by Trevor Woods |
Last Updated: March 25, 2020 All of us have faced the problem of clogged drains at some point. Doing dishes, brushing your teeth, or washing your hands and the sink started overflowing with water. Or perhaps you were showering and you notice a puddle of water rising around your feet. The most embarrassing situation is when you flush the toilet only to find it clogged!
All these are quite common situations, and the first instinct of most people is to get the services of a plumber. However, you can save quite a lot of money by dealing with the problem yourself, using the right drain cleaning product.
Drain cleaners get rid of the clog in no time. However, you will only get the desired results if you chose the best drain cleaner for the job, which is something that requires a bit of plumbing knowledge. If you manage to get the correct drain cleaner, the clog will clear without much effort at all!.
Types Of Drain Cleaners
You will find three main types of drain cleaners on the market. These include acidic, alkaline, and enzymatic.
Acidic Drain Cleaner
As the name implies, these drain cleaners contain sulfuric acid in high concentrations. While they are the most effective and provide the fastest results, they also have more hazards that you need to be cautious about.
Alkaline Drain Cleaner
Alkaline drain cleaners are mainly composed of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. They dissolve clogs quite rapidly and are available in both solid and liquid forms.
Dissolves grease & hair in 60 seconds or less!
This odorless 4-in-1 drain cleaner is perfect for small drains, grease traps, septic systems, and root control.
It will not harm porcelain, chrome, plastic or metal pipes, fine plumbing fixtures, acrylic or fiberglass.
Enzymatic Drain Cleaner
These drain cleaners comprise of natural enzymes that eat up clogs. They are quite safe to use but tend to work quite slowly. They are more often used for preventative maintenance and in smelly or slow-moving drains.
Bio-Clean is a special combination of natural bacteria and enzymes formulated specifically to digest dead organic waste found in your plumbing system.
Bio-Clean will remove the grease, hair, soap scum, food particles, paper and cotton that are plugging your drain lines.
What Makes A Quality Drain Cleaner?
It might be confusing to decide what would be the best drain cleaner for you, especially comparing the wide variety of options available on the market. Let us take a look at some of the key features that you should consider when picking the right drain cleaner for your application.
Effectiveness
Needless to say, the drain cleaner you use should be capable of unclogging the drain in no time and getting rid of that blockage for good! It should also be easy to apply with simple to follow instructions.
Safety
The drain cleaner you use has to be safe for you and your pipes. Some products that are available can be detrimental to your health. Caustic drain openers can use poisonous chemicals that can cause serious harm if swallowed, inhaled, or if they come in contact with your skin or eyes.
Always read and follow the label of the specific drain cleaner and wear protective
Make sure the drain cleaner you choose is safe for your plumbing as well. Certain chemicals will dissolve clogs but can also corrode your drains. The packaging and labels should indicate if the product is approved for use with metal and plastic pipes.
If your plumbing is connected to a septic system pay attention that you are not using harsh chemicals. These drain cleaning agents my kill bacteria and beneficial microbes needed for your septic tank to function properly. Furthermore, you run the risk of contaminating your groundwater if you are using a septic field.
Size Of The Product
Dosage should factor in when choosing a drain cleaning product. Hair clogs in a bathroom sink will require a different amount of chemicals compared to a blocked toilet. Don’t leave the job half done by buying a small-sized bottle of drain cleaners. Opt for the right-sized product that is adequate for your drain.
The best drain cleaning products contain multiple dosages in a single container. Measured portions for each application are important when buying drain chemicals for bigger jobs or long term drain maintenance. It’s far more cost-effective to purchase one large bottle as opposed to multiple single-dose containers.
Odor
It is advisable to opt for a drain cleaner with minimal odor. The scent of drain cleaners can be quite unpleasant and can quickly waft and spread to your whole house. Sometimes inhaling the aroma of drain cleaners can be harmful to your health. Therefore, the best drain cleaner is one that is odorless or does not have a stinky smell.
Features And Environmental Considerations
Formula
Two types of drain cleaning formulas are available on the market; liquid or powdered varieties. Both can be quite effective in unclogging drains but each variety has its own benefits.
Powder formula stores for a long time because it becomes active when mixed with water. Also, you typically get more doses per container thanks to it’s concentrated state. Foaming cleaners are especially good at dealing with partially blocked drains as they cling to pipe walls to dissolve the clog. They can be messy to use and care must be taken not to accidentally breathe in any airborne powder.
Fast and powerful single-use PACS. No measuring, no guessing how much to use, and no mess!
Liquid or gel formulas are the most popular choice because they offer you the easiest application, simply pour into your drain. The dense liquid settles into the drain and flows past standing water, seeping through the tiniest holes to disintegrate the clog. But liquid drain cleaners are typically more expensive per dose and can be heavy or bulky for storage.
Clogged Area
The most important thing is to ensure that you use the drain cleaner formulated for your plumbing situation. Not every drain cleaner is suitable for all types of drains. Some drain openers are formulated to cut through hair or grease while others work best in stubborn toilet blockages.
