Do you find yourself battling clogged drains every few weeks? This method is ideal if your clog is caused by hair, as it works immediately and is extremely affordable. Enzymatic cleaners, however, will not eat through or damage inorganic material like pipes. To maximize the unclogging action, you may want to wait overnight before flushing with hot water. We also appreciate that Drano Max Gel is reasonably priced, yet it still comes with a money-back guarantee. Who it isn't for: People who want a fast-acting drain cleaner for existing clogs. With a snug design that doesnt interrupt water flow, it works on both human and pet hair to keep your drain clog-free. 9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant, Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? You may be able to unclog the drain yourself, as there are a variety of affordable products designed to help cut through even the toughest shower clogs. Johnson prefers the Green Gobbler drain cleaner for its biodegradable and non-hazardous ingredients, which include natural enzyme-producing bacteria that feed and break down whatever is causing the clog. Then, as you twist it around the drain, the barbed parts of the cleaner latch onto the hair and accompany the snake out of the drain as you pull it back up. Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments. Five disposable wands come with the Drain Weasel. The Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver is safe to use in PVC, copper, steel, and iron pipes, as well as with both sewer and septic systems. It comes with a storage bag and gloves to help you keep your hands clean while you work. Afterwards, you simply wash any remaining hair down the pipe with water. This product can be used to successfully clear drains of everything from toothpaste to hair to food particles to oil. Drano Max Gel has a thick bleach formula that cuts through standing water and helps to break down hair, soap scum, and other clog-causing materials. With the exception of the drain snake, the application process for most drain cleaners is quite similar. As a natural drain cleaner, this product isnt as fast-acting as some of the alternatives, but its a natural choice for your home. The cleaning agent is wrapped in a thin shell that dissolves when it comes into contact with water. This natural cleaner can get rid of hair clogs and even liquefy some paper products. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. This non-corrosive and odorless liquid can eliminate toilet paper, baby wipes, and other buildup that may clog your toilets. It's also able to expand up to 19.6 feet into a pipe to dislodge matted hair.
It can also be used in sinks, garbage disposals, bathtubs, septic systems, and all types of pipes. The TubShroom, much like the other Shroom models, is shaped like a mushroom but has holes in it that pick up and trap hair that would otherwise go down your drain. Who it isn't for: People who are dealing with toilet clogs or those who would rather use a natural drain cleaner. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. This odor is caused by bacteria that grows in the dirt and hair stuck in the pipes. Formulated with fewer harsh chemicals than most cleaners, its safer for you and your homes plumbing. Drainx 25-Ft Pro Drum Auger Plumbing Snake, The 8 Best Drain Snakes for Easy Unclogging, Best for Septic Systems: What we like: Comes in a pack, can be resued, barbed design, multiple lengths. When hair is rinsed down, it gets trapped in the TubShroom, saving it from getting caught in your pipes. Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference). To effectively clear away these clogs and bugs in almost any sink, Rockwell's InVade Bio Drain Gel is the best choice. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best However, some drain cleaners emit unpleasant fumes as they work. Who it isn't for: People on a tight budget who need an affordable drain cleaner. She covers home products for The Spruce. Repeat the process as often as necessary to completely unclog a pipe. And, if you find yourself battling tough hair clogs regularly, it may be worth investing in a more sophisticated tool. But, because the best drain cleaners for hair all purport to accomplish the same goal (removing clogged hair and debris), it's important to focus on the way they achieve this, and determine which manner of hair removal will work best for you. our process. Theyre usually slightly less expensive than gel drain cleaners. Our top pick is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which is also a favorite among cleaning experts. The turning knob allows you to drive the snake through blockages, clearing a hole that allows water to pass, and it will also pull up hair and other gunk that may be caught in your pipes. After 15 to 30 minutes, you can run hot water down the drain and will start to see results. Routine cleaning and maintenance help prevent sticky grime and sludge from coating the walls of pipes. This liquid hair clog solution is made to fight common back ups. Get the TubShroom drain protector at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart. 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.
