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To effectively clear away these clogs and bugs in almost any sink, Rockwell's InVade Bio Drain Gel is the best choice. This drain cleaner is also known for its powerful ability to kill and prevent fruit flies, gnats, and other flies that tend to hang around the moist environment of a clogged sink. The 100-year-old company Drano is the Q-tip of drain cleaners — the brand most people think of first for tackling clogs. In our tests, we've been consistently impressed by the clearing power of Drano's gel formulation, which is safe for all plumbing and septic systems.
Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator Gel
The environmentally safe cleaner has enough product for 100 drain treatments. It works best on slow-flowing drains or as a monthly maintenance product for keeping your garbage disposal clear. An ounce (or tw0) of prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your drains clog-free. CLR's Clear Pipes and Drains is a once-a-month treatment that makes the process incredibly easy. "For big, busy households where showers, sinks and toilets have to work overtime, we highly recommend this routine plumbing maintenance," says DiClerico.

Bio-Clean Bacteria Septic Cleaner
One downside of PVC is that it is susceptible to damage from heat and glued joints can be more prone to deterioration. The two types of liquid cleansers you’ll see the most while shopping are chemical-based and enzymatic. It has a special non-acid formula that works to break down solid materials and allow water to flow freely once again. It’s also odorless and fumeless, so you don’t have to worry about a chemical-heavy smell when you use it. To use, pour along the sides of the drain, using about 4 ounces of liquid for a 4-inch drain. Repeat every other day for a week, then use once a week or as needed.
The Best Concrete Cleaners
The Best Drain Cleaners of 2023 - Top Picks by Bob Vila - Bob Vila
The Best Drain Cleaners of 2023 - Top Picks by Bob Vila.
Posted: Mon, 10 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Tough hair clogs that need a lot of elbow grease can be solved with this Forlivese hair clog remover. Insta-Flo Odorless Drain Cleaner can clear out all types of clogs, but it is not suitable for use in toilets or garbage disposals. Despite its crystal form, this product is safe to use on porcelain, chrome trim, polished brass, plastic, or metal pipes. This is exactly what makes this enzymatic cleaner safe to use in toilets, unlike other caustic or acidic cleaners. Even though this product is much more expensive than our top pick, we think its versatility, cleaning power, and safe ingredients are worth it—especially if you need to unclog a toilet drain.
These are all the more inconvenient because they can lead to malfunctions and expensive repairs, so you’ll want to prevent them as best you can. Follow your local council's rules on disposing of used fats, oil, and grease. There are services available that can collect used cooking oil, or some food waste recycling centres may accept it.
Best for Showers
More commonly, clogged drains are caused by the accumulation of grease, food particles, soap scum and mineral buildup from hard water, says Khachani. All of these issues can usually be alleviated by using a drain cleaner. “And, if ever a drain cleaner proves ineffective, it’s a clear signal to consult a professional, as the issue likely extends beyond a simple blockage,” says Coca. No matter what you're working with — a drain or a garbage disposal — all you have to do is measure out 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of the fragrance-free fluid and pour it down the drain. While the product proved effective in our tests at preventing clogged drains, if you're dealing with an existing backup, you're better off trying one of our more heavy-duty chemical cleaners.

If you still have questions about the best drain cleaners for hair clogs, this section may help. Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about drain cleaners for hair clogs here. With the exception of the drain snake, the application process for most drain cleaners is quite similar.
With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleasant odors. However, not all drain cleaners are well-equipped to clear and break up difficult hair clogs. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching drain cleaners and narrowing down the best options based on the formula, suggested use, overall value, and more.
Best Natural
After two hours have passed, pour boiling water down the drain, which should now be cleared of the clog. It’s safe for piping and septic systems, with a thick gel that sinks into standing water to the source of the clog. The drain cleaner helps dissolve hair, melt soap scum and grease, and eliminates other messy clogs. For example, a foreign object could fall down the drain and prevent a blockage. Instead, you’ll need to call a plumber, who may need to take apart your pipes to remove whatever fell.
Another type of drain cleaner, pods are similar to laundry or dishwashing detergent pods. The cleaning agent is wrapped in a thin shell that dissolves when it comes into contact with water. Most pods are better at deodorizing a drain than unclogging it, and in fact, they may exacerbate a blockage if it’s severe. Drain-cleaning pods are best for pipe maintenance after a clog has been dislodged to help create a fresh scent and deter the residual buildup that’s responsible for trapping hair in pipes. Pour 1 quart of Green Gobbler drain cleaner slowly down the drain; it usually takes at least 2 hours to unclog the hair. To maximize the unclogging action, users may want to wait overnight before flushing with hot water.
For example, acid drain cleaners usually contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and when the chemicals come in contact with the clog, there is a chemical reaction that releases heat. It comes with a reusable plastic handle and five drain snakes, with a brush-like material on the ends of the snakes. Just feed it down your clogged pipes, and the micro-hook tip will grab hair, debris, and gunk.
A capable drain cleaner will get the job done by blasting through plugs of grease, hair and whatever else is contributing to the backup. Kunz says many plumbers recommend an enzyme-based drain cleaner as a gentler alternative to chemical drain cleaners. The Drano Max Gel is our top pick for its versatile formula that works effectively on every type of drain pipe. For a natural, enzymatic cleaner with an equally effective cleaning power, the Bio-Clean Drain Septic Bacteria is the most affordable, natural option.
Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics, including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To update this article with new product insights and recommendations, she interviewed Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.