When your drains are clogged, it can cause foul odors and bacteria that are dangerous to you and your family. Clogged drains can also lead to serious plumbing problems.
You can prevent clogs and blockages by regularly cleaning your drains. There are several different ways to clean a drain without using harsh chemicals. However, if you need professional help, contact Plumbing Express, Inc..
This monthly drain cleaner helps to keep pipes clean and free of clogs. It eliminates sources of clogs like oil, soap scum, shampoo, conditioners, shaving cream, toothpaste, and kitchen waste and is safe for septic systems. It doesn’t contain any dangerous materials and is part of the EPA’s Safer Choice Program.
The manufacturer claims that this drain cleaner can break up and dissolve even the toughest clogs in just 60 seconds. It’s also eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. It can be used in a wide variety of drains and pipes, including mop buckets, trash chutes, and toilets.
To use this product, fill the sink with enough water to submerge the can’s cap, block overflow and pour the solution down the drain. Then, wait one minute and then flush the drain. Repeat as needed. If you experience any side effects, such as burning or stinging of the eyes or skin, rinse immediately with water and contact your physician or poison center. The company recommends wearing gloves while using this product. Avoid contact with painted surfaces, aluminum, Formica, etched glass, natural stone and brass.
Rockwell Labs Invade Bio Drain Gel
Invade Bio Drain Gel is a probiotic drain cleaner with a citrus scent. It features eco friendly ingredients and works more effectively than simple chemical cleaners in areas with organic build-up. It also helps eliminate odors without releasing harmful fumes or harsh chemicals. This product is safe for septic systems and contains no phosphates or phosphorous.
It is ideal for food preparation areas, including kitchen drains, sinks and trash chutes. It is designed to remove organic materials, kill bacteria and replace foul odors with a pleasant scent in drains, cracks and crevices. It can be used full strength in drains and soda fountain drip trays, or diluted for mopping, surface applications and foaming.
The thick formula clings to the sides of drains, eating through residue and scum. It also helps eliminate odors with a pleasant orange scent. It can be applied to toilets, showers and urinals as well. It also works great in soda fountain drip tray lines to eat away the “sugar snake” that typically clogs these drains.
It should be used in conjunction with Gentrol IGR for maximum effectiveness. It should not be combined with bleach, acid or caustic cleaners, disinfectants or antimicrobial products as they may kill or damage the microbes. It can be poured directly into drains or diluted into a 1:1 solution with water for mopping, power sprayer and hose-end foamer application.
When using this product, it is important to apply it during periods of the day when the drains are in their lowest usage. It is recommended to apply 4 oz to each drain edge to completely coat the sides. This should be repeated daily for the first week and then every other week for continuing maintenance. The foam will take a few hours to dissipate, so it should not be washed up with water.
Invade Bio Drain Gel can be stored out of reach of children, between 35 and 95 degree F. It is a pressurized aerosol can, so it should be kept away from ignition sources. A quart of Invade Bio Drain Gel yields 8 drain treatments and 32 soda drain treatments or can be diluted for mopping, power sprayer and hosing-end foamer applications.
CLR Clear Pipes and Drains Clog Remover & Cleaner
The CLR Clear Pipes and Drains Clog Remover & Cleaner is an affordable chemical cleaner that’s effective for many types of clogs. Its liquid formula dissolves calcium, lime and rust deposits. It also works to break down hair, grease and other organic soils. Users say this drain cleaner is safe for pipes and septic systems, but not recommended for toilets or garbage disposals (which can crack porcelain).
As with all chemical drain cleaners, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label. Never use more than is suggested or you could damage your pipes. And if you’re using a chemical cleaner near a drain stopper, consider using a plunger first to help remove the clog. Also, remember to flush the drain with hot water after using a chemical cleaner.
This product from XionLab is a septic-safe chemical drain cleaner that is gentle enough for use on most household plumbing. It’s especially useful for clearing food, paper and grease clogs in kitchen sinks, tubs and showers. However, it’s not recommended for removing blockages in toilets, because it is not strong enough to dislodge solids or hair. If you encounter a blocked toilet, try using a plunger or a handheld drain snake (but don’t use a regular plumber’s snake—this can damage the pipes and toilet).
The best way to keep your drains free of monthly build-up is to prevent them from building up in the first place. For example, you can install a drain screen that helps stop hair and other debris from going down the drain. Another option is a flexible drain snake, which reaches deep into P-traps to clear clogs.
Lynn Redmile is a contributing product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has evaluated beauty, textiles, home and pet products since 2012.
Before using any drain cleaner, make sure the product is safe for your pipes. If the product is too harsh, you may experience damage or corrosion to your pipes, plumbing fixtures or even your skin and eyes. In addition, you should always check with your plumber before using a chemical cleaner.
CLR Clear Pipes and Drains Clog Eliminator
This CLR product prevents monthly build-up in drains by using enzymes that help break down food and grease. It also removes odors and eliminates drain flies. It’s safe to use in kitchen sinks, disposals and garbage pipes. Just pour it down the drain, wait 15 to 30 minutes and flush with hot water. The thick gel clings to the sides of the pipe and drain, making it easy to use. It’s one of the best safe chemical drain cleaners on the market.
This powerful liquid from Green Gobbler has more than 9,300 positive Amazon reviews and works well to dissolve hair, toilet paper, soap scum, flushable personal care wipes, kitchen waste and more. The product is made with all-natural ingredients and is safe for pipes, septic systems and the environment. It’s an especially good choice if you have a smelly garbage disposal or slow-draining sink or shower. Just measure out two ounces (4 tablespoons) of the fragrance-free fluid and pour it down your drain or garbage disposal.
Another option is the Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator. It has 70% more actives than its counterpart to quickly and safely clear fully blocked drains without damaging pipes. It’s safe to use in all pipes, including septic systems and is safe for plastic, PVC and copper. It’s also safe for most garbage disposals and works best on hair and grease clogs.
Whenever you choose to use any of these safe chemical drain cleaners, read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. If your eyes or skin come into contact with any of these products, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention if necessary. And remember to keep children and pets away from the area while you’re working with these chemicals.
Lynn Redmile (she/her) is a contributing product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been evaluating beauty, textile, home and cleaning products since 2012. She works under the guidance of the institute’s chief technologist and executive director of engineering. In her free time, she enjoys photographing jazz musicians and exploring new cultures.
