Clogged drains and toilets are one of the major problems that most households face. It can be a recurring problem especially if you have a big family and many drains to take care of.
And the more a drain clogs the harder it becomes to use. It’s not a problem requiring an expensive plumber visit. You just need a quick detox to get rid of drain blocks every now and then.
The best DIY solution in this situation is to use one of these liquid drain cleaners.
Best Liquid Drain Cleaners 2023
Liquid drain cleaners are very affordable and can do the job in just a few seconds. The problem is there are a lot of different choices. Which one works like a charm and which ones are a waste of money?
It can be confusing to choose the best drain cleaner for your household. So, we have compiled a list of the 10 best liquid drain cleaners on the market for you. You can rely on any these to unclog your drain with great results.
1. Pure Lye Drain Opener – Best Liquid Drain Cleaner
Pure Lye Drain Opener is a biodegradable white powder that can quickly unclog any drain, grease trap, cesspools as well as septic systems. It is non-acidic and has no dyes, fillers or water and easily dilutes with water.
You just pour it down the drain and run hot water. It can be used on fine fixtures, plastic pipes, chrome trim, and metal.
Use it with hot water on the drains and rinse it with cold or even hot water. As for toilets, never use it with hot water as it can melt the wax ring and cause leakage.
However, it produces a strong reaction when you first pour it down the drain. So, you will need some gloves and protective eye-wear, as it can seriously burn your skin and blind your vision.
IMPORTANT: You should never mix Pure Lye Drain Opener with aluminum. Always remove the shower drain cover and the sink stopper before using it.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is affordable
- It can clear up to 2 drains
- 100% Lye and easy to dissolve
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It clears drains instantly, up to 2 minutes
- It is 100% pure Lye and can be used to make Lye soap
- It is one of the cheapest and best drain cleaners with easy to follow instructions and safety precautions
- You can use it to restore cast iron skillets and dutch ovens in just a couple of days with a Lye bath
2. Drano Max Gel Professional Clog Remover (Pack of 4) – The Best Drain Cleaner for Kitchen Sinks
This is one of the best drain openers, easy to use and works wonders within half an hour. It is in liquid form and can be poured over running water.
It unclogs slow-running drains restoring them so they run freely. It also removes hair, soap scum and fat-based clogs that can incapacitate your drain system!
You can use half of it for any slow-moving drains. Give it 15 minutes for the clog clear properly, then run hot water down the drain. If the clog is too strong, use all of it and leave it to work for 30 minutes before running hot water over it again.
The Drano Max Gel bottle has a push down childproof cap that is easy to open and close. You want to avoid squeezing the bottle to avoid any spills. Drano can be harmful if it comes in contact with your skin or face, so always wear gloves. Keep it away from kids too.
IMPORTANT: Do not use this Drano liquid drain cleaner in toilets. It’s meant for sink clogs.
To ensure no future clogs, follow up with Drano Max Clog Remover again after a month. Your drain pipes will be spic n span!
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is affordable and easy to use
- Clear instructions on use and disposal procedure
- It does not affect the pipes be it PVC, plastic or metal
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It dissolves even the toughest clogs and removes chunks of hair
- It works as advertised, from quality to performance time
- No bad performance on drains after use
- It works only by pouring, no extra workload or pumping
3. Thrift Marketing Gidds-TY-0400879 Drain Cleaner (2 lbs) – Best Drain Cleaner for Septic Systems
Thrift remains one of the best drain cleaners, affordable and very reactive in a matter of seconds. It comes in solid crystals that are easy to dilute and reactivate with hot water.
This drain cleaner is best suited for sewer drains, sewer lines, septic systems and grease traps. It is also recommended for use in high-traffic bathrooms, lavatories and kitchens.
You just pour some in the drain and add a bit of hot water to reactivate it. Then can keep on pouring hot water until it stops reacting.
Be careful! The Gidds Drain Cleaner reaction can be very violent and often spills all over the place. So, always wear gloves and protective eyewear as any spills can harm your face and skin.
If it gets on your skin, pour some vinegar on it to neutralize the effect of Sodium Hydroxide in the drain cleaner solution.
