Which Drain Cleaner is Best for You?

Like most dilemmas in life, there is not an easy answer for finding out what drain cleaner is best. It depends on many variables. Before this question can be adequately addressed, we must first be able to say where the clog is and whether or not the source of the clog is known. Once these things are established, reference the following list for the best drain cleaners to unclog a drain.

What Is the Best Drain Cleaner for Bathroom Drains?

The nice thing about bathroom clogs is that they can be cleared with a drain cleaner tool, so no chemicals are involved. There are a few different drain cleaner tools, but the best one is possibly the drain claw. It is a small wire-looking drain cleaner with a tip that has a hundred interlocking plastic hooks. 

You can work the tip into the opening of the drain, and with a twisting motion, grab the hair that is slowing the drain. It is much more flexible than the other drain cleaner tools, and it doesn’t get stuck in small areas. Plus, it’s stronger than Drano because it physically removes the clog instead of dissolving it.

Which Drain Cleaner Works Best on Kitchen Drains?

For kitchen drains dealing with grease, food particles, and soap buildup, the best antidote is a chemical drain cleaner available at most big box stores.

What is the best liquid drain cleaner? Products such as Drano or Liquid-Plumbr are a base that attacks the junk that has accumulated in the kitchen drain and will slowly eat it away to allow for faster flowing water.

Just keep in mind these precautions:

• Sometimes, multiple applications may be required to dislodge the stubborn clogs.
• Avoid pouring the chemical cleaner into the side of your sink that has the disposal. The aluminum parts of the disposal will react with the base of the cleaner and cause serious problems.
• Slowly pour it into the side of the sink without the disposal and wait for several minutes before flushing it with hot water.
  
  

What Do Plumbers Recommend Instead Of Drano?

It’s true — most plumbers don’t recommend Drano because it has corrosive properties and can damage your pipes over time. Instead, they might recommend more natural cleaners or using a snake or auger to remove the clog. This can be better than Drano because there’s less of a risk of plumbing damage.

Which Drain Cleaner Is the Best for Toilets?

You can clear a toilet with a commercial product or tools, but it’s important to first establish what system your toilet is connected to.

• If your toilet is connected to a septic system, you can use toilet drain cleaners.
• If you’re hooked to a city sewer system, your choices may be more limited. 

In either case, your best bet may be to add specific enzymes and bacteria that are used for clearing toilets. These products are safe for the environment and are used to eat the organic matter and keep clogs at bay. What is the best enzyme drain cleaner? We recommend our Roto-Rooter drain cleaning products, such as Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield®.

Will Liquid-Plumber Work on Toilets?

Liquid-Plumr (and similar chemical drain cleaners) should not be used in toilets. These products are designed for sink, tub, and shower drains — not for toilet clogs. The chemicals are too harsh for the porcelain and can damage the toilet’s components.

What Is The Best Homemade Drain Cleaner?

If you want to avoid all chemicals and prevent drain clogs, there are natural homemade drain cleaners you can concoct using ingredients from around your home. Here are a few suggestions:

• Half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar.
• Half a cup of salt and two to four cups of boiling water.
• Two to three tablespoons of dish soap and two to four cups of boiling water.
• Half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of salt, and two to three cups of boiling water.
  
  

Not Sure on the Most Effective Drain Cleaner? Let Roto-Rooter Help You Decide

The best drain cleaner for your home depends on the type of clog and your plumbing system. Sometimes, that’s a DIY option, but other times, it may be something stronger. If you’re not sure which method to use, skip the guesswork and call your local Roto-Rooter plumber.

We can provide expert drain cleaning services that restore flow, as well as answer all of your questions, like “what is the strongest drain opener?” and “which drain cleaner is safe for pipes?” Schedule your appointment today.

FAQs on the Most Effective Drain Cleaners

What methods do plumbers suggest for unclogging drains?

Plumbers often recommend starting with a plunger or drain snake to remove the blockage mechanically. For smaller clogs, hot water mixed with dish soap can help. Professional plumbers typically avoid harsh chemicals, since they can damage pipes over time.

Is Drano more effective than baking soda and vinegar?

Drano and other chemical drain cleaners can work quickly, but they’re not always the safest choice for pipes or septic systems. Baking soda and vinegar are gentler, but usually only effective for mild clogs. For recurring or stubborn issues, a plumber’s tools work best.

What works best to dissolve hair in a drain clog?

Enzyme-based drain cleaners are often the safest option for breaking down hair clogs without harming pipes. A drain snake or hair-removal tool can also pull the blockage out. Regular cleaning and using a drain cover can help prevent hair buildup in the first place.

How can you clear a drain that’s badly clogged?

For severe clogs, a plumber may use a motorized auger or hydro jetting to clear the line completely. At home, try plunging or snaking the drain before turning to chemical cleaners. If those don’t work, it’s time to call a professional to prevent pipe damage.