✔️ Carefully pour the drain cleaner to avoid spillage. Do not stand in the tub or shower stall when pouring the drain cleaner. ✔️ Wear gloves and eye protection to protect against splash-back. Do not leave the drain cleaner inside drains for longer than stated in the instructions. ✔️ Precisely follow all directions on a drain cleaner's label. Here are some important precautions to take when clearing clogged drains: For metal pipes, excessive use can cause pipes to corrod e and in extreme cases cause holes to develop. PVC pipes can warp or soften from heat generated by chemical use. Heads up: Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, damage can occur when using any chemical cleaner, especially if you overdo it. Oxidizing cleaners, which excel at unclogging clumps of hair, food and other organic matter.Caustic cleaners, which are tough on grease.✔️ Chemical-based drain cleaners work the fastest, but also have the potential to cause more damage. The enzymes (bacteria) in the cleaner slowly break down organic soils such as hair and food that can be found in your drain but might not be strong enough to dissolve a complete blockage. ✔️ Enzymatic cleaners are slower to clear clogs but are usually less harmful to your plumbing (or yourself). Here are two types of cleaners to look for while shopping: But if the backup remains, reach for one of our recommended drain cleaners.ĭifferent cleaners work for different types of clogs - for example, one that works for a slow-flowing drain will probably not work for a complete blockage. "Our advice to homeowners is still to try a plunger first since a few vigorous pumps are often enough to suction out clogs, especially if you catch them early," says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Institute. The Cleaning and Home Improvement experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested chemical and enzymatic drain cleaners for years. The good news is that, with a little vigilance and about $10 worth of drain cleaner, you can prevent plumbing mishaps from occurring. To make matters worse, your homeowner's insurance may not cover the cost of the fix, since plumbing backups are considered a maintenance issue, which policies often don't cover. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and backed-up pipes are prone to freezing and bursting, which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Our original top-rated picks, selected by the GH Cleaning Lab remain the same with the exception of our original pick for Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs which was replaced with a new pick from Liquid-Plumr.Ĭlogged toilets and slow-draining showers and sinks aren't just gross - they can also wreak havoc on your home. We updated this article in November 2022 to add more information about each featured product based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
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