Clogged sewer pipes are a fairly common problem among both apartment residents and owners of private houses. Dealing with it is not as difficult as it is commonly thought; it is not at all necessary to resort to the services of a plumber; you can do it on your own. Home appliance stores today offer a significant selection of specialized products that will help remove blockages in the shortest possible time.
The assortment is really very large, and in today’s review of the best sewer pipe cleaners of 2021, we will try to understand it. We will look at the key characteristics of the ten most popular formulations among users, and also give some tips on choosing the optimal products. In general, all the means that we will consider today as part of this rating can be used not only to get rid of blockages, but also to prevent them.
How to choose the right drain cleaner?
These formulations are produced in various formats - liquids, powders, granules, gels, and so on. Gels are the most economical. They are characterized by slow fluidity, unlike liquids, so they completely envelop the inner walls of sewer pipes and clear the blockage in the shortest possible time. If the sewer is clogged with fatty foods, then in this case liquid products come to the rescue. This consistency quickly seeps into the clog and corrodes it in the shortest possible time.
Many formulations contain rather caustic components, so they must be used in compliance with basic safety requirements. In particular, you need to work in safety glasses, gloves, and protect your hair with a cloth. Such substances can harm ceramic products, stainless steel and even enamel, so they will have to be poured into sewer pipes with the utmost caution.
How clog clearers work. Science experiment
In terms of safety, granular formulations are much more convenient. They will not splash, are free-flowing, and are distributed as evenly as possible over the surface to be cleaned. Many experts argue that when choosing a means for cleaning sewer pipes, first of all, you need to pay attention not to the release form, but to its useful characteristics and composition, since these are the factors that make it possible to effectively get rid of the blockage and prevent its occurrence in the future .
On sale you can find products used to get rid of fat plugs. They performed most well in the process of clearing a clog in a kitchen sink drain. There are products designed for dissolving hair - optimal for drains in bathtubs and showers. If it is not possible to accurately determine the cause of the blockage, then it is best to give preference to universal remedies. The purpose of the product is studied as carefully as possible, since the effectiveness and speed of eliminating the problem will directly depend on the correct choice.
As we said above, all formulations can be used to prevent blockages. To do this, the product is poured into the sewer pipe at least once a month and spilled with a significant amount of water. This will help remove already accumulated contaminants and make the diameter of the duct much larger.
When we chose products to include in the rating of the best sewer pipe cleaners, we first of all took into account all of the above. However, many other factors were also taken into account, such as value for money and user reviews. After carefully studying the review, you will certainly be able to choose the best product for yourself.
Cleaning the siphon at home
If the cause of the blockage is in the siphon, you can clean it at home. It is worth noting that this cleaning is useful not only for blockages in the bathroom, but also for preventing the elimination of unpleasant odors.
On the surface under the siphon itself, you need to lay a rag that absorbs moisture well.
Place a bucket or basin on top of the rag. These things will protect your floor from excess water and thereby reduce the cleaning time afterwards.
Carefully unscrew the closure nut and remove the entire flask
Please note that water will flow out after opening the flask.
The siphon itself is washed with hot water, thereby thoroughly washing away any remaining debris.
Afterwards, return all the components to their places, the main thing is to make sure that the pipe does not rest against the siphon flask.
Open the water and check the parts for damage.
At home, this procedure is recommended as a preventative measure, about once every few months.
Powders
"Cinderella" Mole
It is a very popular and quite affordable remedy for combating blockages of various types, as well as for preventing their occurrence. The powder is very effective, it can be used for absolutely all types of pipes, but the product should be used with extreme caution, fully following the manufacturer's recommendations. The active substances here are two rather caustic inorganic chemical compounds - caustic soda or caustic soda and potassium hydroxide. Several activators have been added to them, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which allows you to cope with various types of deposits, including those caused by increased water hardness.
There are also non-ionic surfactants, which are often found in ordinary dishwashing detergents. They help to quickly dissolve even the most stubborn contaminants and hold dirt particles in the water, preventing them from settling on the walls of the pipes. Mole has a balanced composition, which allows it to effectively deal with a wide variety of deposits, even those located in the most inaccessible areas such as siphons. The powder fully retains its positive characteristics even when mixed with waste liquid. It will actively dissolve deposits even in very hard water.
