A Quick Review of Drain Clog Products That Actually Work and a Few That
Do Not.
As homeowners, we all know the frustration of a clogged drain. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, dealing with a slow or completely blocked drain can disrupt your daily routine. However, the right products can make all the difference. Here are 10 home repair products that have been proven to work wonders for clearing stopped-up drains.
1. Danger: This one is not for the weekend DIYer. It is very dangerous and can burn your skin instantly or cause damage to your pipes and any surface it comes into contact with. Read and follow all of the directions carefully. With that said it is awesome stuff, it should only be used as a last resort. After pouring this down the drain you can hear the acid in action as it burns through hair, grease and other debris. It is extremely satisfying but also a bit alarming at first you can hear the product as it melts away debris in its path. You will also see a small amount of smoke come out of the drain.
15/10
One of the most powerful products on the market for tough clogs, Liquid Fire works by generating heat that dissolves obstructions like grease, hair, and other debris. This sulfuric acid-based product can burn through severe clogs that traditional drain cleaners can’t handle. Always use caution when handling this product, as it’s highly corrosive and can cause damage if not used properly.
2. Instant Power Hair & Grease Drain Opener
10/10
This product is fantastic and works extremely well to remove even stubborn clogs. Our master shower clogs every month or two from hair, soap residue etc. I use Instant Power Hair & Grease Drain Opener everytime and it clears the drain for weeks to come.
Hair and grease are two of the most common culprits of clogged drains, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Instant Power Hair & Grease Drain Opener is formulated specifically to break down and dissolve these tough materials. Its thick gel clings to blockages and works to dissolve hair, grease, and even soap scum.
3. Boiling Water & Salt
2/10
Slightly more effective than some of the other Eco friendly options out there, however for anything other than a minor clog it is an ineffective strategy.
For minor clogs or as a preventative measure, you can rely on a simple and effective homemade solution: a pot of boiling water with a cup of salt. Pour the salt down the drain first, followed by the boiling water. The combination helps to loosen and flush out any buildup, keeping your pipes clear and free of blockages. It’s eco-friendly and works best for small, early-stage clogs.
4. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
2/10
I have wasted a lot of money over the years using Drano products and they never seem to work.
A household name in drain cleaners, Drano Max Gel is thick enough to cut through standing water and target clogs directly. This product works well for all types of drains, including kitchen sinks, shower drains, and bathtubs. Its fast-acting formula breaks down clogs within minutes, leaving your drains running smoothly again.
5. Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver
6/10
This product is Eco friendly which is great, but does not work very well.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver is an enzyme-based cleaner that effectively breaks down organic materials like hair, food, and grease. This product is biodegradable and won’t harm your pipes or the environment, making it a great choice for homes with septic systems.
6. Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool
8/10
Great for getting hair and minor clogs out easily.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t so much what’s in the drain as it is how to remove it. The Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool is a simple yet effective tool that can be used to physically pull out hair and other debris from your drain. Its barbed design makes it easy to grab onto hair clogs and pull them out without the use of chemicals. It’s a cheap, reusable tool that every home should have.
7. FlexiSnake Drain Weasel
8/10
Great for getting hair and minor clogs out easily.
Similar to the Zip-It tool, the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is another physical tool that helps remove hair clogs from bathroom drains. Its thin, flexible design allows it to navigate through tight spaces, and its rotating handle helps grab and extract hair efficiently. If you’re dealing with a bathroom sink or shower that drains slowly due to hair buildup, this tool is a lifesaver.
8. Baking Soda and Vinegar
0-10
This one doesn’t work at all unless it is a tiny clog. However it is fun to watch it foam up.
If you prefer a DIY approach, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is a tried-and-true method for clearing minor clogs. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps to break down gunk in the pipes, while the chemical reaction flushes out debris. Follow up with hot water to wash away the residue. This method is non-toxic, inexpensive, and works best for light to medium clogs.
9. RID-X Septic Tank Treatment
10/10 – I no longer have septic tank but when we did we used this and never had any problems.
If you have a septic system, it’s important to maintain it regularly to avoid larger, more expensive problems down the line. RID-X Septic Tank Treatment is a product that uses natural bacteria and enzymes to break down household waste, helping to prevent clogs and backups in your septic system. While it doesn’t work on immediate clogs, it’s a great preventative product that keeps your system running smoothly over time.
10. Drum Auger – 10/10
This will do the trick most of the time but some experience is good.
For stubborn clogs deep in your pipes, a Cobra Drain Auger (also known as a plumber’s snake) is an excellent tool to have on hand. This manually operated device can reach down into your pipes to physically break up and pull out blockages. While it requires a bit more effort than chemical cleaners, it’s highly effective for severe or recurring clogs and can save you a costly visit from the plumber.
Conclusion
Dealing with clogged drains doesn’t have to be a headache when you have the right products and tools. From powerful chemical cleaners like Liquid Fire to eco-friendly solutions like Green Gobbler, there’s a product for every type of clog. Keep these 10 home repair essentials on hand, and you’ll be ready to tackle any drainage problem that comes your way!
Need help with larger home repairs? Contact Mr. Fix It LLC for all your home repair needs! From fixing clogged drains to full-scale renovations, we’ve got you covered.