powdered form. While this drain cleaner shouldnt be used in toilets, its suitable for garbage disposals and septic systems. Theyre designed for monthly use to prevent clogs and also can clear clogs composed of soft material such as hair or paper, but not tougher gunk like grease or soap scum. Showers and tubs are problematic locations that frequently become clogged with soap scum and hair. Do not leave the drain cleaner inside drains for longer than stated. Since baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, mixing them creates a chemical reaction that produces water, carbon dioxide, and sodium acetate, which has an almost neutral pH level. Typically, liquids and gels run directly to the clog, because they are more influenced by gravity, which means some areas are left untreated. We updated this article in March 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. The best drain cleaners for grease are often liquid cleaners that can dissolve and dislodge even the toughest clogs without you having to call a plumber. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Instead of a liquid or a gel, this caustic Drano drain cleaner is a foaming solution that expands when poured into the drain. The Bio-Clean formula includes no harsh or dangerous chemicals, making it safe for pipes and skin. If the clog still remains, call in a professional plumber. After using a plunger, if the drain is still clogged, a chemical or enzymatic cleaner can help. The drain cleaning tools and products listed here were selected based on our past evaluations and experiences with the products, company research and favorable online consumer reviews. Your first step should always be to plunge the drain or snake it with a drain auger to clear the drain without damaging the pipes. What to look for when shopping for the best drain cleaner. And since this is a commercial-grade formula, you only need to use a couple of teaspoons at a time to completely clear your drain instead of an entire bottle of similar cleaners. It can also be used in tubs or showers, though avoid using it in pipes made of corrosion-prone metals like aluminum or galvanized steel.
This natural cleaner can get rid of hair clogs and liquefy some paper products. It fits standard drains and uses no chemicals. Get the Green Gobbler drain cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Target. To curate this list, we researched each drain cleaner product and analyzed the various chemical compounds and byproducts. I see many more uses for this setup in my future with a lot more savings! Lynn Redmile is a Testing and Product Review Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she's been evaluating products since 2012. Some can be used in standing water, septic systems, and garbage disposals, while others are limited to partial clogs. Never mix drain cleaners with other cleaning products even homemade or pour a second cleaner down if the first doesn't work. To help you select the drain cleaner thats right for you, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best drain cleaners on Amazon. Let the foaming bubbles stand 10-15 minutes and then flush with hot tap water for 15-30 seconds. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. Is your drain still semi-functional? Love it. LEARN MORE, 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, BEST COMBINATION CHEMICAL AND ENZYME DRAIN CLEANER, BEST BATHTUB TOOL FOR PREVENTING HAIR CLOGS, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. It uses a heavy gel formula that sinks through water to reach the obstruction. Drain cleaners clear drain clogs without the hassle of calling a plumber. A chemical-based cleaner is powerful enough to cut through grease quickly and efficiently, and is one of the more popular ways to eliminate a grease clog. But if manual methods fail, the best drain cleaner for your clog can save a plumbers fee. With the drain stopper removed, pour the drain cleaner as slowly and steadily as possible into the clogged drain. Turn on exhaust fans and/or open windows to increase air circulation. It can be used in PVC, plastic, copper, and even older pipes without corroding the joints or damaging the interior of the pipe. However, some customers said that the company didnt always honor its money-back guarantee. To clean it, simply pull the TubShroom out of the drain, and wipe it off. When evaluating drain cleaning products and tools at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we interview company scientists and review data for product efficacy and safety. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using chemicals. Never mix drain cleaners with other homemade or commercial cleaners; the chemical reaction that ensues could produce toxic gas or an explosion. Get the Drano drain cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Target. Caustic drain cleaners are made with alkaline chemicals like sodium hydroxide, which convert the clog into a soap-like substance that dissolves under plain water. Use a plunger, a toilet auger (a standard drain snake can damage or crack the porcelain) or a natural enzyme cleaner. Nothing slows you down like a clogged sink, shower, tub, or toilet. 