IMPORTANT: Remember to use it in a well-vented area as fumes will be produced when it reacts with hot water. And keep your head turned away from the clogged area. The hotter the water the better the results.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It works within seconds of reactivation
- It does not react with pipes
- It is strong — you won’t need to add a lot to get the reaction working!
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It clears any form of clog in a matter of seconds with no future problems after use
- It is much cheaper than other common liquid drain cleaners and one bottle can be used on several clogs or on the same drain multiple times
- It has easy to follow instructions and precautions
- It’s easy to use and store
4. Whink Hair Clog Blaster (18 oz) – Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs
If you are caught between a rock and a hard place with a bad hair clog in your bathroom drain, then pick this Whink Hair Clog Blaster! It works instantly and is guaranteed to solve any hair and or hair-and-soap clog.
It is one of the best liquid drain cleaners for toilets and bathrooms with drain issues. It is also safe to use on septic tanks as well as any kind of pipe, metal, PVC or plastic.
It is recommended for home and office use and is very easy to use. Just pour it over hot running water and wait for it to work its magic. Finish up by running more hot water down the drain until everything flows.
There is usually no need to use the whole bottle, it all depends on how clogged up your bathroom drain is.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is affordable and clears clogs from soap scum and hair
- It is durable and easy to use
- It works extra awesome on hair clogs!
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It clears the bathroom drain of all hair clogs and removes any soap scum
- It works wonders on old houses and pipes without causing any damage to the pipes
- You can pour it down the drain without worrying about any violent reactions or bad fumes coming out of the drain.
5. Green Gobbler Dissolve Liquid Drain Opener (31 oz) – Best Drain Cleaner for Toilet
If you are looking for an all-around drain opener for your house or business, then try Green Gobbler liquid drain cleaner. It is highly recommended for use in toilets, sinks, tubs and showers.
Green Gobbler liquid drain cleaner is biodegradable and does not cause any skin irritation when in use. It is also odorless and non-flammable and safe to use. You can even leave it overnight without worries of smelly fumes or violent reactions in your drain. After which you can run hot water all over the drain to clear the system of any waste.
It is very easy to use and comes with very straightforward instructions and precautions.
Its ultra-thick formula is heavier than water, so it sinks and clings to the blockage and pipe walls as it works on the drain quickly until the whole system is cleared.
Although it has high PH, it is non-corrosive to the skin and does not affect any kind of pipe, PVC, metal or plastic.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is biodegradable as well as non-flammable and odorless
- It offer a superior performance when compared to traditional drain openers
- It is affordable and you do not have to use the whole bottle once
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It drains bathrooms and sinks in a matter of seconds and you do not have to put up with smelly fumes and violent reactions. It just works itself slowly through the clog
- It is better and cheaper than box store drainage cleaners and does not erode pipes or cause leaks
- It is good for septic tanks and does not require the constant use of a drain snake which can be tiring and annoying
- It works as it was advertised
6. Safer Drain Opener By Xion Lab (32 oz) – Best Drain Cleaner for Bathtub
This drainage cleaner is ideal for sinks and bathroom drains that often clog as a result of soap scum, hair, grease, and fat.
It does not matter how clogged up your drain is, there is nothing this safe drain opener can’t do.
You just pour it in the drain over running water and rinse it with hot water. After a few minutes, everything will start to dissolve and your drainage system will start flowing smoothly.
It cutting-edge formula is great for use in any pipes as well as septic systems. Its thick and heavy liquid gel sinks and clings to the bottom of the blockage and the pipe walls. It gradually works its way down the pipe until the whole blockage is cleared.
It has a high pH of 13, that makes it outperform most traditional industrial strength caustic drainage cleaners. You just have to follow the instructions and precautions and it will work as described.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is odorless and non-flammable
- It is also biodegradable
- It is affordable
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It clears all clogs in a matter of minutes and works as advertised
- It does not react violently with pipes or spill outside. It is very harmless to the skin and eyes
- It is non-toxic to the drains and takes longer before you can unclog again
- It works as per the advert
7. Professor Amos Super Fast Drain Cleaner (2-pack, 32 oz each)
This is a multi-purpose liquid drain cleaner that can be used in bathrooms drains, kitchen sink, powder room, laundry tub as well as floor drainage systems. It is safe for PVC pipes as well as copper.
It drains all sorts of clogs from soap scum, hair, grease as well as fat. Moreover, it provides a very good result in cesspools, septic tanks and sewage systems.
You just pour it down the drain and wait for a minute before flushing hot water all over it. Your drainage system will clear immediately. No need for plunging, snakes or plumbers as it clears even the toughest of clogs.
Its performance is superior compared to other store drain openers. It will not even affect the pipes after use and can make your drainage run smoothly for about a years without any problems.
However, it is not ideal for toilets and definitely not formulated for garbage disposals. Just follow the instructions and it will work.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It has good service and works as stated
- It is affordable given its quality performance
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It is very useful for different kinds of clogs
- It works as advertised and clears even drain flies
- It works even for old building with old pipes and systems
8. RID-X Septic Tank System Treatment (6 mo supply, 48 oz)
Maintain your septic tank with this liquid drain cleaner, meant to clear all clogs in a septic system.
It will save you loads of money on installing and maintaining an expensive septic system backup. It will prolong the life and performance of your septic tank and keep the pipes cleared and free-flowing.
It is made from special bacteria and enzymes that digest any kind of household waste and ensures your system is up to the standard performance. It also helps prevent build-up in your septic system as it maintains a healthy bacteria level for functionality throughout the year.
You simply pour 8oz of it down the toilet and flush. The enzymes and bacteria will start working immediately, breaking every clog one by one. After which you can flush again to ensure proper clearance.
It is not harmful to the skin and does not emit any fumes nor does it react violently when clearing the clogs. It comes at an affordable rate and can be used up to 3 times on a monthly basis.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It is quality and can be used up to 3 months
- It saves cost that would have been used in installing a septic systems backup
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It clears system fast and does not require any heavy lifting work, just little pumps now and then
- You just need 8oz of it for a one-time clearance, hence you can use the 24oz bottle up to three times
- It is cheaper compared to other alternatives of maintaining a septic tank
9. GreenPig Solutions 52 Concentrated Formula Live Septic Tank Treatment (1-year supply)
This septic drainer comes in different small soluble packets that can quickly clear sludge from up to 1500 gallons of tank.
It is made from bacteria that quickly multiplies when in use. It breaks down all sorts of waste from sludge, grease, paper and solid waste. The bacteria quickly absorbs any undigested raw sewage and grime that has accumulated through time in the septic tank as well as the lines, leach field, cesspit, sand mound and drain field.
Even though your septic tank has bacteria this drainage cleaner adds more of it to clean up the system and eliminate clogged leach fields, pooling of water in the yard and irritating odors.
It comes with four soluble packets of bacteria in one package and has no fillers. It is 100% quality product.
For proper maintenance, flush one soluble packet every 3 months in a year to keep your septic tank in order for a few years. It is affordable and easy to use. Just follow the instructions and everything else will work out on its own.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- One package with four solupaks can be used up to a year
- It comes in pre-measured packets for easier solution and use
What Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- The soluble packet dissolves once you flush it and does not give any problems later on
- It clears up sludges quickly leaving it odor-free
- It is cost-effective when compared to other septic drainers in the store
10. Zep Commercial ZLDC648 Drain Care (64 oz)
Clear your drains with this easy to use drain cleaner. It is ideal for heavily used commerical bathroom drains, sinks, and toilets. It is safe for all types of plumbing.
It can remove years of build-up clogs as well as slow-running drains without harming any of the pipes as well as the drainage system. It can work on PVC, metal or plastic pipes. It is also safe for septic systems.
It does not spill or react violently as it unclogs the drains. It is safe on skin, face and eyes.
When it comes to toilet use, scoop a bit of it and mix it with warm water and stir before pouring it into the toilet. You can then flush it for proper drainage.
As for other plumbing issues around the house just dump a chunk of it and let it work on its own before pouring some water in it for clearance. You will likely hear a gurgle as a sign that it is definitely working.
It is very affordable and does not produce any bad odors when unclogging the drain.
What We Liked About This Drain Cleaner
- It does not harm the pipes or septic system
- It is affordable
- Works on all commercial plumbing issues
Customers Who Purchased This Drain Cleaner Said
- It unclogs even the toughest of waste sludge
- It works wonders with a few scoops
- You can use it several times depending on the level of blockage
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes The Best Liquid Drain Cleaner?
When it comes to buying a drain cleaner, it is important to note a few important factors that will help you choose the best drain cleaner for your needs.
It is hard enough picking a brand but picking a wrong item for your drain is worse and running up and down the store is tiresome.
So, here are few tips on how to go about choosing the best drain opener in the store before purchase.
- The Type of Blockage-This often determines the type of drain cleaner to buy. If the block is too much, then you will likely need a stronger liquid drain opener and vice versa. You can test this by pouring hot water down the drain. If it does not move then the issue can be a bit serious.
- Drainage Maintenance-The level and manner in which you maintain your drainage system also determines the level of blockage and therefore the type of drainage cleaner to be used. If you do maintenance on a monthly basis then you might not be in big trouble. But if you have not been caring for your drainage system then you might consider buying very expensive and powerful drain cleaners. Some clogs just don’t go away easily with any drain opener.
- Type of Drain Cleaners-You should also consider the type of drain openers available and how it is used. Some require thorough mixing while others require proper measurements. Since it is a DIY thing, always read the instructions and precautions before purchasing. Take what you can handle.
- Pipes and Septic Tank-You should also consider the kind of pipes as well as septic tanks in question before buying any of the liquid drain openers. Some might prove to be corrosive and dangerous to the drainage system. So choose wisely.
- Quality and Price– Always consider quality over price when it comes to choosing the best drain cleaner for your system. Although most of them are affordable, always go for quality first.
- Household or Institution to be used-You should also consider how big your home or institution is before purchasing any kind of drain opener. The bigger it is the and the more people it caters for the more it will be clogged up and probably need a powerful superior quality drain cleaner.
So, put all these factors before settling for any drain opener.
Moreover, you can always ask around from family and friends and even plumbers on the best drain opener to use, depending on your problem. A highly recommended drain opener can never fail you no matter what.
Sometimes adverts can also exaggerate the power of a brand but if it works as said, do not shy away from it no matter the price.
Drain Cleaner FAQs
Q1. Can I use Lye drain opener to process soaps?
Answer. Yes, it is 100% lye and has no filler or dyes in it. It easily dissolves and makes very beautiful, lasting soaps.
Q2. What works best for tough clogs in toilets when drain cleaner isn’t working?
Answer. You can use a plunger or snake the pipe.
Q3. Does Drano work for toilets?
Answer. No, but it works on bathroom drains easily by just pouring. It is best in dissolving hair clogs.
Q4. Is Thrift drain cleaner safe for pipes?
Answer. Of course, it is. It is made for pipes and works best for them. Moreover, it removes hair clogs instantly, with no future problems.
Q5. How well does Green Gobbler dissolve grease?
Answer. It is the best product for bathroom and kitchen drains. It works instantly with no future problems.
Q6. Can Safer Drain Opener by Xion Lab be used in toilets
Answer. No, this is because toilet clogs are often as a result of paper blocks and it cannot dissolve paper. It is great with grease and hair clogs. Therefore, ideal for bathroom drains and kitchen sinks.
Q7. Can Professor Amos drain opener clear bad odor and get rid of drain flies?
Answer. Yes it can.
Q8. How can you measure up treatment of a liquid drain cleaner
Answer. You can use an old plastic measuring cup. Remember to always shake the solution well before pouring the recommended dose.
Q9. How long does GreenPig solupak take to dissolve after it has been dropped in the toilet?
Answer. It often dissolves quickly, about a minute.
Q10. What is shelf-life when it comes to buying drain cleaners?
Answer. It often means the lifetime a product can be used after purchase. It can be a year or even five years depending on the product.
Drain Cleaning Resources:
Here is a quick guide on using different methods to unclog a drain:
- How To Unclog A Drain Using Wet Vacuum?
- How to Unclog a Drain Using Power Auger?
- How To Unclog A Drain With Liquid Dish Detergent?
- How To Unclog A Drain With Bio Drain Cleaners?
- How To Unclog A Drain With Chemical Drain Openers?
External Resources: