10 Best Bathtub Drain Cleaners (2024) Reviewed & Compared

Bathtub Drain Cleaner Compared

1. Drano Max

First up, we have our top pick that you're sure to find at a store near you – Drano Max. Drano is a tried and true brand that continues to pack a great deal of value into every bottle of their affordably priced drain cleaner.

This particular caustic gel is made up of a unique blend of ingredients, including sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, and sodium silicate. Even so, this formula is entirely safe for use with a septic system and most types of modern plumbing.

Every time I use Drano Max on the job, I’m amazed at how efficiently it takes effect. In fact, I’ve even seen it run its entire course in only 7 minutes! Typically, you’ll only need one treatment of this gel to clean out the soapiest and most hair-filled clogs.

But if you do end up needing a second pass (or if you experience clogs in your tub regularly), you can always be sure that you’ll have some Drano on hand with this added value 2-pack.

2. Green Gobbler

Green Gobbler comes in as the runner up, but not because it is any less effective than other top drain cleaner brands. While it is true that I prefer Green Gobbler for lighter declogging jobs, it does manage to accomplish that job without putting up any bothersome odors. This formula is also non-flammable and doesn’t cause skin irritation, so it is extra safe, too.

Green Gobbler also takes pride in its environmentally-friendly mix of ingredients, all of which will play nice in your at-home septic system. They also want to be sure that you thoroughly enjoy your use of their products, which is undoubtedly why they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on every bottle.

3. XIONLAB

Xionlab’s latest offering is one of the best septic safe bathtub drain cleaners around, and I’m not just saying that because they’re popular right now. Instead, this brand’s cleaner has lived up to the hype by creating an enzyme-based solution that can break down hair and soap without being corrosive or caustic at all.

This formulation even gained recognition from Terra Care, thus providing proof that Xionlabs’ cleaner really lives up to its eco-friendly billing.

That's not all though, when it comes to this product’s green qualities. As it turns out, these bottles are all made from post-consumer plastics. As such, you can be confident that you aren’t harming any aspect of the environment by utilizing this product regularly.

4. Liquid-Plumr

Some of the most popular drain cleaners on the market today are challenging to pour into your drain properly. Not so with Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator, which is among the easiest to use bathtub drain cleaners available to consumers and professionals alike.

That’s because this product features a tapered open end, thus allowing you to pour it squarely in the drain without splashing or dribbling.

In terms of its productivity, this type of Liquid-Plumr also makes the grade. That’s because it has been reformulated with 70% more active ingredients that target hair with unmatched precision. These ingredients are made up of mainly biodegradable surfactants, though, so you can count on them to break down and leave your septic system alone.

5. Flo-Kem 5195

Flo-Kem 5195 is another strong enzyme drain cleaner that is sometimes overlooked by non-plumbers. While I will admit that its short shelf life and need to buy in bulk do act as drawbacks for this product, I still recommend keeping a bottle around if your groundwater regularly caused tub drain clogs. That's because this product's bio-enzyme formula works wonders when it comes to opening up stuck drains and killing off troubling odors.

Oddly enough, Flo-Kem 5195 even smells relatively nice, and that's saying something for a drain cleaning. Its milky white appearance also provides visual confirmation that every valuable drop has made it down the drain. That goes for almost any kind of drain, by the way, as this product is safe to use in sinks as well as tub drains.

6. Green Gobbler DISSOLVE

This iteration of Green Gobbler is slightly different in that it works best with standing water, which is a rarity when it comes to consumer-grade drain cleaners. In fact, I’ve poured this enzyme formula into several very troubling stuck drains and seen results in mere minutes.

As I’ve learned, that’s because this product’s formula manages to liquify all organic material, thus allowing it to flow down to the sewer or septic system effortlessly and safely.

Though this isn’t a big issue for me as a professional plumber, I believe that this product is particularly beneficial to consumers like you because it comes with two pre-measured uses in each package. As such, you won’t need to fiddle with measuring cups or risk a spill to use this kind of Green Gobbler.

7. Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength

Of course, I couldn’t make a list of the best liquid bathtub drain cleaners without mention Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength. This cleaning solution is always an excellent option for DIY plumbers who not only want to clear out their drains but also protect the same from future obstructions.

This product accomplishes this later task using its unique PipeGuard+ formula, which coats the drainpipe’s interior with a protective layer while simultaneously loosening stuck on hair and minerals.

All of this takes place in just 15 minutes, making this one of the quickest drain cleaning options available at most consumer stores. It also usually accomplishes its primary cleaning task in a single pass, so you only need to buy a multi-pack if you regularly experience clogs in your tub drain.

8. Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria

I'll admit, I had not heard of Bio-clean until recently. But now, I recommend it to my clients as the best natural cleaner with enzymes. I'd go so far as to say that this natural drain cleaner for a tub really goes the extra mile when it comes to packing in added value. Though this single container may look meager, you can actually get over 100 treatments out of it if you follow its usage instructions.

You’ll need to do a new treatment every month to keep your tub drainpipes clear, though, so the nearly $50 price of this drain cleaner may not justify itself for you. But believe me, when you see its natural bacteria and enzymes digest organic matter, you might reconsider passing over Bio-clean.

9. Bioda Drain Cleaner & Odor Eliminator

Bioda Drain Cleaner is among the very few odorless products in this collection, which is why I generally recommend it to folks who are sensitive to the smells put off by traditional caustic cleaners.

Even when it’s in the tub drain, you’ll see that this product can do a number on annoying odors by eliminating the in-drain residues that cause them to come back again and again.

While it’s in there, it will even make work of most hairballs and soap collections as well. While I cannot say for sure what is in Bioda's bio-enzymatic formula, I can confidently tell you that it is made in the USA. As such, I am confident that it is safe to use on a regular basis, even if your home has older piping.

10. ComStar 024924305003

Finally, I want to be sure that the budget shoppers out there know about the best cheap bathtub drain cleaner - ComStar 024924305003. These beads are made from pure lye and cost only around $6 per bottle. Though that price may not inspire greatness, you can take my word for it that their re-engineered shape makes them uniquely able to fully contact and clean the inside of a wide tub drainpipe.

ComStar also knows that users of this type of lye bead aren't just busy unclogging a tub drain or two. That's why this product has been tested for safe use with grease traps, septic systems, and cesspools. That can even increase positive bacterial action in those locations, making it less likely they'll off-gas bothersome odors. 

What Causes Clogged Drains?

Bathtub drains can become clogged for any number of reasons. One of the most common causes of a clogged bathtub is knotted up hair, which has a tendency to settle into drains and block the flow of water.

Soap particles can also cause a clog, especially if they are allowed to solidify in between fair strands. Depending on your water quality, mineral deposits can also contribute to drain clogs.

Caustic Cleaner

Oxidizing Cleaner

Acid Drain Cleaner

Most drain cleaners use a form of acid to eat through any materials that may be clogging up your drain. Many make use of sulfuric acid, which makes them ideal for working through clogs that other physical removal methods cannot resolve. However, acid drain cleaners must be used carefully, as they can dangerously mix with some other types of cleaners.

Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners aren’t typically used for drain clearing, though they may still be useful around the house for eliminating stains and odors (such as those caused by pets). This type of cleaner can be made safely at home and may be advertised as a “natural” alternative to chemical cleaners.

Cleaner Ingredients

Always check a cleaner’s ingredients before buying and using it. Different types of cleaners often use chemicals that may be acidic or basic, which in turn can lead to danger or harm if they are misused. Also, some cleaners may indicate that they are “eco-friendly” to denote that they do not cause long-term water contamination if used for regular maintenance.

