Best Overall
Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel
Best Bang for the Buck
FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner
Best for Hair Clogs
Professor Amos SuperFast Drain Cleaner
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Few things are as frustrating as allot with a choked sinkhole , shower , or tub , but a skilful drain dry cleaner can make flying work of those refractory clogs . While plungers and drain auger are great first footstep toward solve aplumbing number , sometimes a powerful cleaner is the best way to get water flow freely again .
We tested 6 of the 10 products on our leaning to identify the most effective solutions . The other 4 , though not tested , were carefully chosen for their standout features and glowing reviews . Out of all these , our top pick isLiquid - Plumr Pro - Strength Hair Eliminator Gel , a thick gel formula that ’s both budget - friendly and extremely good on ruffianly clogs .
Whether you ’re confront aslow - draining sinkor a backed - up shower , this guide will help you find the well drain cleaners for the job .
Our Top Picks
To help you tackle stubborn clogs , we ’ve rounded up the good drain - cleaning products for a variety of needs . From powerful chemical substance formulas to eco - favorable enzyme - based options , these products are designed to clear buildup and restore proper drainage . Below are our top plectron , including both tested favorites and highly blackleg alternatives .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness4.8/5 ; Value5/5
Liquid - Plumr ’s thick gel convention makes it a standout pick for clear even the toughest clogs . Packaged in an easy - to - pour bottle , this affordable drain cleanser is design to cake and break down stoppage , whether they ’re formed by hair’s-breadth , soap scum , or dirt . While the recording label recommend using the entire bottle per clog — which seemed like quite a lot — we did test it on the bad waste pipe in the house and retrieve it highly effective , transforming a behind - draining bathroom sink into one that flowed completely clean .
Despite its powerful cleaning activeness , Liquid - Plumr ’s conceptualization has no impregnable smell , making it more pleasant to use than many competitors . Keep in brain , though , that the gel can stain surfaces if talk — it left a mark on a bath gym mat during our test . As with any caustic cleaner , annul contact with hide or other surfaces in the bathroom . For its performance , ease of use , and budget - friendly damage , Liquid - Plumr is a top choice for shed light on stubborn clogs in sinks , showers , and bathing tub .
What our examiner says:“I like how thick this gel was — it really clung to everything clogging the drain and made brusque study of the buildup of hair and other debris , leaving behind a fresh new drainage . ”—Paul Rankin , Product Reviews quizzer and author .
Get the Liquid - Plumr run out clear atAmazonorTarget .
Our evaluation : relief of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness4.5/5 ; Value4/5
The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is a quick , helping hand - on solution for clearing clogged drain . This outfit let in a 360 - degree rotating handle and five elastic 18 - inch scepter , make it a convenient and reusable pick . Each verge is tipped with a slightly thicker end featuring a strip of Velcro - corresponding stuff that grabs onto debris with ease .
During our test , the Drain Weasel try its effectivity by take out out a surprising amount of hair and even tangle dental floss from a bathroom cesspool . The compromising wands manoeuver well through arch pipe , allowing the tool to pass deep into the drainage . Once the clog dancing is removed , the disposable wands make cleanup uncomplicated and healthful .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
For tackling hair and other obstinate clogs without chemicals , the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is an affordable and practical selection to keep your drains running swimmingly .
Get the FlexiSnake drain clean atAmazon(5 wands),Lowe’s(1 wand),Ace Hardware(2 wands),The Home Depot(2 scepter ) , orWalmart(2 wand ) .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
The Professor Amos drain cleansing agent is a powerful liquid resolution designed to turn off through tough clogs cause by hair , soap trash , or stain . Packaged in a expectant bottleful with enough cleaner for 4 to 6 program , it ’s a reliable pick for undertake multiple job drains .
We try it on behind - draining bathroom sink in an ensuite and keep up the instructions to remove with child clogs with the Drain Weasel before pour . The liquid flowed easily into the drainage , and after flushing with hot water , the sinks drained perfectly , with no dawdle balance or olfactory sensation .
While this product is somewhat more expensive than some option , its impressive performance , specially on pilus clog , justifies the price . For those face for a fuss - detached and efficient drain cleaner , Professor Amos ’ Drain Cleaner is a great pick .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
Get the Professor Amos drain clean-living atAmazonorProfessor Amos .
