Ugh, clogged drains. Foul odors, gurgling water, and overflowing sinks – they’re a nightmare. But before you dial a plumber, breathe easy!
Many sluggish drain issues can be tackled right at home with efficient, safe, and fast-acting cleaners against hairballs, bath oils, and soap scum.
5 Best Drain Cleaners
- Best Overall: Drano Max-Gel Drain Cleaner and Clog Remover
- Best Enzymic: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener
- Best for Septic Systems: Roebic K-97 Septic and Sewer Cleaner
- Best for septic systems & Kitchen: RID-X Septic Treatment
- Best for Prevention: CLR Drains and Pipes Drain Build-Up Remover
1. Drano Max-Gel Drain Clog Remover & Cleaner
If you’ve recently moved into your rented house or apartment, use Drano Max-Gel to remove food bits, soap scum, hair, or grease in your shower drains or bathtubs and the kitchen sink.
Pros:
- Quick-acting – removes soap scum, or hair in 30 minutes
- Safe for garbage disposals, metal pipes, and plastic – no corrosion
Cons:
- May require re-application for tough clogs
I loved Drano’s effectiveness in a stubborn hair clog in my bathtub within 15 minutes – so, I would say that it’s true and tested. From then on, I always stock this cleaner to tackle any partial or complete drain blockages – it’s super effective and fast to use.
On the ease of application; simply pour half the cleaner into the clogged drain, allowing it to do its magic within 3o minutes below flashing down using hot water. But I experienced some strong smell and so I had to keep the vent fans on – but this receded within an hour.
Key Specs:
| State: | Liquid gel |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Thickened bleach |
| Size: | 80 fluid oz |
2. Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener
Green-Gobbler cleaner has over 25,000 amazing reviews on Amazon – many customers note that it is easy to use, has a great smell, and works well to unclog drains such as in the toilet, shower, or kitchen sink clogs.
Pros:
- Industrial strength
- Unblocks multiple clogged household drains
- Won’t corrode porcelain, copper, PVC, metallic pipes
Cons:
- None
My neighbor had been struggling with a shower clog for about 3 months – after trying to use vinegar and baking soda unsuccessfully. He used the Green Gobbler combined with a plumbing snake to clear the shower drain clog.
- Being dense than water, the cleaner will easily penetrate the drain clog to dissolve grease, hair, paper, and soap scum. However, allow 2 to 6 hours for that enzymatic formula to liquefy the hair, soap scum, toilet paper, baby wipes, and feminine wastes.
Further, Green Gobbler cleaner ensures you achieve great cost-effectiveness as there is limited wastage.
Key Specs:
| State: | Liquid gel |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Enzymatic (No bleach or fumes) |
| Size: | 64 fluid oz |
3. Roebic K-97 Main Line Opener & Cleaner
Roebic K-97 will remove relatively stubborn clogs on different plumbing systems – including septic tanks and sewer systems. This is because various organic waste and sewage will mainly build up in the sewer lines and central plumbing system.
Pros:
- Opens clogged sewer and septic tanks
- Great for digesting grease, paper, and fats
- Suitable for clogged toilets
Cons:
- Long-acting time
It’ll dissolve paper, sludge, and grease, and fast to clear your sewer and septic system – to restore the flow in the mainline. Also, the drain cleaner won’t harm or corrode your pipes.
To avoid the plumber cost of the clogged drain line, try this Roebic K-97. My neighbor poured down this product twice in 5 hours and this helped restore the water and sewer flow.
Key Specs:
| State: | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Specialized bacteria |
| Size: | 32 fluid oz |
4. RID-X Septic Treatment
RID-X Septic Treatment will quickly unclog the blocked toilets. The natural cleaner contains enzymes and bacteria that will break down household wastes.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Won’t corrode pipes and septic tank
Cons:
- Minor skin irrittation
The cleaner simply restores that effective balance of enzymes and bacteria in the septic tank.
So, if the septic tank for your apartment or house is unbearable, RID-X Liquid with its dual-action formula will prevent septic backups by digesting wastes.
Luckily, the natural formulation of RID-X won’t destroy the pipes and system – and thus it’ll prevent such possible losses.
Key Specs:
| State: | Powder |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Natural bacteria and Enzymes |
| Size: | 9.8 ounces |
Conclusion
Drano Max-Gel, Green Gobbler, and Roebic K-97 Septic are my go-to drain cleaners that’ll help restore that septic or drain flow in your house or apartment.
- Consider factors such as type, time, and usage of the cleaner when selecting an appropriate product.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!