The Best Drain Cleaners for 2021
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Best Drain Cleaner
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These versatile cleaners are a must-have for any bathroom or kitchen to deal with annoying clogs. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best drain cleaners currently available.
UPDATED: September 30, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Thrift GIDDS-TY cleaner because it features a fast-acting formula that dissolves clogs in a minute or less, uses a non-acid formula, and can be stored for long periods.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Depending on the location of the drain, there is a range of potential causes for the blockage. For example, in the kitchen, a buildup of grease and oils can cause a clog over time. While in the bathroom sink or tub the buildup of hair and soap scum is often the cause of a clog.
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Types of Drain Cleaners
There are two main categories of liquid drain cleaners: fast-acting chemical-based cleaners and slower enzymatic-based cleaners. Factors such as whether you need the clog removed quickly, your environmental concerns or any limitations of your plumbing system will determine the type of formula you require.
What Are They Used For?
Most of these liquid cleaners are designed for use with kitchen and bathroom sinks, along with showers and bathtubs. However, some offer the ability to also clean toilet clogs and supplement the use of a plunger.
How Does It Work?
Liquid cleaners typically use a high-density formula that is heavier than water so it sinks and clings to the blockage. This allows it to be poured into a sink or tub that is backed up with water but still be able to get to the clog. Once it reaches the blockage it uses the chemical or enzymes to break down the organic matter. For clearing grease clogs some formulas will create heat to melt the grease from kitchen sinks.
Get To Know Your Pipes
Some cleaning formulas may cause damage to certain pipe materials so it is important to know what you are dealing with. Checking a sink drain material is fairly straightforward, simply look under the sink cabinet. Modern household drain pipes are usually made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) since it does not rust or corrode and can stand up to most cleaning solutions.
Many homes built before 1975 may use cast iron pipes and before 1960, may use galvanized steel pipes. Since both of these have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years it means they need to be treated with care. Therefore it is recommended to not use acidic cleaners on old metal pipes as it can accelerate deterioration. In this case, it is best to use an enzyme cleaner or a physical tool such as a snake. In the long run, galvanized pipes should be replaced so consult with a licensed plumber.
How To Use
The specific requirements for how to use the cleaner will vary so check the product's directions for use. However, the process is fairly simple. Pour the cleaner into the drain and wait for the recommended time to elapse. This can be as little as a minute or up to 15+ minutes. You can also leave some in the drain overnight to work on tough clogs. Once it has finished worked on the clog, flush the drain with hot water.
Sewage Systems vs. Septic Tanks
It is important to check whether your house uses a standard sewage system or a septic tank. Some cleaners are not compatible with septic tanks so you should pick one that is recommend for use with tanks.
Drain and Plumber Snakes
Depending on the type of clog you may need to physically break up some of the clogs with something like a drain snake. These can be as simple as a long piece of plastic with serrations to help clear out things like hair.
For more serious clogs a plumbers snake would need to be used. This consists of a cable with a spiral end that connects to a turning knob to rotate the head to clear the drain.
So here is my list of The Best Drain Cleaners for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Thrift GIDDS-TY Drain Cleaner
The Thrift GIDDS-TY Drain Cleaner is a fast-acting formula that dissolves hair and grease in 60 seconds or less.
Works great for small drains, grease traps, and septic systems.
Contains sodium hydroxide that will not harm plumbers snakes.
Offers the ability to be stored for long periods.
Does not harm porcelain, chrome, plastic or metal pipes, acrylic or fiberglass.
Contains a non-acid formula for safe use.
Runner-up: Professor Amos SuperFast Drain Cleaner
The Professor Amos SuperFast Drain Cleaner features a less caustic formula.
Offers an easy-to-use process of pouring into the drain, waiting, then flushing with hot water.
Safe to use in all types of plumbing including PVC and copper.
Works for plumbing in the kitchen, bathroom, powder room, laundry tub, and floor drains.
Safe to use in public sewage systems and septic tanks.
Best Dual-Use Option: Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32 Drain Cleaner
The Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32 Drain Cleaner features a dual-chambered bottle that allows for pouring one at a time so no measuring is required.
Use one chamber for smaller jobs such as sinks and tubs.
Use two chambers for toilets.
Liquifies any drain obstructions caused by fats, oils, lint, and hair.
Features rapid hair dissolve technology works on contact.
Features a high-density formula that is heavier than water so it sinks and clings to the blockage to work fast.
Safe and biodegradable.
Best Budget Option: Drano Max Gel Drain Cleaner
The Drano Max Gel Drain Cleaner features a thick bleach formula that cuts through standing water to get to the clog.
Features a formula that clings to tough clogs for quick removal.
Features a fast-acting formula that works in just 15 minutes.
Contains ingredients to protect pipes from corrosion.
Pours through standing water to get straight to the clog.
Offers the ability to be left in drains overnight for more stubborn blockages.
Best Eco-Friendly: Bio-clean Drain Cleaner
The Bio-clean Drain Cleaner features a combination of natural bacteria and enzymes formulated specifically to digest clog-causing dead organic waste.
Equipped with enzymes that break down the clogging material on contact, then the bacteria removes it.
Spreads through the entire plumbing system, devouring all the organic waste.
Removes grease, hair, soap scum, food particles, paper, and cotton.
Works with and does not damage inorganic materials such as plastic pipes.
Safe for use with standard plumbing systems and septic tanks.
Does not produce any heat or fumes.
Must-have accessory:
Don’t forget the clog remover.
Best Single Use Packs: Green Gobbler (5 Pack) Drain Cleaner
The Green Gobbler (5 Pack) Drain Cleaner features fast and powerful single-use packs.
Features an easy-to-use pack that does not require measuring for a quick no-mess solution.
Works on bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and kitchen sinks.
Features a biodegradable formula for safe use.
Designed to remove common materials such as grease, hair, soap scum, organic materials, body oils, calcium and lime buildup, rust, and toothpaste.
Includes a 22-inch plastic tool to help quickly remove tough hair clogs from the bathtub or sink drain.
Best Eco-Friendly Budget Option: Biokleen Drain Cleaner
The Biokleen Drain Cleaner offers a blend of enzymes, plant extracts, and live cultures.
Designed to prevent clogs, treat slow drains, and reduce odors.
Consists of a gel formula to effectively coat the pipe walls.
Does not contain any artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives.
Made in the USA.
Best for Toilets: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Drain Cleaner
The Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Drain Cleaner features a on-caustic formula.
Offers a safer alternative to using sodium hydroxide or bleach.
Features a high-density formula that sticks to the plumbing pipe walls
Provides a formula that alters the pH level to rapidly dissolve the obstruction.
Offers the ability to dissolve grease, hair, paper, soap scum, oils and organic matter easily.
Designed to not harm drains, pipes or septic systems.
Best for Grease: Instant Power 1969 Drain Cleaner
The Instant Power 1969 Drain Cleaner quickly opens drains and removes grease clogs.
Features a unique formula that creates heat to melt grease from kitchen sinks.
Recommended to be left in the drain overnight since it will have the opportunity to dissolve more material if the formula is left longer to work.
Offers the ability to also dissolve hair clogs from bathroom drains and tubs.
Best Value: Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Drain Cleaner
The Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Drain Cleaner provides a powerful, fast-acting solution for both slow-running and fully clogged drains.
Offers the ability to work on commercial applications such as offices, restaurants, and commercial restrooms.
Features a formula that works on a variety of clogs caused by hair, food soils, and grease.
Safe for disposals, septic tanks, and plastic pipes.
I hope this list of the best drain cleaners was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