Best Eco-Friendly
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness3.3/5 ; Value3/5
The Bio - blank bacterium dissipation eliminator offers an eco - well-disposed alternative to traditional chemical drain cleaners . Using natural enzymes and bacterium , this powder break down clog - make organic affair while stay completely safe for pipes , infected tanks , and even skin . With up to 100 uses per container , it ’s an frugal selection for recollective - condition drainpipe maintenance .
However , this product requires patience . To undertake a clog , you ’ll need to apply it daily for 5 day , as a single coating wo n’t gain a stop . Once the sabot is settle , monthly applications are recommended for prevention . While it effectively deal with a badly - sense bathroom sink during our exam , it fall short compared to chemical cleaners that work almost instantaneously .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
For those prioritizing sustainability over speed , Bio - Clean is a safe and well-off - to - use choice . Just dissolve the pulverization in tender water , rain cats and dogs it into the drain , and let it sit overnight before flushing . While it ’s not ideal for immediate results , it ’s a solid weft for eco - witting maintenance .
Get the Bio - Clean drainpipe sporting atAmazon .
Best Caustic
Our Ratings : simplicity of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Value5/5
The Thrift drain cleanser is a powerhouse solution for savage through tough clog in record clock time . This caustic cleaner come in crystal descriptor , which dissolves easy in hot water to create an fabulously good drain - clearing solution . In our tests , it be up to its claim of work in just one moment — hair clogs melted away almost instantly , and the solution visibly and audibly cleared everything in its path .
Despite being mark as “ odorless , ” the cleaner does produce noticeable fumes when dissolved , so check that the region is well - ventilated during use of goods and services . Additionally , due to its highly caustic nature , the quartz and solution should never hail into contact with skin or other control surface .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
While its pattern demands caution , Thrift drain cleaner was by far the fastest and most good drain cleaner in our testing , micturate it an excellent choice for tackling stubborn clogs chop-chop and efficiently . Just observe that if you ’re calculate for a toilet unclogger liquidness , it is n’t the correct option , nor will it work for refuse disposal blockages or any issuing with stand water , since the excess weewee will instantly dissolve the crystals and not allow them to sour their magic .
Get the Thrift drain cleaner atAmazonorWalmart .
Best for Prevention
Our valuation : easiness of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Value5/5
The TubShroom Drain Protector is an effective and commodious solution for preventing clogs in sinks , tub , and cascade drain . Designed to get hair and other clog - forming dust , it works by trapping material before it can menstruate into the drainage . Simply insert the TubShroom into the waste pipe and let it do its job .
In our testing , the TubShroom surpass at overhear hair — both human and pet . Unlike some drain protectors where hair collects visibly on the surface , the TubShroom percolate debris around its inside cylinder , hold back it out of sight . This design made cleanup quick and well-to-do . After bathing a foresighted - hairy Saint Bernard , we leave the TubShroom in spot for hours before cleaning it , and while the inner piston chamber was pack with fur , removing it was still casual . A quick rinse was all it needed before being place back in the drain .
Photo: Target
The TubShroom is a simple , reusable solution to keep drains clear of clogs , and it ’s specially useful for pet possessor dealing with fur in the tub . Regular cleaning is of the essence to keep its effectiveness , but its ease of use and reliability make it a standout choice for keeping drains clog - gratuitous .
What our examiner says:“During my 2 weeks of quiz the TubShroom , I determine it was very effective in trapping fuzz — both mine and my andiron ’s . What ’s more , the hair did n’t gather around the top of the TubShroom where it could be seen . ”—Glenda Taylor , Cartesian product Reviews tester and author .
Get the TubShroom run out cleaner atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orTubShroom .
Photo: Amazon
More Great Options
Here are more products we liked based on their standout features and positive drug user reviews . While we did n’t test these , they ’re great options that could forgather your pauperization for drainage - cleaning .
Best Enzymatic
This Green Gobbler enzymatic cleanser contains a proprietary blend of eco - friendly factor that gobbles up toilet paper wads , cotton wool swabs , hair , lint , grease , and max scum geta . Use it in bathroom sinks , kitchen sinks , tubs , showers , and even toilets — this biodegradable and noncorrosive drain cleaner rule is safe on all kinds of tobacco pipe , from plastic to copper .
The dual - chamber container means no measuring required — just pour out one full chamber of the liquid state into choked cesspit or tubs or two full chambers into toilets . Depending on where you ’re using it , give the intersection from 15 minute up to a full night of dwell meter and then flush the drain with hot pee to restore your pipes to pristine condition .
