On the other hand, enzyme drain cleaners are safe to use but can take a long time to work. They function by introducing enzyme-producing bacteria into the pipes which digest food buildup, soap scum, grease, and other organic matter. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using chemicals. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by chemical use. For metal pipes, excessive use can cause pipes to corrode and, in extreme cases, cause holes to develop. This heat can melt plastic pipes or corrode metal pipes. While caustic drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs, they are also dangerous if they touch your skin and they can lead to corrosion of the pipes. Although many products tout their ability to instantly eradicate buildup and residue in your pipes, generally speaking, the longer you let the product sit in the drain and pipes, the better. If possible, use liquid and powder drain cleaners at night, when your water is least being used. This will give the product time to fully break down grime, hair, grease, and other clog-causing agents most effectively.

Drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes if not used properly. If a drain cleaner is necessary, make sure to start with the least damaging solutions first. You can run hot water (but never boiling water) down the drain to see if you can clear the clog. In our tests, we've been consistently impressed by the clearing power of this gel formulation, which is safe for all plumbing and septic systems. "It's a caustic cleaner, meaning it contains bleach and other corrosive ingredients that are especially tough on grease and soap scum," says Dan DiClerico, director of the GH Institute's Home Improvement Lab. All of the products on this list will cost far less than calling up a plumber, so that’s always a win. But in general, plastic drain snakes will cost less than liquid drain cleaners. This plastic drain snake is 19.6 inches long and is covered in barbs designed to grab hair, the biggest clogging offender in the shower. To use, just feed gently into your shower drain (you may need to remove the drain cap) and push it in until you hit the obstruction. The Vastar is constructed to flex around curves and go deep into your pipes. When you find the obstruction, either break it up or pull it out, and you should be all set.The product has a light, slightly earthy scent, so you need not worry about harsh, toxic-smelling chemicals in your home. When you open the bottle, you might notice that the formula is clear but sometimes appears hazy and murky. Don’t worry. It just means that the bacteria colonies are alive and well. While many of the products on this list claim to be safe for garbage disposals, we like Bio-Clean for its combination of naturally-occurring bacteria and enzymes to digest organic waste such as hair, grease, soap scum, paper, food particles, and more. Another option is to use an enzymatic-based drain cleaner that eats away at build-up and debris. This solution may take longer to clear a drain than an acidic or caustic chemical drain cleaner, but in the long run it is a better solution because it prevents expensive damage to your pipes. Here are the best drain cleaners of 2023 for every clogged drain or pipe in your home. We like this beehive shaped plunger because it work well on any style of toilet, including high efficiency toilets, and it creates a good seal that effectively unclogs most toilet issues. The t-shape grip also makes this plunger easier to hold and use. It has a telescoping handle so that the plunger can be shortened to fit under a sink vanity or in a linen closet for storage. Hair is one of the top causes of bathroom clogs. Whether in the shower or sink, many of us shed enough hair to eventually cause a drainage issue. The best way to get stubborn hair clogs out is often physical removal, and this kit has all the tools you need to get it done.

READ NEXT: The best bathroom cleaners for you to buy What precautions should I take when using a drain cleaner?

The best drain unblockers you can buy in 2023

Not only does the product work to remove clogs, but it is also a preventative measure. Regular use of the substance allows colonies of enzyme-producing bacteria to take up residence in your pipes. This means that using the product will, over time, make your pipes less susceptible to clogging. This varies depending on the type of cleaner and what it’s being used for. Some cleaners suggest pouring the entire bottle on a clog. Other bottles or tablets are meant for repeat use. When shopping, consider if you have a one time only clog or if you’re dealing with ongoing issues. My Review: Super fast acting, Thrift Drain Cleaner can clean out a drain line in just 60 seconds. It works for sewer lines, drains, grease traps, and septic tank systems. And you don’t have to worry about it damaging your pipes because it’s safe to use with chrome, metal, and plastic pipes. If there is standing water in the shower or bathtub, Thomas Dougherty, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, suggests using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the pipe. Additionally, a plumber’s snake with a small auger can often clear hair and debris from your pipes without using any chemicals.