Different drain cleaners have different functions. Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Clog Eliminator. The manufacturer states it wont damage plastic and acid-resistant metal pipes (copper). To determine the clog type, remove the drain cover (if present) and inspect the drain opening with a flashlight. We check online reviews of the product and, whenever possible, have it tested by consumers on real at-home clogs. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Bath Towels You Can Buy Right Now, 8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners for Every Mess, Top Tested Toilet Brushes by Cleaning Experts, 24 Guest Bathroom Ideas That Give a Warm Welcome, 10 Insider Bathroom Remodeling Tips for DIYers, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. The best way to stop a hair clog from forming is to use a drain cover. This product doesnt act as quickly as some of the alternatives, but its a natural option. Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments. Chemical-based drain cleaners work the fastest, but also have the potential to cause more damage. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Tradeoffs: While this tool works on most clogs and standard drains, it's a bit of trial and error before you'll be able to tell how effective it is. Septic safe, the XionLab Safer Drain Opener works on hair or grease clogs (but is not ideal for food particles). Additionally, we preferred products with features that make them more effective, such as a clinging gel instead of a liquid. While not for use in completely clogged drains, chemical- or enzyme-based solutions are effective in de-gunking partially clogged drains. It takes at least 15 minutes to work. Satisfied customers said that this drain cleaner worked well for its affordable price, especially considering how effective it was with large blockages. However, they can take as long as 24 hours to clear even a soft clog. Among the positive reviews, customers pointed out this cleaners ease of use, affordability, and effectiveness. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab provides expert tips and reviews on all things cleaning. Food, hair, paper, grease, plastic, soap scum, and even household items, such as pet toys, are some of the materials and items that can get stuck in your drains. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by chemical use. Once a month or so, we recommend trying this homemade solution. Use it in kitchen or bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, and even toiletsthe noncorrosive, biodegradable formula is safe on all kinds of pipes, from plastic to copper. Water goes down with ease. This product also can be used in standing water to clear clogs and get the wastewater flowing into the septic system or to the municipal sewer system again. After flushing the drain with hot water, the clog should be cleared. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Significant attention was given to the drain cleaner types mentioned above to help shoppers find the best drain cleaner. Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator, Stubborn clogs may need a second application, Must use the whole bottle with each application, Drains often need a second treatment left overnight, Must be left to work at least eight hours (overnight), Stubborn clogs may need multiple applications, Fragile can break in drain if not handled carefully, Six foot length reaches deep into the toilet pipes, Drill can be attached to help with stubborn blockages, Instructions are complex and difficult for a novice to follow, Mix cup baking soda with cup table salt and pour it down the drain, Slowly pour in 1 cup of warmed distilled white vinegar. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. 
According to the manufacturer, it is septic safe, and based on our experience with other Liquid-Plumr products, we have no reason to think otherwise. 
Being an enzymatic cleaner, it works more slowly than traditional chemical drain cleaners and works best overnight on slow-flowing drains and as a once-per-month maintenance product. oz. Finally, its three plastic sink snakes have a multi-tooth design to capture obstructions. Here are two types of cleaner to look for while shopping: Enzymatic cleaners are slower to clear clogs but are usually less harmful to your plumbing (or yourself). The enzymes (bacteria) in the cleaner slowly break down organic soils such as hair and food that can be found in your drain but might not be strong enough to dissolve a complete blockage. It can also be used to clear slow drains. Tradeoffs: This device requires a little assembly, including attaching the nozzle and the hose to the water supply. With the other two types of cleaners, wear gloves and safety goggles to keep them from coming into contact with your body. I have a double sink and one sink was so slow it took 10 minuets so go down. With 360-degree rotation and an 18-inch length, this drain cleaner reaches down deep to get clogs caused by hair without damaging your drain. The packets are also paired with drain snakes to double up on the unclogging power. The good news is that a clogged or slow drain can often be cleared without calling in a plumber. It works so well that I purchased more through Prime. Here are some important precautions to take when clearing clogged drains: Precisely follow all directions on a drain cleaner's label. What Fans Say: One reviewer writes, "I bought this soap at the health food store the first time. Rachel has over 15 years of experience researching, testing and writing about products in the home improvement space utilizing her background in engineering and product design. Get the Drano drain cleaner on Amazon and at Target. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home.
Some liquid drain cleaners are also designed for use with adrain snake to help deal with the stubborn grease clogs common in kitchen sinks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Works Best On: Mild, recent clogs and slow-emptying drains. Before making a purchase, consider these factors to determine which one is right for your needs. According to the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab experts, the safest first step to clearing any clog is to use the correct plunger based on where a clog is located (sink or toilet). Get the Amazing Products drain cleaner on Amazon. Wait at least 6 to 8 hours before flushing with water. Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner. Use the drain opener 3 different times that day and cleared my drain. However, those who left negative reviews said that it didnt work well with bends and that the advertised lengths of the snakes werent accurate. Others also liked that it worked quickly. Tree roots are responsible for most drain clogs outside the home. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase. Safe for septic system maintenance, Thrift's drain cleaner claims to work in only 60 seconds on slow-flowing drains. The three types of liquid drain cleaners are enzymatic, caustic, and acidic, each suitable for tough clogs in different drain locations and types of pipes and clogs. Chemical cleaners, in particular, can produce enough heat to melt pipes or crack porcelain toilet bowls if left too long. We also evaluate how easy and neat the product is to use and how complete and accurate the label and product claims are. Testers raved at how easy it was to use (it takes less than five minutes!) 
The hot water dissolves the drain cleaner and creates a powerful solution that needs only about 1 minute to work. Here are our top five recommendations. 
Never leave any type of drain cleaner inside drains for longer than the maximum dwell time. Different cleaners work for different types and severity of clogs for example, one that works for a slow-flowing drain will probably not work for a complete blockage. Follow these guidelines to use drain cleaners safely and effectively. More than 9,000 Amazon reviewers gave Green Gobbler a 4.3-star rating, saying they loved how well it worked. We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms.
Has it backed up completely? All Rights Reserved. In the case of a persistent clog, this solution can be used a second time. After doing this 3 times, the clog cleared and now I have a free running French Drain. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best drain cleaners on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you. There are few things more annoying than a slow or clogged drain greasy water sitting in your kitchen sink, or soapy water standing in your shower or bathtub is not a pretty sight. The stainless steel snake with the blue handle is ideal for bathrooms and sewers, while the one with the red handle tackles hair and smaller items.
For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of drain cleaners, as well as tips to help reduce drain clogs, take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions and the answers below.
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