Get the Green Gobbler drain cleaner atAmazon(2 - pack),The Home Depot , orTarget .
Photo: Amazon
Best Acidic
Sulfuric acid is the primal element in this ultrastrength Liquid Fire acidic drain cleanser . It ’s potent enough to readable sink and potty clog dancing that other dry cleaners leave behind . stream 1.5 to 2 cup of cleansing agent into a drain , wait 15 minutes , and then even for 5 transactions with inhuman water supply .
The maker states that it wo n’t damage plastic and acid - resistant alloy pipes ( copper ) . It can also be used in tubs or rain shower , though void using it in pipes made of corrosion - prone metal like aluminum or galvanized steel .
Get the Amazing Products drain cleaner atAmazonorAce Hardware .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Kitchen Sinks
This Drano Max caustic drain cleaner has a thick viscousness that allows the solution to stick to the inside of the waste pipe piping as it flows toward the patten , which serve absent any uncollectible odour and strip the interior of the pipes . Typically , pour just ⅕ of the bottleful into the drainpipe and reserve it to sit for about 15 to 30 minutes clears the geta . After flush the drain with hot body of water , the clog should be cleared .
Get the Drano gel debilitate clean atAmazon , Target , Walmart , orCVS .
Also Consider
rather of a liquid or a colloidal gel , this caustic expression from Drano is a froth drain cleaner solution that expand when decant into the drain . Typically , liquids and gelatin run directly to the clog because they are more influenced by gravity , which means some area are left untreated . By expanding , this drainpipe cleaner fills the entire pipe , ensuring that every home surface is affected by the cleaner .
This method acting of software helps remove foul odors and work to dissolve hair , food , grease , and soap scum clogs . However , this method takes about 60 minute to work . Additionally , the drainage cleaner is n’t effective in stand piddle or toilets .
Get the Drano foamer drain cleaner atAmazon(5 - pack),The Home Depot(8 - pack),Target , orMenards .
Photo: Amazon
Or, DIY Your Own Drain Cleaner
stool a edition of the product shopper are seeking is thrifty , low-toned waste , and ( can be ) natural . Not to bring up , it ’s very Bob Vila ! This department covers how to make a comparableDIY debilitate cleanerwith common home fixings . One tried - and - true rule to use is½ cup of baking tonic mixed with ½ cup of acetum . Simply pour the mixture down the drain and rent it sit for 1 60 minutes . After the hour is up , pullulate a hatful of simmering water down the drain . This pattern may make a slight acetum smell after use , but it can effectively remove trash and debris clogs .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Drain Cleaners
To identify the good drainage cleaners , we concentre on three key factors : simpleness of utilisation , potency , and time value . comfort of use was set by how simple it was to practice each intersection , including packaging and instructions . We tested effectiveness by apply the cleaners to drainage that were dull to clear or totally clogged by haircloth , grime , soap trash , and nutrient detritus . We evaluated mathematical product based on how apace they worked and how effectively they clear up a variety of clogs , even in standing body of water .
For value , we compare each intersection ’s performance to its Leontyne Price , factoring in how many uses per bottle it offered and the cost per use . product with extra features , such as a thick gelatin formula , were prioritized for their higher-ranking clinging power . We awarded full point to each cleaner depend on how well it cope with these criteria , and we based our final ranking on a balance of affordability and cleaning power .
Types of Drain Cleaners
The three types of swimming drainpipe cleansing agent are enzymatic , acerbic , and acid , each of which is suitable for dissimilar types of organ pipe and clogs . Some liquid drain cleaners are also design for use of goods and services with adrain snaketo help carry on with the refractory grease clogs common in kitchen sinks .
To regulate the clog type , move out the drain cover ( if present ) and inspect the drain chess opening with a flashlight . Clogs near the opening can be identified ashair , paper , etc .
Tip : If the clog is deeper , make an prepare hypothesis base on the clog ’s location ( kitchen sump are magnets for food and grime , bathroom sink and tubs often collect tomentum and soap trash , and toilet can accumulate report products ) . Professionals sometimes employ a drain tv camera andrun it through the pipeto inspect the resulting look-alike to determine the clog case .
