A blocked drain can be unpleasant to deal with but it is a common problem that happens to almost all of us at one time or another. Thankfully, there are often ways to treat clogged drains yourself without needing to call in a professional (although, of course, you should if the problem doesn’t get better). Let’s take a look at the best drain unblockers that you can use to fix that troublesome drain.
Homemade remedies
Before heading to the shops for some drain cleaner, you can give making some at home a go. This is a very simple mixture of baking soda, vinegar, hot water, and dish soap. And it is effective at clearing clogs caused by fats, oils, and grease, as well as those caused by soap scum and hair. So it can be effective in the kitchen sink, bathroom drains, and shower drains.
One of our cleaning tips is using hot water (boiling water is often best) helps to turn the congealed grease or fats back into liquid form while the bubbling chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar helps by breaking up the clog so that it can pass through the drain pipes.
Chemical drain unblockers
But sometimes, you need something with a bit more of a punch, and in this case, opting for a chemical drain cleaner is often your best bet. Always remember that these types of drain cleaners contain powerful chemicals that can be toxic, so you need to be very careful when using them to clear blocked drains. Consult with a local drainage specialist like Rider Drains Cleaning & Repairs if you must, you could pose as a potential customer then throw in a little comment about your proposed drain cleaner.
You should also avoid using them too often because the harsh chemicals can cause damage to PVC pipes.
Types of chemical drain unblockers
Most drain cleaners work similarly. A chemical reaction is created when the cleaner reaches the clog which creates heat, helping to turn congealed grease into liquid form. They are also heavier than water, which helps to push the debris through the system.
Caustic drain cleaner
These types of drain cleaners contain lye and caustic soda, which are both alkaline. They react with the clog by giving it an electron which creates a heat-giving chemical reaction, and they turn congealed grease into a soapy substance that will easily flow away.
Oxidising drain cleaner
This type of drain cleaner will contain chemicals like bleach, peroxide, and nitrates. It forces the clogged substance to lose an electron which creates a heated chemical reaction.
Acidic drain cleaner
This type of drain cleaner is the most powerful but it is usually only available for professionals. It contains sulfuric or hydrochloric acid and definitely isn’t something you would want to mess with.
Enzyme drain cleaner
These use enzymes or bacteria to break down clogs that are made of organic waste, so are most effective in the kitchen drain. They are slower-working than chemical drain cleaners but they won’t damage your plumbing and they are safe to handle.
Gel, liquid, or powder
You will find that the drain cleaners in the shop will come in gel, liquid, or powder form. Generally speaking, gel or liquid is often the best drain unblocker because it will more easily stick to the side of the pipes to really get in there and break up the clog.
Best drain unblockers available right now
Best drain unblocker for speed and power
Mr Muscle Power Gel Drain Unblocker is one of the most highly rated drain unblockers on the market. It works in just five minutes and is effective at breaking down grease clogs. It is also septic tank safe and is strong enough to clear grease and bigger more stubborn clogs.
Best drain unblocker for bathroom drains
Buster Bathroom Plughole Unblocker is another popular choice and is particularly good for breaking up hair clogs and helping them to move through the system. This makes it ideal for use in the bathroom and shower drains. It is a single-use drain cleaner so you just need to pour the entire bottle down, rather than having to measure it out. This can be less-cost effective but it does mean that you can avoid having to deal too much with the chemicals.
Best drain unblocker that will last
The HG Liquid Drain Unblocker comes in a one-litre bottle so you can unblock multiple drains and have some leftover for later use. It is liquid, rather than gel, but it is still viscous enough to stick to drain pipe walls. It also leaves a nice smell and it takes around half an hour to work.
Best eco-friendly drain unblocker
If you are environmentally conscious and baulk at the idea of washing harsh chemicals into the water drains, the Ecozone Kitchen Drain Unblocker could be the best choice for you. Rather than using chemicals, it uses enzymes to slowly break down the grease clogs. This does mean that it takes longer to work (around 12 hours) but it is safer to deal with and more eco-friendly.
Best drain unblocker for stubborn clogs
Scotch Corporation Instant Power Hair Grease Remover is probably the strongest drain unblocker on the market. Because of this, you will need to be very careful when handling it. It is particularly effective at tackling tough clogs such as hair clogs although it will also clear the grease from your kitchen sink. If you have a large obstruction in your drains, this could be the only cleaner that really does the trick.
The bottom line
A blocked drain can be caused by soap scum, hair, food particles, or grease. And all of these are prone to hanging around and being difficult to shift. The best drain cleaners available work by breaking down these clogs so that they can be flushed through the drains, although they work in different ways. If you have tried everything and the blockage still isn’t shifting, it might be an idea to call in a professional. They will have access to stronger chemicals as well as specialised drain unblocking tools that can get rid of clogs that standard cleaners won’t budge.
