The TRUTH About Drain Cleaners: Which Ones Actually Work?

Drain cleaners are a popular way to try and clear clogged drains, but which ones actually work? In this video, I test out four different drain cleaners to see which one is the best at clearing clogged drains.
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⏰ Chapters:
00:00 ▶️ Intro
00:15 ▶️ Rules and drain cleaners
00:40 ▶️ Simulating a clogged drain
03:07 ▶️ Adding drain cleaners
04:47 ▶️ Something is happening
05:50 ▶️ Letting them sit
06:01 ▶️ Final Results
06:54 ▶️ What to do if drain cleaners don't work
08:41 ▶️ Be careful with drain cleaners
09:09 ▶️ Bloopers
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
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[@mountaetnablacksmithing1693]

Sulphuric acid(Kleen Out) might be good at dissolving some organic matter, but here's some tips: A.) Sulphuric acid, especially at high concentrations heats up and can react violently with water. I'm not sure how strong Kleen Out is, but be careful. B.) Due to sulphuric acid being a "mineral acid" it's chemistry is such that it rapidly and strongly reacts with most metals. I would not use it if you have copper or cast iron pipes. You might get away with it a couple times, but eventually it'll weaken your pipes to failure. My point is, don't play with chemicals unless you absolutely know what you're doing. Strong acids also tend to violently react with other chemicals, so please don't mix anything. Sulphur compounds are some of the more toxic ones you can come across in a lab. Things like hydrogen sulfide are very dangerous.

[@pravitkeyo9167]

i only came here cuz i bought drano for my shower drain and it worked just as good as kleen out. Keep up the good work Roger

[@gmill0188]

Drano Max Gel is my favourite. It’s good at dissolving hair. My wife sheds like a dog.

[@kaymoney526]

i hope she doesnt know your user id online... lol :)

[@rdizzy1]

With most of these chemicals you are supposed to leave them for a few hours and then run the water through as hot as it will go for like 5 minutes afterwards, the chemical dissolves the clog, the hot water rinses it out. Also, each chemical is obviously safe for different types of pipes, and works best on different types of clogs, some work better on oils, some work better on shower drains because they dissolve hair better, etc. I've had totally fine results from generic bottles of drain cleaner from the dollar store.

[@papasazombie5971]

Santeen concentrated sulfuric acid gotta run cold water. Directions say reacts violently with hot water.

[@dirtydoge756]

Green Gobbler got out the plug in my tub after trying several other products. The Green Gobbler was the only one that worked and worked flawlessly. Crazy to see them all visualized like this. I feel like a basin on top of each testing station to fill with water, instead of the air ram would have been ideal considering most people only have the water pressure from their sink basin and not an air ram.

[@Ariccio123]

Side note: Grease-X (from the root-x people) seems to work really well for buildup. I had our drains scoped before we put new floors in, and the 40 year old kitchen main drain line was spotless. A cast iron drain. And I cook tons of burgers and steaks and rinse the cast iron in that sink.

[@Hannah_The_Heretic]

But the best thing you can do is be constantly mindful of what goes in your drains, that way you'll never have build up in the first place!

[@MultiTomcat67]

While Kleen Out did break up the clog faster, Roger found out it's acidic (ow!). The Green Gobbler (close to 2nd?) is an organic digester, so should be safer for the pipes. There's my trade-off two products.

[@toddbeaver6377]

Awesome video. I had to laugh when a plumber is worried about the chemical stress causing damage to pipes, then he proceeds to put so much physical stress to clear a clog, he blows the system apart. I have learned a ton from your videos, so thank you and keep it up!

[@RogerWakefield]

Ha we like to have fun every once in awhile...thanks for watching!

[@jacobpitts6846]

This test was no good because it misunderstands the method of action of the other three products. They have an exothermic reaction when combined with water. they need water to work, it's why the directions say to flush with the hottest possible water for some time at the end. The best usage method is to put as much hot water into the clog as it will take, let it go down a little if it can, and then add the product, wait 15 minutes, and flush with water for at least a minute. It will create a burning reaction.

[@rexusthevaliant6311]

I've heard a lot of stories with the air rams in condos and apartments. The air gets trapped going does causing it to be siphoned out of the downstairs sinks and such. I don't think I'd ever use it in a multistory home either.

[@horsenuts1831]

I don't know what it is like in the US, but here in England, we can buy neat sulphuric acid and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) over the counter in limited amounts after an age check. These are usually the ingredients found in various products that have a large markup and a heavy advertising budget to support. It makes sense to go to the basic ingredient. My first preference for clearing a blockage is firstly a basic plunger. Inside the house, I wouldn't use sulphuric acid because it can do some serious damage to any metal fittings that it might encounter in the pipework. I'm happy to use it in the outside drains (it worked wonders with the remains of some tree roots that had blocked the main drain). Inside, I would stick to sodium hydroxide because it is less likely to damage pipework, but wear proper protective gear when using it, and ventilate the room.

[@jamescarlin1681]

Liquid Lighting works. I think it is like Clean Out, both are acid based. You know it works because there is a rotten eggs smell almost instantly. That’s the acid reacting with the hair and scuzz, releasing sulphur dioxide gas. Acid also creates an exothermic reaction with water so it gets hot. Gotta be careful with it, because it is sulphuric acid. Also in a shower or tub, cover the drain to keep the smell contained.

[@ShadowMind312]

Hair and Grease drain opener has been my go to for years! Its super saturated solution of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. I could make soap with it, lol

[@DrainMedic]

We never recommend a drain cleaner to unstop a drain. We only recommend drain cleaner to prevent a clog from happening. Great video Roger

[@mangos2888]

But this video is good because people are gonna buy anyway

[@garybensel6680]

Can't find Kleen out anywhere, listed at many stores but no one carries it anymore. probably caused too much damage or hurt too many people.

[@Lance-yl5sz]

Hi from Australia. I used to be a plumber and always did it the manual way. Remove the trap and plug & waste, then clean by hand. Was told the drain cleaning solutions could damage the rubber o-rings on the traps so have never used them. To each his own :). Thanks for the video.

[@Peace_mkr1]

whoever edited this is a goat 😂

[@scrogathon]

Hulk hogan's brother Gary did it.

[@ricemanstm]

I wish I'd seen your videos before I delved into the amateur world of red neck Asian plumbing techniques. Thank you for these videos!

[@RogerWakefield]

I've never been down that rabbit hole before, check me out first 😅😎

[@outerfroggy1]

I have two dogs we bathe regularly and their fur clogs the drain pretty much every time (even with a pre-strainer). Liquid plumber hair destroyer I think its called works amazing for hair clogs. But I don't pour bacon grease and soap down there soooo lol

[@b.powell3480]

Great video, Roger!, but why didn't you use san tees and drain compression fittings on the test drain so the trap drains wouldn't come apart from the test drain you used as a test rig !?, thanks for the great video!!

[@commanderoof4578]

Issue is this assumes clean pipes The second there is scale buildup no matter what kind, it binds to the walls and the stuff blocking it Which means just about nothing works apart from physically breaking it up with tools not fluids or powders

[@Hybris51129]

Acid works but good grief can it get scary quick if you disrespect it.

[@RogerWakefield]

Yes, very effective and very dangerous ⛑

[@Rebeccaac]

I’m in a rental and can’t remove my bathroom sink stopper by myself but it always gets so much gunk on it! Looks like a slimy dark brown mold. I try to do vinegar and baking soda weekly but it doesn’t prevent the buildup. I wonder if an acid like this would help but as a renter I don’t want to cause pipe damage.

[@RenardThatch]

"oh, that's acid." I saw it coming and I couldn't look away...

[@RenardThatch]

@@RogerWakefield I'm curious what effect acidic drain cleaners have on PVC if left in the pipe for a protracted period.Also curious what alkaline drain cleaners have on PVC... Like that "thrift" drain cleaner... If you ever decide to do some sort of test like that make sure that you don't mix the two though.

[@karlkarlng]

​@@Rebeccaacyou gotta unscrew the pushrod thing to remove the stopper. I'm pretty sure it's decomposing hair that you're seeing.

[@Wowkansas]

Never use the air ram after chemicals, only before. Saw a kid have to go to the ER for burning his face with acid crystals.

[@BrassMtn]

I have a clogged bathroom sink, probably my wife’s hair (and my beard hair) I need your suggestion for what would work best. I respect your opinion and need help sir

[@LuminairPrime]

I upvoted this for the effort, but every time I see this video I can't believe PLUMBERS built a test rig without the pipes fastened together. 🤭

[@KrisFarns]

This is highly entertaining. Thanks.