Some cleaners should not be used in hazardous areas such as garbage disposals or grease traps. Also, buildings with old pipes can be damaged by the use of caustic drain cleaners. Make sure when purchasing a drain cleaner, that it is appropriate for your specific plugged plumbing pipe.
Effect On Environment
Certain drain cleaners, especially the ones with harsh chemicals, can be quite harmful to the environment. Whatever you pour down your pipes will find its way to water treatment facilities, septic systems, or back into the water ecosystem.
Also, the chemical residue that is leftover in the container can find its way to the landfill where it can leach into the soil. Inadvertently contaminating the earth and our water system is why you should strive to purchase environmentally friendly and biodegradable drain cleaners.
Using Drain Cleaners Safely
Preparation
Keep in mind is that drain cleaners are designed to dissolve organic matter. They will have the same effect on your skin as they would on a clog in your drain. Therefore, make sure that you wear safety glasses and
The windows and doors of the area where you are working should be open so that proper ventilation is ensured. If you can’t get fresh air into the room, consider wearing a face mask. Furthermore, make sure that children and pets are away from the area where you are using drain chemicals so they cannot be harmed by accidental exposure to any fumes.
Following The Instruction
Every drain cleaner is different and each will come with its own set of specific instructions. Read these instructions carefully and follow the directions as closely as possible.
Usually, you will need to remove the cleaner cap and pour the amount specified into the drain. Then a waiting period ensues to allow the chemicals to go to work. Afterwards, you then rinse the cleaner by flushing it with hot or cold water.
The process is somewhat different if you use a granulated drain cleaner. With these cleaners, you need to get rid of all the standing water from the drain. Once that is done, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cleaner crystals into it, followed by a cup of water. Wait for around half an hour to 45 minutes for the clog to be removed before flushing the drain with water again.
Once you are done, you can ensure that the drain is indeed clear. If the drain backs up when you try to flush the after the chemical application, a second dose may be required. Repeat as needed for stubborn drains.
When in doubt, always follow the label!
Safety Concerns
Some drain cleaners comprised of highly caustic chemicals that help them in performing their clog busting ability. These chemicals ensure that the tough items like grease, hair, and similar other things can be taken care of by the cleaner.
While it might be tempting to use professional-grade products, you need to be a bit cautious. Such products have the potential of damaging the pipes with their acidity. Caustic chemicals should be avoided if your plumbing is made from stainless steel, copper, or aluminum pipe. These drain cleaners can easily corrode your plumbing if you are not careful.
You need to be quite careful while handling the bottle. It should not be shaken or squeezed too hard. Gently pour in drain chemicals to avoid splashing and wear protective gear can make sure that you stay safe.
You should also remember that alkaline and acid cleaners can have exothermic reactions in contact with water. This can cause aggressive bubbling and splattering. This is why you should add these chemicals slowly to ensure that the plastic piping does not distort or melt.
Avoid breathing in any vapours that result from active drain cleaners. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the area to avoid any buildup of noxious fumes.
Don’t Create A Chemical Cocktail!
If for whatever reason the drain chemicals fail to clear the blockage, DO NOT add a different kind of drain cleaner. Mixing cleaning agents can have adverse chemical reactions that could cause serious damage to your plumbing.
All this might sound scary, but if you handle the drain cleaner with care, they will not harm you in any way. A few preventative measures and personal safety equipment will protect you and your plumbing.
Call The Pros
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. Remember, you are dealing with your home drainage system and the problem could be bigger than what you first expected. If multiple doses of drain cleaners fail to bust up your blockage it may be time to contact a local plumber or drain cleaning specialist.
If you do call for professional help, always advise them of the drain chemicals you have used so the plumber can work safely. Accidentally mixing chemicals or splashing drain cleaners with drain snakes and augers could result in serious injury or damage to your home.
The Best Drain Cleaners
All of the products you have seen in this guide are drain openers that we recommend but we have saved the premier pipe cleaning products for this section.
Best Overall Drain Cleaner
Works in minutes!
Unclog drains and liquify hair within minutes! This drain opener is safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.
DISSOLVE by Green Gobbler is a safe and effective clog remover that won’t harm your drains, pipes, or septic systems. It quickly liquifies organic materials including hair, grease, oil, and fats making it perfect for every drain in your home.
The dual-chambered bottle contains two pre-measured applications, taking the guesswork out of dosing your drains. For sinks and tubs pour in one chamber down the drain and for toilet clogs pour both chambers into the bowl.
Green gobbler is our go-to choice for breaking up blockages and keeping pipes flowing!
Best Value Drain Cleaner
Drano Ultra Max Gel pours through standing water and works fast to clear clogged drains and restore them to a free-flowing state.
Safe for all pipes, it works great to remove hair, soap scum and other gunky clogs.
