The Best Drain Cleaners For Every Kind of Clog
When the plunger fails, these powerful agents can blast through grease, hair, and other nasty clogs.
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I’ve been a homeowner for 20 years now, and a landlord for 10, so I’ve had to deal with my share of clogged sinks, backed-up toilets, and gurgling shower drains. I usually reach for the plunger first, since it’s a potentially quick fix that’s easy on the plumbing. But some clogs are either too dense, or they’re located too far down the line. That’s when a capable drain cleaner is the best option.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover
- Best for hair clogs: Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel Clog Remover
- Best enzyme-based: Green Gobbler Drain Clog Remover & Drain Cleaner Powder
- Best for garbage disposals: Bio-Clean Drain Septic Cleaner
- Best for preventing clogs: CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Clog Remover and Cleaner
I like to keep a few products on hand, knowing that some cleaners are geared towards specific clogs. Plus it's always best to act quickly with clogs, especially during winter, since backed-up pipes are prone to freezing and bursting. That said, Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover is our top pick for most jobs, and the rest of this roundup includes products I’ve had success with over years. Our picks are also based on insights from other experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, as well as our colleagues in the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, with their deep knowledge around bleach, enzymes, and other ingredients common to household drain cleaners.
Best Deal
Pros
- Clears tough drain clogs, including those in standing water
- Can be left overnight to work
- Excellent value
Cons
- Not intended for toilet clogs
WHY WE LIKE IT: The 100-year-old company Drano is the Q-tip of drain cleaners—the brand most people think of first for tackling clogs. Over the years, I've relied on the clearing power of Drano's gel formulation, which is safe for all plumbing and septic systems. At less than $10 a bottle, it's a good value too.
HOW IT WORKS: Drano's Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover works quickly, without any elbow grease on your part. It's a caustic cleaner, meaning it contains bleach and other corrosive ingredients that are especially tough on grease and soap scum.
Simply pour the formula down a backed-up sink or drain and let it go to work. For minor clogs and slow-flowing drains, the gel works in 15 to 30 minutes. It can even help clear clogs in standing water. In the case of persistent clogs, I've had to apply the solution a second time; it's safe to let it sit overnight to work.
Besides its fast-acting results, I like that this drain cleaner doesn't have an overly caustic odor, so any lingering smells are easily mitigated by cracking a window or turning on a bathroom fan.
One note: While Drano's gel cleaner is tough on drain clogs, it's not intended for use in toilets. That's because it doesn't contain microorganisms which are needed to break down toilet paper and organic matter trapped in the plumbing line.
Pros
- Works quickly
- Excellent value
- Scent-free formula
Cons
- Less effective on grease
WHY WE LIKE IT: Liquid-Plumr is another well-known brand with an established track record that offers great value. This thick gel is specifically formulated to blast through the clumps of hair that slow down sink, tub, and shower drains. The manufacturer claims it is septic-safe and we have no reason to think otherwise based on our experience with other Liquid-Plumr products.
HOW IT WORKS: This product isn't up for all drain issues. It's an oxidizing cleaner, which tends to be tough on organic matter like hair and food, but are less effective on grease. Translation: Don't reach for it in the kitchen.
To use, wait for all the water to drain out of the sink or tub (or bail it out if it won't flow), then pour the bottle of Liquid-Plumr—yes, you need to use the whole bottle—slowly down the drain. It takes at least 15 minutes to work. For badly clogged drains, leave Liquid-Plumr in the drain overnight to work, then flush thoroughly with hot water in the morning.
Like Drano, this Liquid-Plumr product is unscented and mild, so you shouldn't have to deal with any lingering fumes.
Pros
- Very good value
- Pre-measured dosing
Cons
- Powder needs to be left overnight to tackle tough clogs
WHY WE LIKE IT: I like the economy and ease-of-use of Green Gobbler's single-use packs: No measuring, no mess.
HOW IT WORKS: You simply pour a packet down the drain or toilet, add water, and wait 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with clean water. Each package includes a manual clog remover tool to help the process along.
