Our Favorite Drain Cleaners to Solve Plumbing Problems

Drano Max Gel, one of the drain openers we recommend, on a colorful background — The Spruce / Brian Kopinski

A clogged or slow-flowing drain can be frustrating, but there are several fixes you can try before calling in a professional. A quality plunger should always be your first line of defense, especially if you’re dealing with a clogged toilet. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, however, a drain cleaner is the next best thing.

Many products are specially formulated for different drain locations and types of clogs—whether you’re dissolving hair in a shower drain or stubborn grease in a kitchen sink. We researched the best drain cleaners on the market, evaluating products based on their formula type, active time, plumbing capability, and effectiveness.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover at Amazon $10

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Best for Showers:

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver at Amazon $27

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Best for Kitchen Sink:

Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner at Amazon $50

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Best for Toilet:

SALE

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener at Amazon ~~$30~~ $25

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Best Preventative:

CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover at Amazon $14

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Best Overall

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $6 at Target

What We Like

Begins working in minutes
Clears tough clogs
Safe for all pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems

What We Don’t Like

Not intended for toilets
Strong smell

This powerful gel from Drano is our top pick because it is easy to use and effective on most clogs. It's a caustic cleaner that contains bleach, which makes it highly effective on grease, soap scum, and other gunky buildup. It’s also powerful enough to cut through standing water and tackle tough drain clogs. Despite its potency, Drano is safe to use on all pipes, septic systems, and garbage disposals.

This clog remover is fast-acting and begins working in minutes. The formula is easy enough to apply: Pour 16 ounces over the drain slowly and let it work for 15 to 30 minutes. Once time is up, flush the drain with hot water. For tough clogs, you can let the product sit overnight. One 80-ounce container provides five applications, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.

Although it’s advertised as unscented, it still has a bit of a smell to it, which is no surprise since it contains bleach. Keep in mind that this drain cleaner is not intended for toilets because it doesn't have the ability to break down toilet paper and organic matter. While it won’t damage your pipes or plumbing, this professional-strength solution can irritate your skin or eyes, so it’s a good idea to protect yourself as well as surrounding surfaces from accidental splashes.

_{Formula: Gel | Active Time: 15 to 30 minutes | Intended Use: Sink/tub/shower, floor drains, garbage disposal}

Check Your Pipes

Before you click "Add to Cart", note that most chemical drain cleaners are safe for use in newer pipes (less than 20 years old) and septic tanks, but they could damage older plastic and metal pipes. Angela Brown, host of the Ask a House Cleaner YouTube show and podcast notes that biodegradable and enzyme-based drain cleaners are also generally safe, since they break down organic matter rather than corroding it with chemicals—but they may not be as effective with tougher clogs as chemical formulas.

Best for Showers

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver

PHOTO: Amazon

$27 $23 at Amazon $25 at Walmart $12 at Target

What We Like

Eco-friendly formula
Requires no measuring
Works through standing water

What We Don’t Like

Longer working time
Only 2 applications per container

True to its name, Green Gobbler uses a blend of eco-friendly ingredients to dissolve hair, toilet paper, soap scum and other organic waste. This liquid formula is versatile enough to use on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, and even toilets. It’s particularly effective at unclogging shower drains because it can be used in standing water.

Each 15.5-ounce bottle contains two pre-measured applications and two convenient pour spots, making the application a cinch. One application should be sufficient for minor clogs or slow drains, but you’ll likely need two applications for tougher clogs.

This non-corrosive formula is gentle enough for pipes made of plastic, copper, and cast iron—plus, it’s safe for septic systems. All you need to do is pour one full chamber of solution into the clogged drain and let it sit anywhere from two hours to overnight, depending on the severity. When the time is up, simply flush the drain with water.

The working time is significantly longer compared to chemical drain cleaners that provide almost instant results. However, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly formula that won’t leave a strong scent, this product is worth the wait.

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: 6 to 8 hours | Intended Use: Sink/tub/shower, floor drains, toilets, garbage disposal}

Best for Kitchen Sink

Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$50 at Amazon

What We Like

Safe for all pipes and septic systems
Works on small clogs and prevention
Up to 100 drain treatments per container

What We Don’t Like

Results can take several days
May need multiple treatments for big clogs

Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner is tough on grease and oil, two common culprits that can cause clogs in kitchen sinks. It also excels at dissolving lodged food, which is another major selling point. Using a combination of natural bacteria and enzymes, this environmentally friendly formula digests the dead organic waste that can cause clogs rather than simply dissolving or flushing it away.

Since Bio-Clean doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, it's safe for use with septic systems and won’t damage plumbing. Though pricier than our other options, this 2-pound canister provides up to 100 drain treatments, which justifies the higher cost.

While ideal for kitchens, Bio-Clean can also be used in showers, bathtubs, and toilets. Keep in mind that it may take several days to fully clear clogs and that particularly large clogs could require several treatments. For the best results, the manufacturer recommends using BioClean on a monthly basis as a preventative measure.

_{Formula: Powder | Active Time: 6 to 8 hours | Intended Use: Sink/tub/shower, floor drains, toilets, garbage disposal}

Best for Toilet

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener

PHOTO: Amazon

$30 $25 at Amazon $19 at Walmart $23 at Home Depot

What We Like

Dissolves paper products and baby wipes
Biodegradable and odorless formula
Won’t damage pipes and septic systems

What We Don’t Like

One bottle per toilet application

This high-density drain cleaner from Green Gobbler dissolves paper and organic matter, which is essential for clearing toilet clogs. For main line clogs, you'll need to pour the entire bottle into a first-floor toilet. Once you close the lid and flush it, the solution will be distributed through the pipes.

With one toilet application per bottle, this drain cleaner is pricier than other options. On a positive note, it's specially formulated for toilets, unlike some products that are unable to dissolve paper products.

For added convenience, this formula can also be used in tubs and sinks. In these areas, you'll only need to use a quarter of the bottle, making it a bit more economical. Green Gobbler has the ability to get through standing water and penetrate tough clogs, yet it’s gentle enough for all pipes and septic systems.

It’s also worth noting that this formula is biodegradable and odorless, and unlike some chemical-based drain cleaners, it won’t create strong fumes.

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: 30 minutes | Intended Use: Toilets, sinks, tubs, showers}

Best Preventative

CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover

PHOTO: Amazon

$14 $13 at Amazon $12 at Walmart View on Zoro.com

What We Like

Prevents clogs from forming
Works on minor clogs and slow drains
Suitable for garbage disposals
Fragrance-free formula

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for heavy clogs
Can take several days to clear a slow drain

If you want to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place, we recommend CLR's Clear Pipes and Drains as a once-a-month treatment. This product meets U.S. EPA Safer Products standards, and it’s free of caustic chemicals and fragrances, making it safe for all pipes and septic systems. The liquid formula dissolves soap scum, oil, and other residue and helps clear minor clogs and slow-flowing drains.

While it’s ideal as a preventative treatment, you’ll want something stronger if you’re dealing with a heavy blockage. To prevent clogs, apply 2 ounces directly into the drain once per month. If you already have a slow drain, apply 2 ounces per day directly into the drain for up to five consecutive days or until the drain flows freely.

Yet another plus? This product can also be used with garbage disposals. For best results, pour 2 ounces per month into the running disposal, turn it off, and let it sit overnight.

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: Ongoing | Intended Use: Showers, sinks, toilets, garbage disposals}

Final Verdict

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is our top pick because it is easy to use and clears most drain clogs in under 30 minutes. While it is safe for septic systems, garbage disposals, and older pipes, it is not recommended for use in toilets. If you have a blocked toilet, we recommend Green Gobbler Main Line Opener, an enzymatic drain cleaner that effectively dissolves paper products.

What to Look for in a Drain Cleaner

Type

There are two main types of drain cleaners:

Enzymatic drain cleaners, like our best for toilets pick. These formulas produce bacteria-based enzymes that gradually break down soft organic matter, such as food and hair. While these types of cleaners tend to be more gentle on your plumbing, they may not fully clear a complete blockage. They can take hours, if not days, to work effectively, particularly on tougher clogs.
Chemical drain cleaners are capable of eliminating stubborn clogs more rapidly than enzymatic cleaners, but they are harsher. They can include caustic drain cleaners, like our best overall pick, which use alkaline chemicals such as sodium hydroxide to break down soap scum, grease, and other grimy residue. Chemical drain cleaners, particularly those that contain sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, also have the potential to emit hazardous fumes.

What About Drain Snakes?

We do think there's a time and a place for drain snakes! While more hands-on than chemical cleaners, a drain snake allows for manual removal of drain blockages that aren't too fair down in your pipes. The process is usually simple and quick—but potentially messy, so plan accordingly.

Time & Effectiveness

Some drain cleaners clear clogs within minutes, while others need to sit for several hours for the best results. To tackle really tough clogs, many drain cleaners are safe to let sit overnight—and some may require several applications. Our best overall pick is one of the fastest-acting options on this list, with the power to clear tough clogs in about 15 minutes.

A drain cleaner’s effectiveness depends on its formulation, active ingredients, and intended use. When deciding on a formula, you need to determine the cause of the clog as well as its location, and then choose the product that’s best suited for the job.

Plumbing Compatibility

Drain cleaners that are more abrasive could potentially damage pipes or septic systems. Always refer to the product specifications to determine whether a drain cleaner is compatible with your plumbing system.

“Some chemical drain openers affect older steel pipes differently and can further weaken them if they are already rusty or damaged,” says Paul Abrams, director of public relations at Roto-Rooter. “Most modern homes built since the mid-1970s have schedule 40 PVC drain pipes, a heavy-duty plastic pipe that is resistant to the caustic chemicals found in common drain cleaners.”

Abrams also recommends that you only use caustic cleaners occasionally, adhering to the amounts specified in the directions. If you have older plumbing, consider an enzymatic cleaner like Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner, which is safe for all pipes and septic systems.

If you’re looking for a noncorrosive formula that’s free from harsh chemicals, Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver, which we named as our best for showers pick, is actually safe for all pipes and septic systems.

Both caustic and acidic drain cleaners can irritate skin and eyes, so it’s also good idea to wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these other plumbing problem-solvers:

Toilet Plunger: The best time to buy a plunger is before you need one. We like this one from OXO, since the included case and drip tray allow for subtle storage.
Reusable Rubber Gloves: A household staple, we like to stock-up and store them under the kitchen and bathroom sinks in our home.
TubShroom Bath Tub Drain Protector: The TubShroom is a drain catcher that collects hair and prevents it from going into your pipes and—you guessed it—causing blockages.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, who has been covering home and garden products for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she considered dozens of the best drain cleaners, carefully evaluating their formula type, active time, plumbing capability, and effectiveness. McHugh also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into account.

Our Experts:

Angela Brown, host of the Ask a House Cleaner show
Paul Abrams, director of public relations at Roto-Rooter
Dena Ogden, associate editor at The Spruce

Jump to Reviews

Best Overall

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

Best for Showers

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver

Best for Kitchen Sink

Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner

Best for Toilet

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener

Best Preventative

CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover

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