Top 9 Best Drain Cleaner for 2020 Reviewed

One of these best drain cleaner will clean the sluggish drains caused by bath oils, soap scum, hairballs (in shower), or grease in your shower, bathtubs, septic or kitchen.

Plumbers are hard to come by during a holiday or weekends while using a plunger or plumber’s snake is a dirty job. 

So, get a fast-acting drain cleaners that’ll “eat” away organic clogs without corroding your PVC or metal pipes. One that won’t produce Hydrogen or heat. [table id=2 /]

Drain Cleaners: Top 9 Best Drain Cleaner for Any Clogged Sinks, Showers, and Bath Tabs 2020

1. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, 80 Fl. Oz (2 Count) – #1 Drain Cleaner  

Drano Max Gel is suitable for unblocking partial or complete drains blockages in just 15 minute. This model is budget-friendly and hence loved by many homeowners – 2 treatments (80 oz.).

Most stubborn clogs from Food bits, soap scum, hair, or grease occur in the kitchen and bathroom. Thus, you must unblocking these drain urgently using cleaners to get back your normal life.

Drano drain cleaner is denser than water and thus will cut through standing water and eat it away clods in just 30 minutes! It dissolves the clog in 5-7 minutes faster, compared to Liquid Plumr, but at a cheaper price. 

Compared to the previous drain cleaners – the formula does not have the toxic sulfuric acid (high molar) – it’s safer for human skin and PVC or metal pipes, garbage disposals or septic system.

Drano Max Gel is not good to prevent toilet clogs but it’s great for drains in showers and bathroom sinks with hair clogs. It’s safe to handle but you require can out on some gloves and quality goggles.

Further, its gel-like consistency makes this cleaner effective in unblocking complete clogs. Compared to THRIFT T-600, this formula is little slower but will be effective for the long run.

Sodium hydroxide and Sodium silicate chemical eats vegetative matter (including mildew & mold) and coating pipe surfaces consequently. The surfactant blends the clog scum & dirt. Check DRANO MAX GEL clog remover (full review).

How to Use DRANO MAX GEL

– But first, physically inspect the drain strainer and remove solid particles like food or hair in the shower, kitchen or bathtub drains.

– Next, try using a plunger. Plunge the blocked drain until you see if there is some movement. For partially clogged drains, pour (1/2) the formula into the drain and leave it for about 15 minutes.

– Allow 30 minutes for fully blocked drains – pour the whole bottle. Finally, flush the drain using hot water.

2. Green GobblerDISSOLVE Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover #2 Drain Opener 

Green Gobbler DISSOLVE drain cleaner, an enzymatic formula, will dissolve grease, hair, paper, and soap scum. So, do away with plunging by easily liquefying the organic matter blocking your drains. 

Green Gobbler DISSOLVE is the best choice for your toilets, tub, shower hairs, and bathroom sinks which are partially blocked. However, the product won’t be great for toilet clogs.

Equally, like Drano Max Gel, this formula is denser than water – which means that the gel will penetrate any standing liquids, get to the clog and eat away the clog components.

So, empty one chamber of the Green Gobbler into the opening of your clogged drain. Allow 2-6 hours for the formula to liquefy the feminine wastes, baby wipes, toilet paper, soap scum, and hair.

With pre-measured chambers, Green Gobbler drain cleaner is cost-effective as it allows you to avoid wastage. Its effective for total blockages & slow-moving drains. Finally, pour HOT water to the drain.

Finally, Green Gobbler is econ-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic for your cleaning purposes. Its safe for all pipes like porcelain, metal, PVC, or copper. So, check this Green Gobbler full review.

3. THRIFT FBA_T-600 T-600 Alkaline Based 6 lb. Granular – #3 Drain Cleaner 

THRIFT T-600 drain cleaner will liquefy your tough blockages fast (either bath oils, grease, hair, or soap scum, ) in under 60 seconds – while other cleaners require 1.5 – 6 hours. You’ve tried drain snaking?

The Sodium hydroxide (Lye) is an non-acidic formula that’ll break down the grease and fats in the clog (in the presence of water) to form soap.

So, simply activate the odorless crystals of this caustic cleaner using HOT water to unclog the septic systems, grease traps, and sewer lines.

Equally, THRIFT T-600 – Sodium hydroxide (Lye) – is safe and the best in unblocking drains made from fiberglass, polished brass, acrylic, porcelain, or even metal & PVC pipes.

In addition to being non-toxic (and equally Eco-friendly), THRIFT T-600 enhances the growth of active bacteria in drain systems such as the septic tank.

Caution: For sinks and showers with standing water, first use a drain snake that’ll help create a suitable air hole for THRIFT T-600 to penetrate the clog.

– THRIFT produces violent bubbling if mixed with water. Thus, wear goggles & gloves for personal protection. Also, apply vinegar if the cleaner spills on your skin.

How to Use Thrift T-600 Alkaline 

(i) First, boil 5 LITERS of water that’ll help you activate the alkaline crystals of Thrift T-600. We noted that Thrift T-600 is only activated using warm water.

(ii) To gently warm the plumbing line, pour about ½ of the water into blocked drain. Therefore, the water will sink deep to meet the settled clog.

(iii) Next, for personal safety purpose, put on goggles and gloves. Now, pour 1 cup of the drain cleaners into the opening of the clogged drain.

(iv) Leave the crystals work its magic for roughly 60 seconds. Finally, use the remaining HOT water to flush down the clog. However, if the drain is still slow-moving, repeat steps (iii) and (iv). Here’s the Thrift T-600 Review.

4. GreenPig Solutions 52 Safety for a Chemical Solution

GreenPig drain cleaner dissolves the solid waste, toilet paper – septic waste, grease, and sludge in 15-30 minutes – quite fast-acting. 

The formula is cost-effective with its pre-measured packets (4 in number). 

GreenPig has active bacteria (~ 1 billion in 4 ounces packet) that’ll eat the solid waste, paper cuts, grease, and sludge – reduces backups and all bad odors.

GreenPig Solutions unblocks drains and dissolve the septic waste. The cleaner is pre-measured into packets for 3 months. The live bacteria keep sewage and drain flowing smoothly.

GreenPig Solutions is amazingly lightweight and small-sized, which means that it’ll be easy to handle and store. They say its amazing for septic tank, toilet, and cesspit.

For your septic tank, just drop 1 of these pre-measured packets of the GreenPig Solutions formula once in 3 months.

5. Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria, 2 – Green cleaner

Bio-clean cleaner is 100% natural concoction of enzymes and bacteria. Bio-clean is genetically created drain cleaner (won’t produce heat or fumes) – safe for the plumbing and the environment. 

Bio-Clean provides a natural method of cleaning clogged drains or doing the regular plumbing systems cleaning. Luckily, Bio-Clean (the 2 lbs) will unblock about 100 clogged drains.

It’ll break down all the organic wastes like live tissue, cotton, food, bath oil, grease, fat, or aliphatic fast to produce mineral ash, carbon dioxide, and H2O.

Bio-Clean won’t corrode your plumbing including PVC or metal pipes. Luckily, the cleaner is fast-acting as it’ll unblock your drain in just 6 to 8 hours.

Bio-Clean’s bacteria doubles for every 30 minutes – thus spreading all over the plumbing system and break down the clog. Further, you can sprinkle Bio-Clean onto smelly litter to finish any odors.

So, use Bio-Clean on clogged/ blocked drains, bathtubs, grease traps, laundry drains in your house, restaurants, industrial areas, or educational institutions. Check the BIO-CLEAN (full review).

6. Pure Lye Drain Opener (Comstar 30-500) Odorless 1 Lb

Its considered a natural formula that is biodegradable, non-acid, and odorless. The product is safe on chrome trim, fine fixtures, and plastic or metal pipes.

Due to its industrial strength and non-acid properties, Pure Lye can clean septic systems, slow-moving and clogged drains, without causing harm to septic tanks. This product has a unique bead shape that allows it to sink at the bottom of the stagnant liquids, enabling it to attack and clear the cause of the blockage.

Also, the best product does not create fumes or stink. Hence, it is highly recommended for homes, hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, cafeterias, and restaurants.

Further, Pure Lye drain cleaner chemical has a unique ability to dissolve grease, root growth, and hair fast in the septic systems. If the drain cleaner is used often, it can boost the growth of active bacteria in septic reservoirs and grease traps – check the Pure Lye Drain Opener (full review).

7. Rid-X Septic Tank System and Clog Treatment, Powder

Next up is the Rid-X Septic Treatment. I came to know this formula when my septic tank could not drain – and thus it was overflowing. Definitely, it’s a little bit expensive but it’s worth every penny. I can now comfortably keep my septic tank clean and low – easily preventing septic backups.

The cleaner contains 100% natural bacteria and enzymes, the enzymatic drain cleaners, – mainly made up of Amylase, Lipase, and Cellulase. This means that the formula is safe to use with all type of pipes and construction materials and will quickly up all the household wastes.