Since the enzymes act more slowly than chemical agents, you might need to leave the powder overnight for tough clogs, and possibly even try a second treatment. Just be sure not to leave any powder on delicate surfaces, like porcelain, since it can have a corrosive effect.
While the Green Gobbler package says it's odorless, some clogs may give off a stinky smell as the buildup dissolves. Once the drain is thoroughly flushed, the fumes should dissipate.
Pros
- Chemical-free formulation
- Helps clear garbage disposals
- Safe for use in toilets
Cons
- Must be left overnight to work effectively
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you want to steer clear of chemical drain cleaners, Bio-Clean uses a special combination of naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes to digest organic waste such as hair, grease, soap scum, paper, food particles ,and more. It's also safe to use in toilets.
HOW IT WORKS: Like other enzyme-based cleaners we've looked at over the years, Bio-Clean isn't as fast-acting as chemical cleaners, so you're best off letting it sit overnight in a backed-up drain. Even then, it might not clear a complete blockage, and multiple uses are sometimes necessary to thoroughly clear partially clogged drains—particularly if the culprit is something exceptionally stubborn like feminine products or a big wad of paper towel.
Our experts say it's worth a try, especially in areas like the garbage disposal, since this product is designed to dissolve lodged food. We also like it as a once-per-month maintenance product, advice echoed by many online reviewers who have used Bio-Clean as a preventative maintenance product and swear by its effectiveness.
Pros
- Can also be used in the garbage disposal
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not intended for tough existing clogs
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ounce 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, our experts recommend this routine plumbing maintenance.
HOW IT WORKS: The product is easy to use. No matter what you're working with—a drain or a garbage disposal—simply measure out 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of the fragrance-free fluid and pour it down the drain. While the product can help prevent clogged drains, if you're dealing with an existing backup, you're better off trying one of our more heavy-duty drain cleaners.
Pros
- Tough on hair and grease clogs
- Safe for septic systems
- Can cut through standing water to clear backups
Cons
- Stubborn clogs may need multiple applications
- Not ideal for toilets or kitchen sinks
WHY WE LIKE IT: XionLab Safer Drain Opener is specifically formulated for grease and hair, so it's best suited to showers and bathroom sinks. But we don't recommend it for toilets or kitchen sinks, since its formulation is not effective against paper, plastics, or food particles.
HOW IT WORKS: The septic-safe biodegradable formula is a balance between acidic/caustic cleaners and mild enzymatic cleaners. Online reviewers said the gel is highly effective on specific types of clogs and can even cut through standing water to clear mild obstructions in about two hours.
Tougher clogs will take longer—sometimes overnight—and may require multiple applications. Since you need 16 ounces (half a bottle) per treatment, we recommend planning on a single bottle for every area of concern.
Pros
- Good at removing long hair from drains
- Chemical-free and non-caustic
Cons
- Brittle plastic can break in drain if not handled carefully
WHY WE LIKE IT: The flexible Arctic Eagle is an inexpensive, chemical-free way to manually remove clogs from kitchen and bathroom drains. I always keep a few of them handy in my tool box since the manual method can be enough to clear a clog in seconds.
HOW IT WORKS: The plastic snake reaches 25 inches into drain pipes and flexes at the P-trap, where obstructions often occur. The barbs grab onto hair and other messy clogs, allowing you to remove or dislodge them. Keep in mind that these clogs can be smelly, so you may want to wear a mask and crack the window or flip on the overhead fan in your bathroom. Work slowly and gently, since too much force can break the tool and even damage pipes.
The tool can be cleaned for future clogs, if you don't mind dealing with the icky mess.
Pros
- 6-foot length reaches deep down the toilet line
- Vinyl guard protects porcelain surfaces
Cons
- Instructions might be a bit complex for novice DIYers
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you've tried the plunger and you tried one of our cleaners and your toilet still is clogged, it's time to bring in the mechanical snake: a long, metal tool that claws at blockages located far down the plumbing line. The only problem with mechanical snakes is their sharp edges can damage a toilet's porcelain S-bend. That's why I like this auger-style snake, with its vinyl guard that prevents porcelain surfaces from getting scratched or cracked.
