Hair, food, grease or oil, and grime are the most common types of clogs. Some drain cleaners are effective on all of these clogs, but some work better on one specific type, such as the Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener. If you know that the things clogging up your drain are organic, look for a drain cleaner that dissolves organic matter. Working Time

Using drain cleaner too frequently can lead to potential pipe damage, and one sign of damage is if it doesn't flush thoroughly after using the product. Take care of tough clogs almost instantly with this caustic drain cleaner from Thrift. Simply run hot water or pour hot water from a pot or kettle into the drain and simultaneously pour the specified amount of drain cleaner into the drain. The hot water dissolves the drain cleaner and creates a powerful solution that needs only about 1 minute to work. It is also safe for septic systems, garbage disposals, and older pipes. While it is a professional-strength solution that can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, it won’t damage your pipes or plumbing when you use it. Depending on the material of your sink, you should take care not to let it splash. That is especially important if you have delicate natural stone that stains easily, such as marble. While this drain cleaner shouldn’t be used in toilets, it’s suitable for garbage disposals and septic systems. Follow the directions to avoid any possible accidents, such as switching on the disposal too soon, which can cause drain cleaner to spray out. This product also can be used in standing water to clear clogs and get the wastewater flowing into the septic system or to the municipal sewer system again. Whether your home has metal or plastic pipes, there is a risk of damaging your pipes with frequent chemical drain cleaner use. Metal pipes can corrode faster and possibly leak, and plastic pipes can weaken or leak because of damage from chemical drain cleaners.Busch again emphasizes the key to clearing out a clog with a drain cleaner is to follow the directions exactly if you don’t want to damage your pipes. The cleaner tablets work by foaming up in water and using surfactant chemistry to break up odor-causing residue and grime. The product does have a citrus scent, so if you’re not a fan of odors or have certain allergies, this might not be the right cleaner for you. To get the most of this product and your washing machine, use a tablet once per month. You can not use this product to resolve a toilet clog. The chemicals may damage the porcelain of the toilet bowl or the wax seal, leading to a toilet leak and an expensive plumbing repair bill. The dishwasher's drain hose and/or other components could be harmed by drain cleaners, which could result in leaks and other mechanical issues,” he says. “Sometimes simply running the garbage disposal might fix dishwasher draining problems. However, the problem is usually bigger than that and should be handled with care. It is recommended to call a professional to drain your clogged dishwasher.” It can be challenging to know where to start when shopping for a drain cleaner. If the clog isn't bad, we recommend putting in the elbow grease and using a drain snake to start. If that doesn't work, it's time to pull out the drain cleaner. Type

Liquid-Plumr products are safe for all household plumbing except rubber pipes. You should also avoid using Liquid-Plumr products on toilets and dishwashers, but the products are safe for septic systems.

Where is Your Clog?

Off our original price. Quantities may vary by store. Some clearance product and price points may not be available at all locations. When you have a clogged drain, just pour this cleaner into the drain, wait 15–30 minutes, and run hot water to clear any further gunk out. Be sure to pour carefully, and rinse immediately if you get any on your hands. If the first pass doesn’t work, wait a few hours and follow the steps again.

While not safe for every situation, it works a lot better than a homemade drain cleaner made from baking soda and vinegar. FAQs For Drano Max Gel Clog Remover Does Drano Max gel really work?If the hot water method does not work, the next method that you can try is a baking soda and vinegar solution. Dump about 2-3 teaspoonfuls of baking soda into your clogged drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. This mixture will create a “fizzing” action that may help break the clog up and restore the flow in your drain once again. The 32-ounce bottle of commercial cleaner comes with a convenient pour spout for effortless application. Just pour a few ounces of cleaner into the drain, wait 15 to 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.

The two types of liquid cleansers you’ll see the most while shopping are chemical-based and enzymatic. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using chemicals. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by chemical use. For metal pipes, excessive use can cause pipes to corrode and, in extreme cases, cause holes to develop. Using a drain cleaner in the dishwasher is not ideal, according to Busch; however, he offers a great tip. There are basic maintenance steps every property-on-septic system owner can take to keep one’s septic system healthy, while avoiding clogged drains, altogether. The easiest way to go about this is to avoid draining and flushing things that can clog a pipe, such as a grease and oils. Likewise, avoid allowing banana peels, potato skin, eggshells, bones, pits or seeds down your drains.This heat can melt plastic pipes or corrode metal pipes. While caustic drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs, they are also dangerous if they touch your skin and they can lead to corrosion of the pipes. Another option is to use an enzymatic-based drain cleaner that eats away at build-up and debris. This solution may take longer to clear a drain than an acidic or caustic chemical drain cleaner, but in the long run it is a better solution because it prevents expensive damage to your pipes. Here are the best drain cleaners of 2023 for every clogged drain or pipe in your home. In the lists below, you’ll notice that Liquid-Plumr and Drano both contain water, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Sodium Hydroxide, but the rest of the formulas are unique.