[@mangos2888]

My house was built in '93 and had a major bathroom repair in 2012 - about 4 years before I bought it. I have no idea what kind of pipes I have 😂😂

[@Woodynik]

Just used pure lye on my totally clogged kitchen sink. Had a small explosive reaction but it cleared the clog perfectly in less than one minute. Make sure you ventilate with a powerful fan and open all windows. I feel a little woozy

[@RogerWakefield]

Oh wow! Be safe! Yes drain cleaners can be very dangerous! Glad it worked for you though

[@contax50mm]

Thought this was project farm from the thumbnail, bamboozled!

[@ashwinj1211]

Tried liquid plumber and it worked well, thank you!

[@RogerWakefield]

Awesome! glad it worked

[@5300bringham]

However green gobbler did pretty darn good without using caustic chemicals

[@kaypurcell9113]

Omg I think I found my new favorite youtube channel 😂😮

[@BCoots23]

20 psi is too much on your first shot especially a tubular trap and all especially when you know there's acid in the pipe

[@amirpandayt8786]

Sir which one is best in plumbing ? sanitary drainage, stormwater drainage and potable water.

[@matmarchand2399]

I've used all these I had a customer with a bad clog and she used everything should could buy to clear it I used green gobbler and came back the next day and the water was draining perfect

[@RogerWakefield]

Do you carry drain cleaners with you in your vehicle? I’ve never had any luck with green gobbler…although in this test it did liquify it which would’ve made it go down the pipe easier

[@matmarchand2399]

@RogerWakefield I don't carry drain cleaners but I've used all them and the gobbler I've had really good luck with

[@phillyflash43]

Yeah if that's an enzymatic cleaner your supposed to leave it in overnight, something like that, they're not a fast cleaner.

[@mewregaurdhissyfit7733]

I live in an area with heavy sand build up in the drains. My bathroom sink looks like a tunnel of mini sand castles. I would think ALL of these products would work the same on FRESH clogs.......not stuff thats been building up over months or years. How about doing a video about "green" or "bio safe" drain cleaners? I'd be interested in that for sure.

[@hominglam8537]

Can you test the roto rooter gel?

[@tomheffron2896]

I used to use these products, but now I just unscrew the p trap and empty it, we’ll, at least, in my kitchen.

[@RogerWakefield]

Sometimes that’s the best option

[@mikematij2]

If only there was a plumber around to put the rig together so it wouldn't blow apart

[@UyenNguyen-mg8pz]

Thay oi Thay hat rat hay ! Nghe di nghe lai thay hay vo cung ! 🙏👍👏 Con kinh chuc Thay that nhieu suc khoe va van su an lanh …🙏😍🍀🍀🍀🎉🌹

[@denisestoker5944]

The red bottle dranos for me love it

[@emii4233]

The ending 😂😂😂😂

[@ronhaefner7833]

That is hilarious. Great video. Were gonna need a bigger shirt... selection...

[@DavidGonzalez-xo7rf]

I am having difficulty with my waterless urinals clogging up. And I know the pipes are galvanized what is the best way to clean them out?

[@Metqa]

This is literally the kind of visual and practical proof I've been hoping for for products like these. I don't trust the visuals of a softly clogged pipe being "rescued". Real Clogs in real circumstances.

[@KillerofGods]

Can you pour root killer in the clean out near the kitchen to try to help prevent rootsl build up? I probably got roots in my line in the middle of the house. I was thinking of using that to buy some time until I save up the massive bill that will be to fix.

[@user-lw2sh4ss7o]

? Is that 10w30 bacon grease? Darkest I’ve ever seen.

[@TheLordJC]

So, question....either that a person uses...is it OK to or which way is correct or works best?... 1- Pour the drain cleaner liquid INTO a clog that is say, NOT all the way DOWN yet & when u pour some drain cleaner, it sorta half fills up the sink a mere 2 fingers ? --- will the cleaner liquid still work its way thru the end of the pipe cleaning it or dissolving it overtime, a few hours or so lets say ....then after a few hrs or overnite, just pour some very hot water ? --- or ... 2- U GOTTA wait until all or MOST of the drainage goes fully down to THEN use the cleaner?.....So which, 1 or 2, or either? - Lets just say, afraid of maybe using hot water while the cleaner is a bit on the sink as well.....hence the question, Thx a lot!

[@towandacarter7277]

Just paid $770 due to a clog. They went on the roof 😮 everything was fine till 9 days later and same problem. They want to charge $99 for someone to come out and acess the problem smh same problem. Just stopped in to see if theres something else i can try. I live alone and dont have visitors much so i know no one has put anything in the toilet. The green gobbler is what i was thinking to try.

[@MrHarveyrex23]

Plumbers don't like drain cleaning liquids and gels because if they work. Plumbers don't have any work/ incomes.

[@louisschaper1562]

Love the vids Rodger!! Keep it up!!! Never use a cleaner solvent is my suggestion. When I doubt snake it out!

[@RogerWakefield]

Right on💪

[@rexusthevaliant6311]

Will destroy cast iron and damage copper over time. PVC is the only one that's really resistance to chemicals

[@dustinbennett6474]

​@@RogerWakefield I have a question I have a upstairs toilet that no longer flushes we had a plumber coming look at the telescope needs to be ventilated Which is funny because when we 1st moved in The toilet flushed fine With no problem

[@dustinbennett6474]

​@@RogerWakefield I'm just curious if there's a way to get around it

[@keilana6]

Yeah if you know what you're doing & don't live in an apartment. Disposal drainpipes constantly clog even if you don't use disposal.

[@rockarolla306]

RIP. Jim Lehay lives forever!

[@fedemtz6]

The clean out bottle reminds me of the gas station energy bottles that they sell

[@thegr8arp]

I mean, sure the Kleen-Out worked quicker, but should you really be using sulfuric acid on pipes? Should everyday people be using it at all? I mean, you got a little on you, and it didn't take long to start burning your skin. Compared to Drano and Liquid Plumber, I would say the Green Gobbler was leading. My only issue with this test is that GG is not intended for a quick use but rather a safer alternative to the more fast acting ones. It uses enzymes rather than chemicals, so it just takes longer. Which, when you consider that, doesn't say much about Drano or LP.

[@loganrench5680]

30 percent concentration hydrogen peroxide works amazing on hair blockages in drains

[@Lisalvsjohn]

Question: if Kleen Out worked the best, why is it the only one that still has a black clogged drain in the end?? 🤔 Could plumbers possibly not recommend these drain cleaners because it takes away business from them?

[@ericluu1815]

Dont waste your time watching, he ends up blasting the drain with air instead of pouring water and testing the clog.

[@sandybridge4401]

Thanks for saving me the time

[@anthony10370]

I know I’m a little late to the chat but I’m pretty sure mixing sulphuric acid and lye can make some serious fumes

[@scrogathon]

There was smoke coming out of the tube at one point. Definitely a dangerous test he did.

[@mickryles759]

Liquid or Crystal drain cleaners what are better

[@phillyflash43]

Yes Crystal Drano had the highest ratings online back in the early 2000s so I used that (carefully) to amazing success....but several years ago I wanted to get some more, and couldn't find it. I think it was still available somewhere but I read that the formula had been changed (to basically ineffective) because it was considered too caustic and/or environmentally unfriendly.

[@rhondascraftobsessions5817]

That clog drainer on my left is some nasty stuff. It did a number on my stainless steel sink.

[@Raymail-tj4cf]

I am surprised you didn’t use old school lye.

[@andyruse4670]

Acid is scary stuff Personally I just use a little strainer for the sink. Soak that in drain cleaner every few months whenever I can’t just knock whatever is in it out. That way drain cleaner is never just sitting in the pipes. Anything that could clog them is at the sink instead of in the trap.

[@anarchistjester7475]

Try out scram I'd like to see it tested. Like this

[@fauxque5057]

I have to say that pressurizing stopped up drains full of caustic liquids isn't the smartest thing I have seen on the internet

[@boogiedaddy3434]

Using that thing pretty much ruined any potential helpfulness of the video too. We needed to see which ones might work for the average person that doesn't have a professional tool like a water ram.

[@mexico1448]

The “bruh” 💀😂😂

[@nicolenew1708]

SUPER COOL

[@victoriasprague7014]

You should have added professor Amos drain cleaner

[@RogerWakefield]

I've never heard of that one before, is it a sulfuric acid type?

[@izzycurer1260]

What about bleach, or lye, or boiling water?

[@PorkPie89]

I’m just surprised you did not use pvc glue on the connections.. that would have saved you 3 shirt changes and acid exposure

[@islandcat3930]

Which ia the best for toilets with standing water

[@RogerWakefield]

Plunger

[@brendachristian582]

Omg 😂😂 that was funny !! Thank you 😂

[@maxhillman_]

GREEEN GOBBLER!!!

[@RogerWakefield]

It eats your money!!