HOW IT WORKS: The Ridgid is more expensive than liquid or gel cleaners, but it can be used time and again. It's actually relatively simple to use once you get the hang of it. (I recommend watching the brand's video tutorial before unleashing it on your toilet since the instructions might be complex for novice DIYers.) The tool's ergonomic design makes it easy to rotate the cable 6 feet down the drain line to break up and clear clogs. You can even attach a drill to it to help with really stubborn blockages—and still be perfectly confident in your ability to get the job done without damaging your toilet.
How we choose drain cleaners
To find the best drain cleaners, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute first gathered a list of products that are commonly found on store shelves and online. We looked for a wide range of cleaners, including chemical and enzyme-based products, as well as manual drain-clearing devices.
Many of our recommendations are based on hands-on experience with the drain cleaners at home, using them on actual clogs. In these cases, we assess how easy and neat the product is to use, as well as its efficacy on a variety of clogs.
What to look for when shopping for the best drain cleaner
Drain cleaners are usually formulated to work on specific types of clogs. This means that a cleaner that works well on a slow-flowing kitchen drain might not do the job on a clogged toilet. Here are the main types of drain cleaners you'll come across the most while shopping:
✔️ Enzymatic cleaners are slower to clear clogs but are usually less harmful to your plumbing. The bacteria-based enzymes in the cleaner slowly break down organic matter such as hair and food that can be found in your drain. But the enzymes may not be strong enough to dissolve a complete blockage.
✔️ Chemical-based drain cleaners work the fastest but also have the potential to cause more damage. There are two main types:
- Caustic cleaners are tough on grease, so they tend to be your best bet against clogged kitchen sinks.
- Oxidizing cleaners excel at unclogging clumps of hair, food, and other organic matter, which is why our experts favor them in bathrooms.
✔️ Manual tools are another option that can be effective on clogs that are deeper down the plumbing line, well past the curved traps that are designed to keep odors and sewer gases from entering a home. Often referred to as snakes, these tools feature long, sharp probes that are manually or mechanically fed into a pipe line until they reach, and hopefully break up, whatever is causing the clog.
How to use drain cleaners safely at home
Here are some important precautions to take when clearing clogged drains:
✔️ Try a plunger first. If you're dealing with a clogged toilet, always use a plunger before (never after!) any chemical cleaner to prevent the chemical from splashing back up onto your skin or into your eyes.
✔️ Precisely follow all directions on a drain cleaner's label. The room must be well ventilated. Never leave the drain cleaner inside the drain for longer than stated in the instructions.
✔️ Wear gloves and eye protection to protect against splash-back. Do not stand in the tub or shower stall when pouring the cleaner down the drain, because there's a chance it could spurt back out.
✔️ Carefully pour the drain cleaner to avoid spills. The caustic nature of some chemical cleaners can damage surrounding stone, marble, stainless steel, and other materials. Never mix drain cleaners with other cleaning products—even homemade cleaners—or pour a second cleaner down if the first doesn't work. The chemical reaction can cause toxic gas or even an explosion.
✔️ Always flush the drain well after using a chemical cleaner, following the package instructions for the temperature of the water and how long you should rinse.
✔️ Never try to clear a toilet clog with a chemical cleaner. Use a plunger, a toilet auger (a standard drain snake can damage or crack the porcelain), or a natural enzyme cleaner. If the clog still remains, call in a professional plumber.
Can drain cleaners damage pipes?
Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using any chemical cleaner, especially if you overdo it. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by the chemical. With metal pipes, excessive use can cause surface corrosion and in extreme cases might even lead to cracks and holes.
Our advice to homeowners is always to try a plunger first, since a few vigorous pumps are often enough to suction out clogs, especially if you catch them early. If the backup remains, reach for one of our recommended drain cleaners.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For over a century, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided expert tips and reviews on all things cleaning-related, including products that unclog drains throughout the home.
Dan DiClerico is director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. DiClerico has covered home improvement for 25 years. In that time, he has written hundreds of articles on home maintenance for Good Housekeeping, as well as magazines like This Old House and Consumer Reports.
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