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost;
- High level of efficiency;
- Copes well with blockages regardless of their nature.
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Flaws:
- You will have to wait a while for the blockage to completely disappear;
- It must be used very carefully.
"Cinderella" Mole
Expel Bio Removing hair blockages
Completely eliminates blockages from matted hair in the home sewerage system, both in an apartment and in an individual residential building. Characterized by a unique recipe using the latest formula. It contains a special crystalline active component that will act in conjunction with an activating additive. This approach will help to destroy the hair plug in the shortest possible time and ensure the free passage of wastewater. The composition does not contain chlorine, which makes the product absolutely safe for sewer pipes. The composition contains a small percentage of aluminum shavings, and also contains sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide. When using, it is strictly forbidden to allow direct contact with skin. Before opening the bag of powder, shake it thoroughly.
It is very easy to use the product - the contents of the package are poured into the drain hole of the sink and 50 ml of water is added there. Literally after half an hour the pipe is washed with a significant volume of liquid. If necessary, the operation is repeated. For prevention, it is recommended to use this product at least once a month. If the powder comes into contact with the skin, it can cause irritation and even burns, so you should wear rubber gloves when working with it, and wash your hands with plenty of water and soap after use. Cannot be used if sewer pipes are made of copper or aluminum.
Advantages:
- Excellent effect of application - breaks through the plug from the hair in the shortest possible time;
- The instructions are very clear;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Quite a pungent odor - the room must be ventilated immediately after use.
Expel Bio Removing hair blockages
Chirton "Clean gutters" (600 g)
The product is produced in the form of granular powder, blue in color. The main active substance used here is caustic soda, which, when interacting with water and various types of pollutants, forms an alkaline environment of increased activity. It completely dissolves fat and lime deposits within a few minutes. The composition also contains soda nitrate and granulated aluminum. All substances included in these products, in direct contact with water, can even remove rust from the inner surface of sewer pipes. The complex of components allows you to get rid of unpleasant odors and ensure disinfection of pipes: the vast majority of bacteria living there will die within a few minutes after using this powder.
Using such products is quite simple - anyone can handle it. However, some nuances still exist. First of all, thoroughly wipe the drain hole before pouring the powder into it. This need is related to preventing direct contact of the product with water until it enters the aquatic environment. The hole is wiped with a soft cloth or paper napkin. When the granules are already in the sewer, about 200-300 ml of water is poured there, but this is done as carefully as possible so that all the water ends up directly in the pipe itself. After 15 minutes, a significant volume of water is poured.
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost;
- Neutral odor;
- Quickly copes with any, even quite persistent blockages.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Chirton "Clean gutters" (600 g)
Liquids
Synergetic for clearing blockages
Very effective products that allow you to remove blockages in a sewer pipe, regardless of its diameter. The liquid is a universal remedy - with its help it will be possible to get rid of the accumulation of hair and wool on the walls of the pipeline, and significantly increase the permeability of the pipes. It is worth noting that blockages are fraught with a significant number of dangers - various bacteria begin to actively develop in the bathtub and sink, which can potentially harm the human body. If the sink is clogged, it can overflow; even overflowing won’t help, and water will start to fall on the floor. A clogged drain is a source of unpleasant odor, which will quickly spread throughout the room. The liquid not only contains all the necessary compounds for the prevention and fight against blockages, but also has a very gentle effect on the pipes, rids them of various microbes and bacteria, without thinning their walls.
The product contains active substances in a sufficiently high concentration, which ensures low consumption of the composition. One package lasts for about six months if you use the product approximately once a month. With the help of such a liquid you can even get rid of blockages with standing water. The products are absolutely safe for the environment. It is allowed to be used in a private home, as it does not have a negative effect on the microflora of antiseptics. Fully complies with all current requirements. The product is poured directly into the pipe and left for about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to use gloves and safety glasses.
Advantages:
- Easily eliminates unpleasant odors;
- Clears even significant blockages;
- Suitable for prevention.