Now let’s talk the enzymes present. The Amylase will help eat away the starch making up the clog. Next, the Lipase will break down oils, fats, and grease. Further, Cellulase will eat away any vegetables, food and all papers causing the drain clog.

8. Roebic K-97-Q-4 Main Line Drain Opener Concentrate

Best for the main line: K-97 Main Line Cleaner is a powerful drain clear that can be used in various plumbing systems to remove stubborn clogs. Mainly used in sewer and septic tanks. Sewage and other waste are likely to build up in main lines and sewer lines causing septic tanks.

Hence, fundamental problems are reported by homeowners since the modern H2O saving toilets perform poorly in pushing the waste out of sewage lines.

This disruptive organic accumulation can rapidly cause clogging challenges. However, the K-97 Main Line drain cleaner clears this accumulated material and swiftly restores correct flow, ensuring your main lines are problem free.

This product naturally breaks down waste to keep sewer and septic tanks free of any material that can cause clogging. It digests fats, paper, and grease in main sewage lines. Roebic K-97 is ideal for toilets with a slow flow.

9. XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener for Hair + Grease

For Hair clog and bathtubs: Xion Lab is a fast-acting liquid cleaner that effectively clears grease and hair clog. Xion Lab is an Industrial Strength with an innovative formulation that acts as a clog drain cleaner for shower drains, bathtub, and the kitchen sink.

This product is highly powerful and quickly attacks clogs caused by grease, oil, and hair. This process is made easier because of Its thick and heavy liquid gel formulation that gets at the bottom of your clogged drain and attacks the cause of the clog.

Its biodegradable components also have a great role in breaking down the wastes in the clogged drain. Because of its high pH level of 13, Xion Lab out-shines conventional industrial strength corrosive drain openers.

Xion Lab drain opener (full review) comes in a 32 Oz package and is recommended for use in residential and commercial drain systems. It is an odorless and non-toxic product, thus, safe for all types of pipes.

If applied as recommended, it will not irritate the skin as its considered a safe septic cleaner. It’s also Nonflammable, Biodegradable, and Odorless

10. RID-X Septic Tank System Treatment Powder

Best for Toilets: RID-X is a powerful product that quickly drains toilet clogs. The product contains many enzymes and natural active septic tank bacteria that have been scientifically tested and proven to break down and clear household wastes.

Look: By applying RID-X, you aid in restoring the sensitive balance of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that are required to keep your system working at full efficiency, hence, avert costly septic maintenance.

Question: Is your peace of mind affected because of the unbearable septic system? Or is your toilet the issue? Worry no more about septic system treatment!!

Let RID-X Liquid formula perform the trick for you. With its special dual-action formulation, the product digests wastes and helps avert septic backups.

Further, RID-X helps you prevent septic system maintenance that is linked to costly system backups. You can Promote a free-flowing and clean septic system by maintaining a consistently high bacteria population every day with RID-X Septic Tank Treatment.

The safety of septic tanks and all pipes is guaranteed with RID-X as it does not contain hazardous substances that can destroy the system or pipes. Constant use of RID-X ensures your pipes and systems are free from all clog caused by wastes.

It should be used on a monthly basis alongside regular pumping. RID-X Septic Tank System Treatment is the most efficient septic lines clog solutions. It has beneficial bacteria and enzymes (enzyme drain cleaners) that help to degrade wastes

11. Whink Hair Drain Clog Blaster! 32 Ounce 2 Pack

Best for hair: Whink Hair Clog Blaster is a liquid clog remover for clogged drains. It’s a professional strength that clears clogs caused by soap scum and hair.

View On AmazonThis liquid remover comes in a 32 OZ package that gives you enough solution to handle hair clogs within a short time.

Because of its powerful formulation, you can just pour right through standing liquids and within 5-10 minutes your clogging problem gets solved. This product effectively removes hair and grease out of your drain within no time.

Now: If you discover that your kitchen sinks is frequently clogged with hair, I believe the most important investment you should have at hand is WHINK HAIR CLOG BLASTER.

The product will certainly be effective when another clog strikes. Whink Hair Clog Blaster can be used in both residential and commercial drains. Its professional strength ensures that it clears the toughest clogs ever imagined.

Besides, it’s quite unpleasant to have to hair and grease from the drain manually. The good news is that there’s a liquid remover that can get the work done while saving you from directly contacting the mess.

How to Choose a Drain Cleaner

It’s time to do away with the shower or sink that’s backing up. Check how cleaners work and the ant killer. I advise that you use safety goggles and gloves when using Lye cleaner. 

1. Chemicals Composition of Drain cleaner

Not all sinks, bath drains, and clogs and are made equal. The reason for the clog mainly depend on where you find the backup. Don’t use harsh cleaners on the toilet and bathroom drains, or kitchen sinks.

Choose organic drain cleaners avoid damaging finishes and pipes or to preserve the environmental form harsh chemicals – is it a gel, powder, granular, and liquid.

Drano vs liquid plumr – Particularly, the Drano Max cleaner is regarded as caustic and may be bad for your skin. Further, the Lye cleaner damages metal & PVC pipes by corroding or melting. But, it’s still better than liquid plumber since it’ll easily clear those tough clogs and dissolve hair or hair food. Check the flea spray for yard.

2. Type/ Cause of Clog

The first crucial step in determining which drain cleaners to pick is to be aware of the kind of clog you are dealing with. You can find out by pouring boiling water through the drain to ascertain if there is any change in your drain.

If the blockage is due to hair that’s tangled, use a drain cleaner plus a drain brush and drain snake, or needle-nose pliers that’ll remove the hair.  For soap clogs in bathroom, shower, and laundry drains, use a mild drain cleaner in addition to pressure cleaning.

For blockages caused by fat, grease and oil – try strong drain cleaners, plus run hot water down in additional to thorough plunging. Use mild cleaners for regular drain maintenance but choose the powerful cleaners to unblock a checked drain.

3. Place of Use – Bathroom or Toilet, Kitchen sink?

If no improvement is seen, then it’s time to consider a professional. But before taking that step, maybe you should try to fix the clog using the right cleaner product.

Now: If the clog is in the bathroom sink, then there is a high probability that the clog is associated with hair. if it’s the kitchen sink is the one that is blocked, then it’s leading causes can be grease, oil, food, or other materials related to food wastes.

It’s great to note that the current market is endowed with many, high quality and powerful liquid drain products that are remarkable at unclogging all types of clogs.

a. Cleaner for Bathroom Drains: The biggest culprit of bathroom drains hair. The hair combines with body washes, shampoo, soap scum, and other wastes to form a clog. But you can easily fix hair clogs completely using Whink Hair Clog Blaster.

b. Cleaner for Kitchen Drains: In my analysis of top Cleaners, I noted that clogs in the kitchen sink are normally caused by soap residue, food particles, and grease. When you are handling this kind of clog, it is recommended that you use a chemical drain cleaners, like Pure Lye.

These chemicals are created to attack any waste accumulation in pipes and dissolve it, allowing drains to open up, hence, smooth liquids flow. However, if you have a stubborn clog, you are advised to apply the chemical cleaner several times, and you will achieve the best results.

c. Cleaner for Toilets: Typically, toilet clogs are caused by waste from humans. Before you commence adding chemicals to your toilets, establish if your toilet is connected to a city sewer system or a septic system. If it’s connected to septic, you can apply your desired toilet cleaner. However, if you’re connected to a city sewer, it might be hard for you to use drain cleaning products.

d. Enzyme drain cleaner – Irrespective of whether you are connected to a city sewer or septic system, you may safely apply products that contain enzymes and bacteria that are mainly intended to attack the cause of toilet clogs safely. Such products would dissolve the organic substance without introducing hazardous chemicals into the H2O supply.

4. Safety Considerations

Never apply the cleaner in a non-ventilated and enclosed area, it can be unsafe. Further, pay close attention to your septic system, and ensure you pick the right cleaner. Check systems for wrong chemicals may interrupt the normal functioning of the septic and kitchen sinks can lead to costly repairs.

Powders are effective for slow-moving drains, but not effective for quick unclogging. You must carefully assess the kind of drains or pipes you are unclogging since not all cleaning products can be applied to each type of drain. To ascertain that no damage happens, carefully check the cleaner bottles and assess the types of drains they can be used in.

Note: Many cleaners are formulated from chemicals. Hence, there can be strong odors involved. The instructions on the container will inform you if there is any strong smell, after all, you can smell the product yourself and make your own conclusions.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve examined and listed bed drain cleaners that have lived up to their expectation and give the desired results. These are industrial strength and can be used in residential or commercial units. 

Sources:

1. Drain Cleaner – HowStuffWorks
2. Drain cleaner Description – Wikipedia
3. Duda Diesel – Drain Cleaners