Drano Max Gel is a thick flowing drain cleaner that cuts through standing water and clings to pipe walls to dissolve tough clogs fast. You can even leave it in your drains overnight for stubborn blockages.
Safe on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals and septic systems makes Drano Max Gel extremely versatile and suitable for all your slow flowing drains.
Drano also comes with a money-back guarantee on their website if you are not completely satisfied.
Best Budget Drain Cleaner
Pure Lye is an industrial-strength, powerful tool to clear out drains, grease traps, septic systems and roots.
Pure Lye is an environmentally safe and biodegradable drain cleaner that will dissolve grease, hair, and roots in your sewer lines. The pure lye beads can be mixed to any desired strength making it one of the most versatile drain chemicals available. It can even enhance the growth of active bacteria in grease traps and septic tanks if used regularly!
The non-acid formula is also safe on fine fixtures, chrome trim, and plastic pipes. This odorless drain cleaner does not contain any fillers, dyes, or water which means it can be stored indefinitely or until you need it next.
The lye beads are not ideal for completely blocked drains with standing water but work perfectly for slow flowing pipes or as part of your drain maintenance routine.
Preventing Clogged Drains
While drain cleaners can save the day when dealing with clogged drains, it is also equally important that you take adequate measures to prevent drain clogs in the future. Preventative maintenance should be a priority to keep your plumbing flowing and avoid the need for chemical drain cleaners.
You can maintain your drains with a variety of methods. For instance, you can pour boiling water down the drain once a month. Drain cleaners are not needed for every type of blockage and sometimes boiling water will do the trick. The heat from the water helps remove any stuck-on particles that cling to pipe walls. Boiling water is also a cheaper and safer alternative harsh chemical drain openers.
Pouring half a bottle of white
Scent Booster
If you can’t stand the smell of
The all-natural alternative!
Derived naturally from corn grown in the USA. Use all-natural vinegar for cleaning, deodorizing, gardening, laundry, chrome polishing, grease removal, and more!
Drain enzymes can also be added monthly to restore the flow from years of crud and buildup. These enzymes are also a great choice for those who use grease traps or have a septic system.
Natural enzymes remove years of build-up and prevent clogs.
The biodegradable formula is safe on plumbing pipes and septic tanks. Works effectively on sinks, toilets, and septic tanks.
Avoid pouring liquid grease or oil down your drains. Although it is common to do so in many households after cooking, the liquid grease quickly cools and sticks to your drains as it flows. The congealed goo clinging to the inside of your pipes catches other particles creates a sticky mess, decreasing draining ability and an increased likelihood of complete clogs.
Be careful not to allow excess oil and liquid fat into your plumbing or septic system. Use empty food cans for disposing of liquid grease and oil and reuse or dispose of this food waste properly.
Make sure food and scraps and hair don’t enter your pipes. Kitchen strainers will catch most bits of food and strainers can be easily added to your bathtub to prevent hair clogs.
A revolution in drain protection!
We face a myriad of challenges each and every day. Cleaning clogged drains, thankfully, no longer has to be one of them--thanks to the TubShroom.
TubShroom is a bathtub hair stopper that fits snug inside your shower tub drain, effortlessly gathering each and every hair that tries to make its way down your vulnerable drain. It's the hero you deserve in your bathroom!
These are mesh protectors that can be installed on every drain with ease. And they are relatively inexpensive and well worth the price compared to the cost of calling a professional for drain cleaning services. You can quickly and easily clean these strainers when they fill up with hair or food, ensuring that your pipes remain clean and clog-free.
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of your drain cleaning chemicals, ensure that you purchase the correct kind for your type of clog and plumbing system. Follow the instructions closely for your safety and choose environmentally friendly options whenever possible.
Don’t be scared to buy a little more than you need. Stubborn clogs may require a few applications or you might want an extra followup dose after the drain has started to flow again. And maintaining problematic drains with strainers or cleaning enzymes will give you plumbing peace of mind.
Happy Plumbing!
Recommended Reading
How To Install A Garbage Dispoal Yourself
Installing a garbage disposal yourself is a pretty simple process. We will show you how to properly install, operate, and clean your new sink disposal.
9 Most Important Plumbing Tools You Absolutely Need
Fixing your plumbing can be frustrating, especially without the right equipment. But what plumbing tools do you actually need?
Plumbing Services: What’s This Going To Cost Me?
The one question you ask before you hire a plumber is, how much is this going to cost? Learn the types of plumbing services and how they affect your wallet.
How To Fix A Running Toilet The Right Way
A continually running toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars on your next water bill. Learn how to diagnose and fix a running toilet and save money!
How To Winterize Your Sprinkler System And Prevent It From Freezing
We answer all your questions and show you 7 simple steps on how to blow out your sprinkler system and get it ready for winter!
How To Fix Annoying Clogged Shower Drains
Using a clogged shower is disgusting, you are standing in a puddle of your own dirt, yuk! We will show you 10 DIY ways to unclog your shower drain!