First, let’s look at what’s inside the Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength All-Purpose Clog Destroyer Gel (ingredients on SmartLabel.com). When physically removing a clog isn’t possible, the next step is to break up the clog with home solutions. “Sometimes all it takes is very hot water to clear the path,” says Dougherty. “Be careful not to use boiling water. If the pipe is plastic, the high heat from boiling water could partially melt and deform the material.” 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. This varies depending on the type of cleaner and what it’s being used for. Some cleaners suggest pouring the entire bottle on a clog. Other bottles or tablets are meant for repeat use. When shopping, consider if you have a one time only clog or if you’re dealing with ongoing issues. If there is standing water in the shower or bathtub, Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, suggests using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the pipe. Additionally, a plumber’s snake with a small auger can often clear hair and debris from your pipes without using any chemicals.

For Liquid-Plumr, you shouldn’t use the product for unclogging toilets or dishwashers. Avoid using a plunger along with Drano and Liquid-Plumr. The force from plunging can cause the drain cleaner to splash out of the bowl. Do not use Liquid-Plumr for your garbage disposal unless you’ve chosen a product specifically designed for that purpose. Liquid-Plumr can also not remove foreign objects from the drains. So if there is silverware or something else causing a clog — you will need to call a plumber. Both products are formulated to be safe on all kinds of materials, including porcelain, stainless steel, marble, and many more. How long do Liquid-Plumr and Drano take to work?This plastic drain snake is 19.6 inches long and is covered in barbs designed to grab hair, the biggest clogging offender in the shower. To use, just feed gently into your shower drain (you may need to remove the drain cap) and push it in until you hit the obstruction. The Vastar is constructed to flex around curves and go deep into your pipes. When you find the obstruction, either break it up or pull it out, and you should be all set. Enzyme cleaners use bacteria to eat away at the clog, breaking them down into tiny particles so it can be washed away. These are a bit safer and eco-friendly since they don’t contain harsh chemicals, but they’re not always as powerful and effective as chemical cleaners. Owned by J.C. Johnson, Drano’s manufacturing processes follow their goal of contributing to a more transparent and sustainable world by making their manufacturing processes open for people to see for themselves. Liquid-Plumr and Drano offer several drain cleaning products formulated to fit different situations, including hair clogs, kitchen clogs, preventing clogs, and much more. CON: A few consumers have indicated that the product made no difference after application. Please note, however, that this product – as will any other store-bought product — is NOT a solution to a failing drainfield. Regular pumping and maintenance and care is the best prevention and a drainfield that has reached the point of failure will need professional servicing.

Many drain cleaners can be used around the home in the bathroom and kitchen, but some have specialized uses or harsher formulas that aren’t safe for septic systems or older pipes. If you have plumbing that can be easily damaged or a septic system that requires special maintenance, make sure that you look for a drain cleaner that is safe for your system. Green Gobbler Garbage Disposal Drain Cleaner and XionLab Safer Greener Drain Cleaner both use ingredients that are septic-safe. The two types of liquid cleansers you’ll see the most while shopping are chemical-based and enzymatic. Sodium Orthosilicate: Protects the metal parts in drains, as well as preventing dirt from redepositing.

Where is Your Clog?

The enzymes present in the formula work on a range of substances, including food, hair, grease, oil, and even paper. By breaking them down into liquid form, they can be easily flushed away. For optimal results, it is recommended to leave the formula in the drain overnight and use hot water to flush it out the next morning. While this is relatively easy to do with a kitchen sink and garbage disposal, it may require more effort for a separate drain. Enzymatic drain cleaners contain enzyme-producing bacteria like bacillus that feed on clogs. They’re designed for monthly use to prevent clogs and also can clear clogs composed of soft material such as hair or paper, but not tougher gunk like grease or soap scum. However, they can take as long as 24 hours to clear even a soft clog. An enzymatic drain cleaner is eco-friendly and suitable for clearing septic systems. While safe for your septic system, the product may struggle to reach your drain line since you can’t pour the product down the toilet. Won’t Work on Worst Clogs Off our original price. Quantities may vary by store. Some clearance product and price points may not be available at all locations. The three types of liquid drain cleaners are enzymatic, caustic, and acidic, each suitable for tough clogs in different drain locations and types of pipes and clogs. Some liquid drain cleaners are also designed for use with a drain snake to help deal with the stubborn grease clogs common in kitchen sinks.

If the chemicals used for the manufacturing of the drain cleaner are too strong for the pipe material to handle, then yes, they can damage pipes," says Johnson. "The brand label will almost always mention where the drain cleaner should be used."

BROWSE MORE PRODUCTS

Biodegradable and enzyme-based drain cleaners are generally considered safe for pipes, as they break down organic matter rather than corroding it with chemicals,” said Brown. “However, they may not be as effective at clearing tough clogs as chemical cleaners.” Both brands are a part of major corporations. Clorox, the leading bleach manufacturer, owns Liquid-Plumr, and S. C. Johnson & Son, the family-owned consumer goods giant, owns Drano. Bottom Line: Should You Buy Liquid-Plumr or Drano? Showers and tubs are problematic locations that frequently become clogged with soap scum and hair. This drain cleaner by Liquid-Plumr helps clear shower and tub clogs because it’s made with a powerful caustic cleaning formula that’s designed specifically for dissolving hair. Pour the drain cleaner into the drain and wait about 15 minutes. After the cleaner has had time to work, rinse the drain pipes with hot water to remove any cleaning solution still in the pipes. 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 product is best for prevention rather than dissolving heavy clogs, but you can also use it for treating slow drains and getting rid of odors. It contains no artificial fragrances or dyes, and has a B rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)—the highest ranking for notoriously not very eco-friendly drain cleaners. Overall, this cleaner is a great choice for anyone looking to unclog their drain using plant-based ingredients, particularly in households with small children or pets. 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. Hair is one of the top causes of bathroom clogs. Whether in the shower or sink, many of us shed enough hair to eventually cause a drainage issue. The best way to get stubborn hair clogs out is often physical removal, and this kit has all the tools you need to get it done. We like this beehive shaped plunger because it work well on any style of toilet, including high efficiency toilets, and it creates a good seal that effectively unclogs most toilet issues. The t-shape grip also makes this plunger easier to hold and use. It has a telescoping handle so that the plunger can be shortened to fit under a sink vanity or in a linen closet for storage.

Have You tried?

You can also help maintain the bacterial colony in your septic system by using a monthly septic tank treatment product. When used as directed, this will help maintain the necessary bacterial and enzyme balance that can otherwise be upset by normal household products like bleach, certain soaps, and detergents. To determine the clog type, remove the drain cover (if present) and inspect the drain opening with a flashlight. Clogs near the opening can be identified as hair, paper, etc. This Green Gobbler enzymatic cleaner contains a proprietary blend of eco-friendly ingredients that gobbles up toilet paper wads, cotton swabs, hair, lint, grease, and soap scum clogs. Use it in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, tubs, showers, and even toilets—the noncorrosive, biodegradable formula is safe on all kinds of pipes, from plastic to copper. Lauric Acid: An emulsifier that binds ingredients together and prevents the formula from separating. You can find Drano Max Gel Clog Remover at a very reasonable price, especially compared to the competition. The low price tag is one of the reasons that people gravitate to this product. Cuts Through Standing Water