Flaws:
- There is no measuring scale.
Synergetic anti-clog liquid
Syntilor Tubi pipe cleaner
A universal liquid with a high concentration of active substances, with which you can effectively deal with any blockages in sewer pipes, regardless of their diameter. It is often used even if there is a need to clean industrial wastewater. The product has very powerful disinfectant characteristics and works very effectively regardless of temperature: it exhibits its properties well even in cold water. After defrosting, all properties are retained. The product is absolutely environmentally friendly - it does not harm the environment and quickly decomposes into safe components. When in contact with wastewater and air, it also does not emit harmful or poisonous compounds.
Due to the fact that this is a concentrated composition, the manufacturer recommends diluting it with water before direct use. In this case, the proportions can vary from 1 to 6 to 1 to 10 - the choice depends on the conditions of use, the severity of the contamination, and the depth of the blockage. The products are absolutely non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive. The main active substances here are complexing alkalis and surfactants capable of forming a significant amount of foam. From the moment you pour the solution into the drain hole, you need to wait about half an hour, then thoroughly rinse the pipe with plenty of water.
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Advantages:
- Reasonable cost;
- Very convenient packaging;
- Low consumption - one bottle is enough for a long time;
- Can be used to clean industrial sewer pipes;
- Absolutely non-toxic and environmentally friendly composition.
Flaws:
- The foreign smell of the product is still present;
- It can be difficult to maintain proportion.
Syntilor Tubi pipe cleaner
YPLON Drain Cleaner
Inorganic products, developed by Belgian scientists, are made on the basis of sodium hydroxide. It interacts well with steel and stainless pipes, as well as with cast iron and plastic, but the composition is not suitable for ceramics and aluminum. The time required to get rid of a blockage can vary quite a lot - from several tens of minutes to 10-12 hours. This is due to the severity of the blockage itself. However, it should be borne in mind that this liquid does not simply remove the blockage, ensuring the passage of at least a small amount of water, but completely removes it, leaving behind crystal clear work. Moreover, the products have absolutely no foreign odor. The composition does not contain overly caustic compounds, including chlorine, so this product has a sufficient effect on the skin: it does not cause irritation - you can work without special gloves.
Can be used for preventive purposes. The manufacturer recommends doing this in the evening hours, when no one will use the sewer until the morning. This will help dissolve existing deposits and prevent water from standing. Should be used without using hot water.
Advantages:
- Convenient packaging with well-thought-out ergonomics;
- A fairly tight lid that is not so easy to unscrew even for an adult - excellent protection against children;
- Effectively removes any blockages;
- The product is safe for the skin of your hands and the environment.
Flaws:
- It does not work very quickly compared to other similar compositions - in some cases you have to wait up to 12 hours.
YPLON Drain Cleaner
Types of means to remove blockages
Based on the form of release, cleaning products are divided into several types. So what can the chemical industry offer us?
Liquid
Water will always find its way - any child is familiar with this truth. Liquid products directly reach the garbage stopper and begin their complex work of dissolving fats and organic matter. True, sometimes it takes at least twelve hours to fix the problem. This is a minus.
An example is the Mole cleaning product. This is an old-time plumber, manufactured in domestic production and widely known to users. Liquid “Mole” is inexpensive; one bottle is used for one procedure, which is recommended to be poured into the drain at least overnight. Unfortunately, it does not cope with severe blockages.
The main active ingredients in liquid “chemistry” are acid and antiseptic.
The liquid form will not help you if there is already water in the sink.
Powders
Concentrated product in powder form. Very compact, does not take up much space and is not heavy. Agree, it’s easier to bring home a bag of powder than a heavy bottle of liquid or gel.
The powder is convenient for storage, and can also be used for both metal and plastic pipes. The active substance is an acid or alkali, usually caustic soda.
Mode of application. The powder is poured inside the drain and filled with water at a certain temperature (read the instructions).
Gels
But the gel is an ideal remedy if the water categorically refuses to leave the sink or sink. Thanks to its dense structure, it settles in the drain, envelops the garbage plug and begins to intensively dissolve it, while simultaneously moving it towards the central riser.
At the same time, it is quite economical, you don’t need much of it. It not only cleans pipes of organic matter and food waste, but also disinfects the inner surface of the pipes, and also creates a film that prevents the adhesion of fat.
Granules
No matter how attractive the capabilities of liquid and gel preparations, they still wash off quickly and are not as effective as granular ones.
Granules are not only convenient, but also economical. They can cope with almost any garbage plug, since they contain aggressive components that instantly react with stagnant water, causing bubbling and foam.
Unfortunately, the vapors from the product may have a very unpleasant odor that is not recommended to be inhaled. And some drugs have adverse effects on plastics and plastics.
To avoid negative consequences, be sure to read the instructions for use.
Gels
Gel for removing blockages TIRET
On sale you can find two varieties of this product - one is intended for domestic use, the second for industrial production. The composition contains all the necessary substances and components that can actively eliminate fat plugs and organic accumulations. It is worth noting that the substance itself does not evaporate and does not have an unpleasant odor, so there is no need to ventilate the room during or after use, and there is no need to use respirators either. The composition contains chlorine-containing bleach in a percentage of 5-15%. It uses a sodium hypochlorite solution, which, upon contact with pollutants, oxidizes and dissolves them in water. The volume of anionic surfactants does not exceed 5%. They are excellent at fighting fat deposits, which also become soluble in water. However, it should be borne in mind that these are very aggressive substances, so you will have to work with gloves.
Nonionic surfactants are resistant to hard water and decompose the blockage into simple components that will be discharged into the central sewer using a stream of water. With the help of this product, it is possible to get rid of even dead plugs when the water does not go down the drain, but just sits in the sink. The gel is much heavier than water, so under the influence of gravity it will reach the blockage and dissolve it, and this will not take too much time. After the plug has been removed, the pipe is additionally washed with a large volume of hot water. this will help remove any remaining dirt and dissolve grease.
Advantages:
- A very thick gel, which helps it cover the entire area of the clog;
- Convenient ergonomic packaging;
- Insignificant consumption of funds;
- A large number of active ingredients.
Flaws:
- It is necessary to work with rubber gloves;
- If a traffic jam has formed, you will have to wait up to several hours.
Gel for removing blockages TIRET
Sanfor pipe gel
It is used to prevent and get rid of even very serious blockages. The gel is thick enough, so it can be poured directly into water - it will reach the clogged area on its own within a couple of minutes. It should be remembered that closing the drain of a sink or bathtub is strictly prohibited, since access to fresh air is required. A positive result is noticeable after about five minutes. The thick structure helps to effectively act on the blockage over its entire area. The gel can quickly deal with hair, food debris, fat deposits and a number of other contaminants that have entered the drain. With its help you can quickly neutralize and remove unpleasant odors. The gel is absolutely safe for all types of sewer pipes, including plastic. It kills all harmful bacteria almost instantly.
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The composition contains chloride compounds, which are a fairly effective disinfectant. The gel is poured into the sewer pipe, after which you need to wait about 5-15 minutes. If the blockage is very strong, you will need to leave it for longer. Prevention with such a gel is carried out less frequently than usual - approximately once every two months.
Advantages:
- Excellent effectiveness in combating even very serious blockages;
- The smell is not very pleasant, but much better than a clogged sewer;
- Reasonable cost;
- Low consumption;
- Preventive measures can be carried out much less frequently.
Flaws:
- It contains chlorine, which can corrode the skin of your hands.
Sanfor pipe gel
Granules
Unicum Tornado
This granular preparation helps to obtain an excellent result even if the case is completely hopeless - the water does not go away, and the specific cause of the blockage cannot be found out. As the people who have used this product say: the product is characterized by its fast action both in the bathroom and in the kitchen. The reason for this lies in the active substance used: these granules contain a high concentration of sodium hydroxide. We must not forget that it has a high level of causticity, so when working with it you will have to strictly adhere to the instructions for use, use various personal protective equipment for the skin and respiratory system - thick rubber gloves, goggles, respirators, and so on. By the way, pre-mixing granules with water is strictly prohibited. Work must be carried out in a room with good natural or forced ventilation.