[@brendawilliams3936]

Thank you

[@RogerWakefield]

You're welcome

[@Crunchifyable2]

Be interested in a test on iron pipes.

[@RogerWakefield]

That test is underway results soon

[@GrueTurtle]

What about lye?

[@floorpizza8074]

Yeah, I was hoping he'd be testing a lye based drain opener, too. That's all I've used in PVC plumbed houses for many years... always worked really well.

[@Mr.Helper.]

Do clogs only happen at p traps ?

[@RogerWakefield]

No, they can really happen at any point in your line, but the p-trap usually is where most clogs happen.

[@Mr.Helper.]

@@RogerWakefield thank you sir

[@OOOHBILLY]

So why not just use wider pipes? (Seriously asking)

[@VirginMary1.0]

I really appreciate your dedication of shaving your head for this test.

[@RogerWakefield]

Commit to the bit

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

The Liquid Plumber bottle says to pour hot water down the drain, after a specified time, to activate. I don’t believe that was done in this video.

[@sarahh.1716]

What about Hair and Grease?

[@RogerWakefield]

Did you watch the video? I added hair and grease...

[@animetalk8132]

Green goblin came in second one thing is for sure draino came last

[@shellcracker18]

Clobber works magic

[@mkeyankee9628]

Can one use a drain cleaner on the disposal?

[@RogerWakefield]

is the disposal the problem or the pipes beyond the disposal?

[@mkeyankee9628]

@@RogerWakefield oh my! I didn't think about that. The dishwasher drains well out the same pipes. Disposal is 25 years young. Maybe time to R&R it. I'll be surfing your videos on that. Love your material!♡ thanks for the rsvp!

[@BigMacOrange]

I use hair and grease.

[@RogerWakefield]

What are you using hair and grease for?

[@CARtaclysm]

It there something you can do, say every month or so, to clean out your pipes so that you don't get a build up. Preventive care you can say, so as not to get to the point where you need a plumber or one of these drain cleaners.

[@RogerWakefield]

I would get a drain strainer, or something similar, so it can catch any hair or larger pieces of debris that normally clog the drains

[@billlaporte8255]

I'm sure these are all the same, but I've actually experienced success with a product called "Thrift".

[@russr]

why no lye?

[@crand20033]

Yeah, that air gun splashes the shitty water back into your face when you use it in a toilet but it works. I have an electric air gun drain cleaner. It works and saves money on calling a plumber though. Cover the toilet with Seran wrap before using it.

[@cluisap]

For me, you're more funny than a plumber 😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@RogerWakefield]

My stand up work is slowly taking off 😎 we'll get there

[@stevenbyrd4310]

Funny how the only one you said the best 1. You used black pipe, so we couldn't really see what was really going on

[@RogerWakefield]

All the pipes were clear…the one that won turned it black..

[@luciahaskins3170]

Green Gobbler sounds like Thanksgiving gone wrong.

[@go5582]

😂 great comment. ❤❤thanks. More please

[@brendawilliams3936]

Drano now they tell ...😮😮😮

[@Seven7Pain1]

im not even gonna watch this but no chemicals are good cause if i go to unstop drain with my machine and theres acid in it service call goes up 50 BUCKS

[@RogerWakefield]

What made you not want to watch?

[@crand20033]

"Roto-Rooter' charges $160 to $500 to clear a toilet so don't call them. Last time I called them they charged me $475. It's sickening to pay that.

[@scrogathon]

Oh thats acid.

[@jonfisher4273]

Plumbers always ask customers have you or any one else but any kind of chemicals down the drain I have been burnt a few times because a customer said no then when I run to a hose bib to wash off my skin one actually said you know I did use liquid fire 2weeks ago

[@RogerWakefield]

That can be so dangerous! Hopefully the burns weren’t too bad?

[@Tracker5111]

Need to just recreate a real grease clig by actually making one. That cloth packing kinda ruins the legitimacy of the experiment i think.

[@toddrhine7648]

In a way its kinda unfair as when items sit in areas of an existing drain for a long time yrs being built up. These wouldn't do that great of a job at all. Unfair meaning, you just put the grease ect in fresh liquid form. Time for that plumber I guess.

[@keepitthoro6768]

Screw this video....let's talk a out that beautiful safe everyone ignoring... You should have a channel based on what you have in there😃👌🏽

[@joeeoj6187]

The plunger wins

[@RogerWakefield]

Always

[@BCoots23]

Stupid because homeowners will really try this now