Photo: Amazon
Enzymatic
Enzymatic drain cleaner contain enzyme - producing bacterium like bacillus that feed on clogs . Formulated for monthly function , they ’re mean not only to keep drains free as a proactive strategy to prevent clogs , but also to light clog induce by cushy material such as fuzz or paper . However , they do n’t do well against tough gook like grease or soap trash , and they can take as long as 24 hours to clear even a diffuse geta .
Though they are n’t the riotous , enzymatic drain cleaners are eco - favorable and suited for clearing septic systems . They are generally soft formulation that are noncorrosive to New and older charge card and metal drain pipes in sinks , shower drains , tubs , and sewer . They ’re also typically free of harmful toxin and hide / eye irritant , so protective gear is usually not postulate .
Caustic
vitriolic drain cleanser are made with alkaline chemicals like atomic number 11 hydrated oxide , which exchange the patten into a soaplike substance that dissolves under plain water . They ’re good at remove food , dirt , and soap scum from lav sink , refuse disposals , shower , or tub drains — commonly within 30 minutes , although most are n’t designed for habit in toilets since they do n’t handle paper product as well .
Caustic cleaners are considered safe for newer ( less than 20 years old ) charge card or metallic element pipe made of stainless steel or copper . fend off using them in plastic pipage more than 20 year old ( which they can soften ) , in old metal pipes , or pipe of any age made of brass , atomic number 13 chrome , or galvanized steel , as they can sully or rust these .
While acid drainpipe dry cleaners are less toxic than acidic dry cleaner ( and usually odorless ) , they can burn the cutis or irritate the center or nozzle with touch or inhalation , so don a gasmask , safety glasses , skin - plow vesture , and gloves made of a chemical substance - immune material like butyl when handling .
Photo: Amazon
Acidic
An acidulent drain cleansing agent is typically made of sulfuric or hydrochloric dot . These drain dry cleaners are potent enough to clear heavy - duty clog dance like hair , solid food , dirt , soap trash , or paper - ground clog dance in 15 hour or less . acid drain cleanser are mostly safe for young plastic or metal pipes ( e.g. , copper ) in the sink , tub , shower , and toilet drains .
Do n’t use them on older plastic or metal pipework or pipes of any eld made of aluminum chrome , stainless sword , or galvanise brand . They can burn skin and irritate center and lungs if inhale , so using safety gear — respirator , safety glasses , skin - covering clothing , and chemical - resistant gloves — is a must .
Tips for Using Drain Cleaner
FAQs
Many different substances can clog a waste pipe ; however , hair , soap , grease , fat , and oil color are the most common . tree diagram roots are responsible for for most drainage clogs outside the home .
Yes , acetum and baking soda ash can help clean drain , but they ’re typically more effective for clearing minor sabot or preventing build - up rather than clearing major blockages . The reaction between vinegar and bake sodium carbonate creates form bubbles , which can assist loosen debris and dissolve grease . While this method is eco - friendly and can maintain clear drainpipe , it may not bring as in effect as chemical or enzymatic dry cleaner for more stubborn sabot .
Yes , drain cleaners can damage the pipe , though it depend on the type of cleaner . acrid and acidulent drainage cleaners are harsh root that are extremely effective at clearing clogs , but they can damage one-time plastic and alloy pipage . Both cleaner seem safe for newer ( within the retiring 20 years ) plastic and cop pipes . If you have old plumbing , regard using an enzymatic cleaner to quash damaging the pipes .
Photo: Amazon
Drain cleaners generally reduce aroma because they help clear clogs and eliminate foul - smell barren from the inside of pipes . However , since drain cleaner can damage your tube , only repair to a caustic or acid drain cleaner when an actual clog is present , not just a bad olfactory sensation .
The estimable way to stop a hair clog from take form is to use a drainpipe cover . Routine cleaning and care help keep viscous grime and ooze from cake the wall of pipes .
Shaving can make or worsen a clog , especially if you apply a thick shaving ointment or high - lather grievous bodily harm . When you shave , it ’s best to rinse with hot H2O to help dissolve the easy lay residue leave behind .
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Paul Rankin is a Scottish - born merchandise reviewer and writer with over four years of experience in the home , garden , and cleaning sectors . Since 2020 , he has contributed to reputable publication like Bob Vila , Family Handyman , and Reader ’s Digest , sharpen on DIY products and home improvement solutions . Whether review drain dry cleaner or garden shaft , Paul ’s finish is to provide well-defined , actionable information that heighten the reader ’s buying experience .
Additional research allow by Timothy Dale andManasa Reddigari .
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Photo: Amazon
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