Many cleaners recommend safety goggles or gloves to protect your eyes and skin during use. Get the Professor Amos drain cleaner on Amazon. To find the best drain cleaners, we spent hours researching various formulas while considering factors such as type, ingredients (like chemical vs. natural), and the ability to clear certain drains and pipes. The snakes come in two lengths (19.6 inches and 23.6 inches) and if you suspect the clog is deeper in your sink, the company also sells a 25-inch pack. Fewer things are more frustrating than a slow-flowing or clogged drain at home. This product is intended for use in sinks, tubs, and shower drains. After you pour in the correct amount of gel, liquid, or powder, wait the recommended time for the cleaner to break up the clog. Hair is one of the most common culprits that clogs up shower drains, and if youre dealing with a tough blockage caused by hair, you may want to try the Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver.
This formula liquefies grease, hair, soap scum, and other organic materials in a matter of minutes, and its unique double-sided container has two pre-measured applications, so you don't have to worry about using too much or too little. While some of these options contain heavy chemicals, many are all-natural and safe to use without protective gear or in homes with children and pets. This reliable and effective cleaner is a thick gel that goes deep in sinks, pipes, and drains to reach the source of the clog and completely dissolve it. This distinction refers to the active ingredients in the drain cleaner that dissolve or break up clogs. After, pour the Drano down the sink or bath to eliminate any additional grime build ups. Overall, a gel drain cleaner is more efficient than a liquid cleaner at breaking up a tough hair clog, but it can be more expensive. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog. However, if the thought of coming face to face with a wad of greasy old hair makes you feel icky, then a chemical cleaner might be the best bet. Additionally, most drain cleaners are abrasive, which can cause damage to your pipes. Who it's for: People with clogged toilets who want a natural, enzymatic cleaner. One of the best ways to avoid future clogs is by using a preventative drain cleaner. The chemicals will cling to any clogged strands and break them down into a liquid form that can more easily pass through pipes. As an added bonus, if the product doesn't work, Drano guarantees the product will be free. Environmentally-conscious consumers, in particular, may want to try to clear their clogs with a drain snake before trying other methods. PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party togethereven when you're far apart. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Most drain cleaners also effectively eliminate the odors associated with clogs as they dissolve and flush away the debris. As is the case with most cleaning products, drain cleaners will not technically expire, but will begin to lose their effectiveness over time. as well as other partner offers and accept our. There's a Name for ThatHere Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It. Lastly, run hot water to drain away anything that remains. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Like most drain cleaners, Drano Max Gel contains chemical ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed or in contact with the skin or eyes. Because septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste, antibacterial chemical drain cleaners can often cause your system to become imbalanced. A drain snake is a long tool designed to take out the physical material thats clogging your drain. They dont contain harsh chemicals and are less corrosive than chemical drain cleaners. Plus, many of the drain cleaners on this list are safe to use for clogs in sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and garbage disposals. A drain snake can break up the biggest blocks and prime your pipes for the second step: drain cleaner.
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. But considering its budget-friendly price, this powerful drain cleaner for hair clogs is definitely worth buying.. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider All you need is a tape measure and a little free time. We also like that this drain cleaner is from a women- and family-owned brand. The best hair clog snake and liquid solution combo, Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner, Vastar Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleaning Tool, Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover/Cleaner and Snake Plus Tool, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. Natural drain cleaners use enzymes to break down and "digest" the clog to fully dissolve it. Several kinds of drain cleaners, including liquids, gels, powders, and drain snakes, are in todays marketplace. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Its also biodegradable, doesnt produce an offensive odor, and has a four-star rating on Amazon.
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. It's made with naturally derived ingredients that make it safe enough to use in soda fountain drip trays, garbage disposals, and mop buckets.. If you dont like the idea of using chemicals in your homes pipes, you can clean the shower drain manually with the Drainx Pro Steel Drum Auger Plumbing Snake. This regular drain maintenance may not seem like the most exciting task, but avoiding a clog can save time, money, and headaches in the long run. Working time can vary, depending on the type of drain cleaner and the severity of the clog. We like Insta-Flo's Odorless Drain Cleaner since it's a non-acidic crystal cleaner that can clear out clogged drains extremely fastin just 60 seconds, according to the brand. When used as directed, it wont harm the enzymes that keep your septic system working, but it will get your drain working again in no time. Who it's for: People with grease or oil clogging their drains.. Each bottle comes with a cap that acts as a measuring cup. Drain cleaners for hair clogs usually fall into one of two categories: organic or chemical. Who it's for: People who want to quickly get rid of tough clogs in most drains and pipes. 
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains, especially in bathrooms. If you're only looking for a preventative method, then a drain cleaner formulated for hair clogs might not be the most effective choice. Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind. It's also an EPA Safer Choice product, which means that it meets strict criteria for ingredients, performance, packaging, and more.. Dranos Max Gel Drain Clog Remover utilizes bleach to clean and clear pipes. Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, Best Natural Drain Cleaner: Earthworm Drain Cleaner, Best Drain Cleaner for Hair: Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator Gel, Best Drain Cleaner for Sinks: Rockwell InVade Bio Drain Gel, Best Drain Cleaner for Toilets: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Line Drain Opener, Best Drain Cleaner for Grease: Pequa Heavy Duty Drain Opener, Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio-Clean Bacteria Waste Eliminator, Best Crystal Drain Cleaner: Insta-Flo Odorless Drain Cleaner, Best Drain Cleaner for Prevention: CLR Clear Pipes and Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover, All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Pour 1 quart of Green Gobbler drain cleaner slowly down the drain; it usually takes at least two hours to unclog the hair. 
What we like: Two-in-one solution, good for tough clogs.
When trying to clear a hair clog, most consumers want to consider several other characteristics, including organic vs. chemical, working time, odor removal, and application method. When shopping for the best drain cleaner for hair, there are multiple options. Learn more.
But Earthworm's Drain Cleaner and Buildup Remover was an easy choice as our pick for the best natural drain cleaner. What we like: Breaks down hair and other blockages, works in as little as 30 minutes. You can then simply throw away the refill wand and all the gunk that came with it. Get the Bio-Clean bacteria on Amazon and at Walmart. Without the fumes that many chemical drain cleaners produce, Thrifts alkaline drain cleaner clears hair clogs by liquefying the hair. Who it's for: People with standing water, strong odors, or flies around their clogged sinks. What we like: Simple design, stops clogs before they occur, can pull it out and easily wash it. The TubShroom comes in several colors, and its made from durable silicone that can last up to 10 years. All you need to do with this product is pour one-fifth of a bottle down your drain.
Who it's for: People with slow drains or severe clogs. Although not all clogged drains are able to be resolved with chemicals, blockages primarily made up of hair can be effectively dissolved with a chemical drain cleaner like this one from Green Gobbler. Many of these options are safe to use on copper, stainless steel, and other metal pipes, while select picks can also be used on PVC and plastic. You can use these snakes multiple times, unlike liquid options. Most people know that you should avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink to prevent clogs and damage to drains and pipes. It takes some time to work and requires a few tries for the best results, but it's still the best choice when it comes to maintaining drains and pipes to prevent clogs down the line. Who it's for: People with tough hair clogs, especially in the shower or bathroom sink. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Get the Green Gobbler drain cleaner at Walmart and The Home Depot. The gel is heavy enough to move through standing water to get to the source of the block. According to the brand, this thick gel cleaner can tackle tough hairballs in just 15 minutes after rinsing and flushing away with hot water. Get the FlexiSnake remover kit at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart. It also lacks artificial ingredients when it comes to color and fragrance and none of its products include ingredients such as ammonia, chlorine, or phosphates. To know if your drain cleaner is working, check for standing water after pouring the cleanerand always flush with hot or boiling water. You only need to pour a single pre-measured chamber of the cleaner into the drain and, for best results, leave it to work its magic overnight. This preventative drain cleaner comes in 64-ounce bottles, and its enzyme-based formula breaks down buildup in your pipes, opening slow drains and reducing the risk of clogs. 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. Green Gobbler Dissolve Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover, General Pipe Cleaners Spin Thru Drain Auger, The 4 Best Tapes For Sealing Air Conditioners, You Can Solve So Many Of Your Skin & Hair Problems With These Cheap, Genius Things, 40 Genius Hacks That Make It Easy To Keep Your House Looking Nice, The 6 Best Breathable Mattress Protectors, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. This heavy-duty drain cleaner removes clogs in just 2 hours and is safe for all drains and septic systems. A quick swipe with a paper towel is usually enough to remove the hair. This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling.
He comes from a background in music journalism and he's one of the minds behind "More Than A Hit," a podcast with his brother Brenton where the two talk with music stars from their childhood. Plus, experts love how effective this drain cleaner is in a single use, especially compared to others that can take several tries (or more than one bottle) to unclog a drain. But in those inevitable times when grease ends up in the drain, Pequa's Heavy Duty Drain Opener is the most effective option. This unique little contraption can be installed into any standard 1.5-inch tub drain, replacing your drain stopper. Shaving can cause or exacerbate a clog, especially if you use a thick shaving cream or high-lather soap.
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. When hot or cold water comes into contact with the powder, the chemical agents are activated to dissolve grime and hair buildup. Its powerful gel formula is safe for most drains and pipes and capable of quickly clearing up the toughest clogs in bathtubs, sinks, garbage disposals, and septic systems. productslearn more about Chemical cleaners work similarly, breaking down clogs through heat generated by a chemical reaction. The Drain Weasels 360-degree rotating handle spins an 18-inch wand tipped with strong micro hooks to grab clogged hair. An organic or natural drain cleaner is typically enzyme-based, and it utilizes bacteria to break down organic proteins, including hair, mildew, and food particles. To keep blockages away, the label suggests using this cleaner monthly (preferably overnight or during times of minimal water usage) on bathroom drains, kitchen drains, and garbage disposals. This drain snake has a 1/4-inch cleaning cable with a spiral head, and it can be used in pipes ranging from 1-1/4 to 3 inches wide. This product is made in the U.S., but unfortunately it's quite the hidden gem because it isn't easy to find in most big-box retailers. There's also no guess work when it comes to how much liquid you need to pour down the drain, either. While snakes may help get rid of most of the scum and hair, a liquid, gel, or powder drain cleaner can usually finish dissolving the hair and remove built-up scum that coats pipes. Formulated with microbes and essential citrus oil (and without harsh chemicals or fumes), this thick gel cleaner is successful at eliminating odors, scum, grease, food debris, and the notorious "sugar snake," which is a buildup of sugar and other gunk in the drain that feeds bacteria and grows in the form of a snake. Another type of drain cleaner, pods are similar to laundry or dishwashing detergent pods. An easy and effective hair clog blaster, simply pour the product down your sink, wait at least 30 minutes, then flush water down the drain to see the results. Who it's for: People who want a natural enzymatic drain cleaner for tough clogs.. Although some chemical drain cleaners can be corrosive, this product's formula is safe and wont damage pipes. Professor Amos SuperFast 2-Pack Drain Cleaner, FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Drain Clog Remover Kit, TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector, THRIFT FBA_T-600 T-600 Granular Drain Cleaner, FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Drain Clog Remover, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, 10 Genius Inventions for Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever, The Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers of 2022, The Best Shower Cleaners for a Squeaky-Clean Bathroom, 7 Clever Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger, Non-corrosive on metal pipes or septic systems, Suitable for use in showers, sinks, and toilets, May need to sit overnight for tough clogs, Not suitable for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers, Safe for use on PVC, metal, garbage disposals, and septic systems, Safe for skin, pipes, drains, and septic systems, Longer working time compared to similar options, Safe to use on PVC, copper, and steel pipes, May not be safe for dishwashers, toilets, and garbage disposals, Some users report limited durability or ineffectual use, May be tricky to remove hair that has become knotted, Not suitable for toilets or garbage disposals, Gloves and eyewear recommended while using. The 9 Best Drain Cleaners to Unclog Showers, Sinks, Toilets, and More. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Chemical drain cleaners are either alkaline-based, with ingredients such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and potassium hydroxide (caustic potash); or acid-based, with high concentrations of sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol). Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Thrift requires careful storage, and users should wear protective goggles and gloves during application. Who it isn't for: People who need a fast-acting cleaner for other drains in their home. After pouring a scoop of the cleaner down the drain, flush the drain with water to cut through grease and hair. While it may take two tries to be fully successful, this cleaner is so powerful that it will quickly become the first thing you reach for when you need to unclog a drain. Drain snakes may take care of smaller clogs without the use of another type of drain cleaner. Safe for pipes and septic systems, this cleaner is designed for bathroom sinks and shower drains. XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener Clog Remover, Best for Hair Clogs: A chemical cleaner that's biodegradable can quickly and effectively unblock drains, without costing a lot or damaging the environment. Hair gets stuck in drains when the insides of the pipes become coated with soap scum, grease, and oils. Since this drain cleaner comes in the form of a naturally derived powder, it might take a few tries (or even a few days) to fully restore the flow of your clogged drain. Its not recommended for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers. Store drain cleaners, including liquid varieties, out of the reach of young children or pets. Next, use the handle to rotate the tool, breaking up the clog, or grabbing it. Save your money and opt for the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Hair Clog Tool, a reusable device that will help fish out hair, gunk, and other debris. at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart. We found a number of solutions for hair clog solutions, including liquid hair clog blasters, eco-friendly options, hair clog stoppers, and snakes. For this reason, those with septic systems will want to look for a septic-safe drain cleaner, such as this one from XIONLAB. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Wait for at least 6 to 8 hours before flushing with water. Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time.
When it comes to getting rid of those tough clogs, Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator Gel is your best bet. In order to use the pack correctly, you'll use the snake first to pull out any large hair clump with the snake's various hooks. This option not only comes in cheaper than many other hair clog liquid solutions, but it also comes in a huge 80 oz bottle, making it an even better value. Enzymatic cleaners are formulated with natural bacteria, which makes them safe for the environment but slower to unclog drains than chemical cleaners. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Instead of harsh chemicals, this liquid cleaner is formulated with natural enzymes that are still tough enough to break down buildup and dissolve moderate clogsall without damaging your pipes. When hair flows down the drain, this coating is tacky, so hair sticks and slowly collects until a clog forms. This powerful cleaner comes in 67.6-ounce bottles for numerous applications, and its strong, non-acid formula will help cut through standing water, getting to the root of the issue. Whether you have long hair or short hair, pieces tend to get washed down the drain over time, which leads to pesky clogs and puddles of sitting water in your bath or sink. The best way to stop a hair clog from forming is to use a drain cover. We like Dranos Max Gel Clog Remover because its highly effective and reasonably priced. However, this cleaner is not intended for use in garbage disposals or toilets., This drain cleaner for hair clogs is much more powerful than the brand's original clog remover. General Pipe Cleaners spin-through drain auger. If your clog persists, the company recommends repeating the process. These include both chemical products that you pour down the drain and physical tools that help pull the offending materials out. The Green Gobbler is good for a number of different types of pipes, too, including PVC, copper, iron, and steel. That's why we recommend CLR Clear Pipes and Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover. Drano is known for its liquid solutions to clogs, whether they be in your bathroom or in your kitchen. Even though this product is much more expensive than our top pick, we think its versatility, cleaning power, and safe ingredients are worth itespecially if you need to unclog a toilet drain. This drain cleaner is also known for its powerful ability to kill and prevent fruit flies, gnats, and other flies that tend to hang around the moist environment of a clogged sink., Even though this drain cleaner is on the pricier side, when used as directed by the label (four ounces poured into the drain daily for one week), the gallon-sized bottle can last for 32 applications. But the Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Line Drain Opener is formulated with non-chemical ingredients that make it ideal for toilet clogs. When your pipe starts to show signs of a hair clog, the first step is to use a drain snake to remove as much of the debris as possible.