How we test chemical drain cleaners
For this rundown, I headed to CNET’s product-testing lab in Louisville, Kentucky to conduct a comprehensive batch distillation experiment with eight of the most commonly used chemical drain cleaners on the market. My primary objective was to determine the efficiency of each product in dissolving various types of clogging materials, including organic matter, grease, paper products, and pet hair (the same pet hair we use for our robot vacuum tests, as a matter of fact). Throughout the experiment, I also noted the pH levels of the cleaning solutions when mixed with water and monitored any changes in temperature. Furthermore, I considered the chemical composition and versatility of use of each product when comparing them to one another.
Acids vs. bases
Before conducting experiments with these substances, I separated them into acids and bases. As you may recall from high school chemistry, acids are compounds that donate a hydrogen ion (H+) when mixed with water and have a pH lower than 7. On the other hand, bases are compounds that accept those ions (or hydroxide, OH- ions) and have a pH higher than 7. Understanding this distinction is crucial, due to two important factors associated with these products: corrosivity and causticity.
Corrosivity refers to the potential of a chemical substance to cause rust and deterioration of the materials that make up your piping system. Causticity, on the other hand, relates to how a chemical substance reacts when it comes into contact with organic matter, specifically breaking down proteins and other organic molecules, which can lead to tissue destruction or chemical burns.
To determine the acidity or basicity of each compound, we measure their pH. In simple terms, the more acidic or basic a compound is, the greater its potential for corrosivity and causticity.
Other chemical drain cleaners we’ve tested
Liquid Plumr Industrial Gel: A great option for effectively dissolving hair and organic matter, this drain cleaner is reasonably priced and claims to be safe to use with most types of pipes. Features a mixture of bleach, caustic soda, and other powerful solvents. The only reason it didn’t secure the top spot on our list is its ineffectiveness at dissolving paper products and its highly alkaline nature, 11.01 pH.
Eco Punch Drain Clog Dissolver: With the lowest dissolution performance among the products tested, this drain cleaner is primarily composed of caustic soda, bleach, and a surfactant. Surprisingly, it achieved a 40% dissolution rate for hair, 72% for organic matter, and only 1% for both grease and paper products. Additionally, it is on the pricier side when considering its cost per gallon. Highest alkalinity of the bunch, 11.33 pH when mixed with water.
Drano Max Gel: Moderate performance in dissolving hair and organic matter, achieving a dissolution rate of 60% and 59%, respectively. However, it showed limited effectiveness in dissolving grease and paper, with rates of only 12% and 2%. This drain cleaner is competitively priced, ranking as the third-most affordable option when comparing price per gallon.
Instant Power Main Line Opener: This concentrated lye drain cleaner offers excellent performance in dissolving hair and organic matter. Unfortunately, it had almost negligible effect on grease and paper, scoring 1% and 0% respectively. It has the second lowest price per gallon. However, it’s important to note that this product is designed to be used in one go, pouring the entirety of the bottle. Given its alkaline behavior (10.1 pH), corrosion is definitely a concern.
Zep Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener: Surprisingly low performance dissolving hair, given it’s a sulfuric acid drain cleaner. Highest performance dissolving paper products; it was the only one to score 100% in this category. However, it almost doubles the rest of its competition in price per gallon. Use with extreme caution and follow all instructions.
Chemical drain cleaners FAQ
What are chemical drain cleaners?