The Best Chemical Drain Openers
We compared seven chemical drain openers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and video verdicts. Drano Max Gel (asin B000ST1DZO) is our top pick for its fast action and high user satisfaction.
Updated
The bottom line
Drano Max Gel (asin B000ST1DZO) is our top pick for a chemical drain opener. It starts working in 7 minutes, has a high user rating of 4.5/5 from 76,277 reviews, and is cheaper than hiring a plumber. The closest alternative is Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel (asin B00CZ5GE30), which is slightly more effective for hair clogs but costs more. For a budget option, Drano Max Gel (asin B003TS2R1A) offers similar performance at a lower price.
Drano Max Gel $4.65
Fast-acting, high user satisfaction
Drano Max Gel (asin B000ST1DZO) starts working in 7 minutes and has a high user rating of 4.5/5 from 76,277 reviews. It is safe for all pipes and protects them from corrosion. The tradeoff is that very stubborn clogs may require more than one treatment.
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Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel Clog Remover $5.18
Effective for hair clogs
Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel (asin B00CZ5GE30) is formulated specifically for hair clogs and contains 70% more actives than other Liquid-Plumr products. It is safe for all septic systems and pipe materials. The tradeoff is its higher price compared to Drano Max Gel.
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Drano Max Gel $9.47
Affordable, effective drain opener
Drano Max Gel (asin B003TS2R1A) offers similar performance to the top pick at a lower price. It starts working in 7 minutes and has a high user rating of 4.5/5 from 52,473 reviews. The tradeoff is that it may require more than one treatment for very stubborn clogs.
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- Drano Max Gel Fast action, high user satisfaction 9.0/10 $4.65 Amazon
- Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel Clog Remover Effective for hair clogs, higher price 8.5/10 $5.18 Amazon
- Drano Max Gel Affordable, effective drain opener 8.0/10 $9.47 Amazon
- Drano Max Gel High user satisfaction, higher price 7.5/10 $14.42 Amazon
- Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel Effective for hair clogs, higher price 7.0/10 $10.36 Amazon
- Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner Enzyme-based, requires multiple applications 6.5/10 $25.97 Amazon
- Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner for Grease Traps & Septic Tank Enzyme-based, high price 6.0/10 $99.98 Amazon
Who should buy which
If you need a fast-acting, affordable drain opener, Drano Max Gel (asin B000ST1DZO) is your best bet. For hair clogs, Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel (asin B00CZ5GE30) is more effective but costs more. If you have a severe clog or need to maintain a grease trap or septic tank, Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner (asin B079K94HHV) is a good choice despite its higher price.
Also-rans
Drano Max Gel (asin B00MV8MWEQ) and Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Hair Eliminator Gel (asin B0D14WXQ5T) are both effective but cost more than our top picks. Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner for Grease Traps & Septic Tank (asin B079K2KBRQ) is the most expensive option and is best for severe clogs or maintaining grease traps and septic tanks.