Some cleaners are formulated to tackle specific types of clogs. As such, if you believe that your clog is mostly made up of hair, soap scum, grease, or mineral buildup, then you should purchase a pipe cleaner that can handle those clog ingredients in short order. However, most consumer-grade drain cleaners can handle all of these clog types to some degree of success.

Ease of Use/Application

Using a bathtub drain cleaner shouldn't be done in a lack-a-daisy manner, especially when that cleaner contains acids or bases that could harm you or your family if they are applied improperly. As such, you should always evaluate a given cleaner's application instructions before buying them to determine if you are capable of carrying them out safely and successfully.

Cost

As with all types of cleaner, you should only buy a bathtub drain cleaner that is valued at a price you are willing to pay. In many cases, it pays to compare several brands to determine if they offer comparable levels of performance, based upon their price. However, in some cases, it pays to buy a higher-quality bathtub drain cleaner that is easier to use or safer for the environment.

Effective Unclogging Methods for Tub Drains

Homemade/DIY Drain Cleaners

Currently, several homemade drain cleaner solutions may be worth trying if you don't want to run out for a store-bought drain cleaner at the moment. For example, a 1 to 1 solution of vinegar and baking soda tends to do a good job at deodorizing a drain when applied carefully.

Similarly, a solution of lemon juice and baking soda can help break down small clogs that don’t involve hair. Some DIY cleaning experts also swear by a solution of ¼ cup salt, borax, and vinegar. This paste can break down some more moderate clogs if allowed to sit for several hours.

Plunger

Snake Drain Auger

Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are also the chemical drain cleaners, many of which I’ve taken the time to review in this guide. Though most chemical drain cleaners come in a liquid form, options are also available in gel and powder form to meet your unique drain clearing needs.

How to Unclog Bathtub Drains Safely

Unclogging your tub drain involves several steps which depend upon the type of drain cleaning method you are implementing. Most liquid drain cleaning solutions simply require you to pour the liquid down and allow it time to activate.

To do this safely, you should always make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated. Also, be sure to wear eye protection, as well as gloves and other skin protection garments due to the risk for chemical burns.

For more insights into unclogging your bathtub drain manually, check out this video. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to better understand the best safety practices associated with unclogging a bathtub drain, be sure to check the use instructions that came with your drain unclogging liquid or tool of choice. This can be especially important because the mixing of some drain cleaners can cause poisonous gases to form.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are the best methods for preventing clogged drains?

What chemicals dissolve hair in a drain?

Usually, you’ll need a strong acid to break down hair. This is because hair is made of proteins, which tend to retain their form when exposed to weak solutions. Most standard drain cleaning liquids are rated to break down hair with ease. But in particular, those that use sulfuric acid tend to perform best on this front.

Is Drano bad for pipes?

When it comes to using Drano as a one-off solution for a bathtub drain clog, you are not likely to cause any damage to your pipes. However, if your tub is connected to PVC pipes, they may react slightly and degrade more rapidly. The same is true of most types of metal piping, which may deteriorate and crack if they a routinely exposed to strong acids or bases.

When should I call a professional plumber regarding my clogged bathtub drain?

Generally speaking, you should call in a professional when a clog gets out of hand for your personal skills. However, if you are using a chemical drain cleaner and the clog still does not dissolve, never try to use a physical unclogging method after. Always call in a professional to avoid the risk of personal injury.

How much does professional drain cleaning cost?

Precise rates will differ from plumber to plumber, especially if your clog turns out to be more complex. But most plumbers charge a flat rate between $50 and $100 for basic unclogging services.

Conclusion

By now, you’re probably ready to get back out there and tackle your clogged bathtub drain once and for all. But now that you know all about what goes into a quality drain cleaning solution, you can choose an option that fits your needs and prevents your pipes from coming to any hard.

Before you go, though, let me make one final recommendation for Drano Max. For what it’s worth, this is my go-to pick when it comes to liquid drain clearing. Not only does this solution’s formula make work of almost any common clogging agent, but it also comes at a great value when you buy it in a multi-pack online.