Clogged drains aren’t just annoying; they can spread odors and dangerous bacteria throughout your home. To get them flowing again, try one of these top-rated drain cleaners.
Caustic chemical drain cleaners typically include sodium hydroxide and caustic potash, which work together to dissolve organic material such as hair and soap scum. They may also damage older plastic or metal pipes.
Enzymatic
Enzymatic drain cleaners rely on tiny molecules and natural bacteria to break down gunk into a more manageable state. These cleaners are a good option in drain cleaning services for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals, as they’re safe for pipes and the environment. However, they may take longer to work than chemical drain cleaners. For example, it might take several treatments for this product to dissolve hair, soap scum, and other organic material that clogs drains.
One of the best enzymatic drain cleaners on the market comes in powder form and has enough freeze-dried enzymes and bacteria to provide up to 100 treatments. This biological drain cleaner is safe to use in toilets, showers, sinks, garbage disposals, and septic systems, and it won’t corrode pipes or cause toxic fumes.
Another option is a liquid enzymatic drain cleaner. It’s formulated to destroy grease and hair quickly, is safe for plastic and PVC pipes, and eliminates unpleasant odors. However, this product can be messy, as it needs to be mixed with hot water before pouring down a drain.
Also, while enzymatic cleaners can be used on minor clogs, they won’t help with anything metal or plastic, such as toys or food scraps stuck in a drain. In those cases, it’s usually better to call a plumber or use a physical drain cleaner like a snake or power drainer.
Chemical
The store’s liquid, gel, foam, or crystal drain cleaners contain high-intensity chemicals like hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid. According to WebMD, these cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog to dissolve it, and they can be highly harmful to your pipes and health. They also release toxic fumes that irritate your nose, eyes, and throat. In extreme cases, these cleaners can even be fatal.
The chemical ingredients in these cleaners can corrode your pipes over time and cause them to leak or break. They can also damage your garbage disposal and cause severe skin irritation and burns if they come into contact with your body. They can also contaminate the environment by entering local waterways and poisoning aquatic life.
While they can be effective on some types of clogs, chemical drain cleaners are typically limited in their effectiveness and can damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. In addition, they may hide a more significant problem with your plumbing system, such as broken or damaged pipes, so it’s best to call a professional.
Try a natural alternative like boiling water or dish soap to avoid chemical drain cleaners. You can also hire a professional to use mechanical tools to remove your clog and repair any damages that may be present in your pipes or sewer system.
Oxidizing
Inhaling or swallowing chemical drain cleaner can harm your lungs, eyes, and skin—and may even cause poisoning in extreme cases. Some of these cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (also known as lye), which can produce chemical burns and create toxic fumes that can irritate your respiratory tract, according to the medical database MedLine Plus. If ingested, lye can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting that contains blood, severe abdominal pain, and shock.
Caustic drain cleaners use sodium hydroxide to dissolve grease and soap scum and are typically used in kitchen or shower drains. They can corrode or damage some pipes, including PVC and cast iron. Oxidizing cleaners, conversely, give off oxygen through oxidation—like bleach or peroxides—to break down organic material and dissolve blockages. These are often favored for bathroom drains, says Johnson.
All drain cleaners take different amounts of time to work, with some starting to work in as little as 15 minutes and others needing to sit for hours or even days to disintegrate a clog fully. Choose an enzyme drain cleaner if you’re looking for a quick-acting product.
Look for an acidic drain cleaner if a more severe issue causes your clog. These are aggressive cleaners meant for the most severe emergency waste-line stoppages. They’re usually only available through plumbing wholesalers to plumbers and maintenance professionals who understand their toxicity and must follow strict PPE and safety guidelines when using them.
Drain Snakes
Hair clogs, simple toilet blockages, and standing water in the bathtub or sink are annoying problems that can often be resolved by plunging and drain cleaners. However, if the blockage is persistent or stubborn, it may be time to reach for a more heavy-duty solution: a professional drain snake drill.
Unlike chemical drain cleaners that dissolve build-up and clogs, drain snakes physically break apart obstructions by rotating and twisting the snake head through the pipe. They’re available in various sizes and lengths for different jobs and fixtures, from the smallest (for tubs, showers, and bathroom sinks) to larger ones designed for clearing out troublesome main line clogs.
To use a drain snake, first remove any drain covers or plugs. Next, loosen the screw holding the end of the snake’s cable housing and carefully insert the snake head into the problematic drain opening. Once the snake head is inside, slowly rotate the handle and feed the cable into the drainpipe. Be sure not to push too hard; doing so could damage the drain entrance or pipe.
To help avoid clogs, install filters and screens in your sinks and bathtubs and throw away large food scraps rather than washing them down the drain. Also, only flush something other than human waste and paper towels down the toilet. And, if you must use a chemical drain cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective usage.