The product acts very quickly - the entire operation, as a rule, takes no more than three to five minutes. During this time, the granules manage to reach the blockage, simultaneously releasing active substances that quickly dissolve in water and begin to actively act on contaminants on the walls of the pipes. When the product reaches the very blockage, it dissolves fatty deposits, breaks down food debris and grinds the hair into a powder state. As a result, it is possible to break through the blockage much faster than when using products produced in other formats. Should be stored in a dry place, as far as possible from children and food.
Advantages:
- Clears clogs as quickly and efficiently as possible;
- Completely removes contaminants from pipe walls;
- One package lasts for a long time.
Flaws:
- Extreme caution is required as this is a very strong chemical.
Granules for removing blockages Unicum Tornado
BAGI Pothan (600 g)
First in this section of the best drain cleaners are Israeli-made products that are distinguished by their excellent quality and effectiveness. Works excellently with pipes made of any materials - cast iron, plastic, aluminum, iron, and so on. This is a combined product that includes not only caustic alkali, but also a whole set of inorganic acids, various additives and surfactants. In terms of percentage, alkali is the largest here - about 30% of the total production volume. There are significantly fewer active substances: from 5 to 15%. The formula of the composition is selected in such a way that it is able to cope not only with fats and food residues, but also with hair, animal fur and even rust. The product is quite expensive, but it is consumed slowly; after using it, you do not have to carry out prophylaxis for about 4-5 months.
When working with granules, it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation of the room. Tile, marble, enamel and hands should be protected from contact with this composition. It is strictly prohibited to dilute with water. You need to work with gloves and a respirator, since when the blockage is dissolved, a gas is formed that will come out of the sewer pipe. It not only has an unpleasant odor, but can also cause serious harm to human health.
Advantages:
- Very fast acting;
- Eliminates any blockages, regardless of their nature;
- Does not harm sewer pipes;
- The packaging is equipped with a child protection system.
Flaws:
- Very expensive;
- When it enters into a chemical reaction with clog particles, seething begins and smoke is released, an unpleasant gas that is very dangerous to health.
BAGI Pothan (600 g)
Traditional methods for removing blockages
Removing sewer and water supply blockages is a troublesome task, but not hopeless. If the water no longer flows as intended, but accumulates in the sink, bathtub, sink or toilet, then do not rush to immediately call a plumber - try to deal with the problem yourself.
What do we have to do?
- Hot water. The most effective product that copes with fat and organic residues. If the pipes are steel or cast iron, pour several liters of boiling water into the sink. For plastic ones with corrugated elements, it is better to simply open the hot water tap. Of course, this method is used exclusively for small blockages; you are unlikely to cope with a garbage plug.
- Soda and vinegar. The most famous folk remedy for dissolving grease and cleaning pipes. Pour a pack of soda into the sink and pour a glass of vinegar. The drain hole is closed with a lid, after half an hour it is washed with hot water. Unfortunately, this method is more of a preventive one - you will have to deal with the blockage that has already formed using other methods.
- Lemon acid. Dissolve 100 g of citric acid in two liters of boiling water. If the pipes are metal, you can pour them in immediately; for plastic pipes, the product needs to be slightly cooled.
- Mechanical cleaning. Every self-respecting owner must have a plunger and a plumbing cable. A blockage can be caused by a plug of solid waste - food debris, rubble, sand, tea leaves, hair and other debris. To break through it, try first using a plunger - very often this method helps.
Otherwise, you will have to use a plumbing cable, for which it is rolled into a ring, and the tip is inserted into the sewer pipe, rotating and carefully pushing forward.
From time to time it is taken out and cleaned of adhering dirt. Important point. Under the sink and sink there is a siphon (a curved pipe) that blocks the spread of unpleasant odors from the sewer. It is recommended to remove it and at the same time clean it of debris accumulated in the knee. If this is not done, the tip of the cable will get stuck in the knee and will not go further.
Once the blockage is cleared, flush the drain hole with boiling water.
