Final Verdict
Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog. For a more natural choice that’s effective on moderate clogs and slow drains, we suggest Biokleen’s Bac-Out Drain Care Gel, which is a powerful enzymatic drain cleaner.
How to Shop for Drain Cleaners Like a Pro
Type
There are two basic types of drain cleaners: natural (enzymatic) and chemical (caustic or acidic). From there, they can come in several forms including liquid, gel, foam, powder, or crystals. Chemical cleaners are highly effective, but they’re formulated with harsher ingredients such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, which may cause some damage to pipes if used incorrectly or too frequently. Enzymatic cleaners are formulated with natural bacteria, which makes them safe for the environment but slower to unclog drains than chemical cleaners.
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To determine which type is best for you, it’s important to consider the type of clog you’re dealing with, how quickly you need the clog resolved, and the material and age of your pipes. (Old lead pipes, for example, might only be able to handle a natural cleaner.)
Use
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While most drain cleaners are created with the same goal in mind, some are designed for a particular use, such as unclogging a toilet or a kitchen sink filled with grease. The drain cleaner you choose will have to be compatible with the type of clog you have and how you intend to use it. If you’re only looking for a preventative method, then a drain cleaner formulated for hair clogs might not be the most effective choice. On the other hand, if you need to quickly unclog a lot of hair so that you can comfortably take a shower, then using a slow-acting enzymatic cleaner may cause even more frustration.
Time
It’s important to decide if time is a considerable factor in choosing a drain cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners take longer to work because they use natural ingredients, while chemical cleaners are fast-acting because they use harsher ingredients. Some products begin working in just about a minute, but others may take a few minutes, hours, or even days. If after several tries your drain is still not clear, Brosnan recommends trying out drain-cleaning tools such as a snake or plunger.
Questions You Might Ask
How do drain cleaners work?
Natural drain cleaners use enzymes to break down and “digest” the clog to fully dissolve it. Chemical cleaners work similarly, breaking down clogs through heat generated by a chemical reaction. To know if your drain cleaner is working, check for standing water after pouring the cleaner—and always flush with hot or boiling water.
Do drain cleaners damage pipes?
Plastic and old pipes are particularly vulnerable to damage, so it’s imperative to know the material of your pipes before choosing a chemical cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners, however, will not eat through or damage inorganic material like pipes.
“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.”
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.
Do drain cleaners expire?
As is the case with most cleaning products, drain cleaners will not technically expire, but will begin to lose their effectiveness over time. According to Johnson, drain cleaners can last about two years.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by L. 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. She also received tips on how to shop for drain cleaners from Alicia Johnson, cleaning expert and owner of Cleaning Green LLC, and Ray Brosnan, cleaning expert and co-founder of Brosnan Property Solutions.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens