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The Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs in Showers & Bathtubs 

 April 29, 2021

By  Pham

Over time, your bathroom drains can start clogging up when long hair starts accumulating inside the pipes. When this happens, you can't enjoy your bath since the water will slowly drain or stand in place. Fortunately, you don't need to hire a plumber to resolve the situation. With the best drain cleaner for hair clogs, you can easily remove the clogs and get the water flowing as it should.

However, it can be tricky selecting one option out of the many products on the market. So, here's a list of the best drain cleaners and the factors that should inform your decision.

Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs 

1. Vestar Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover

Sale
Vastar 4 Pack 19.6 Inch Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleanina...
  • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • 4 pack of plastic plumbing snake drain auger
  • 19. 6" flexible barbed wand can easily grab & remove clustered hair,...
  • Soft enough to bend in many kinds of strainers and pipes, great for...
  • Great drain tool for unclogging shower and sink drains, flexes at...

If you are wondering how to unclog your shower drains in a non-toxic and environmentally friendly way, the Vestar Drain Snake is the choice for you. It is a flexible plastic wand with barbs that reaches about 19.6 inches long. You can use it to remove hair clusters, garbage, food, and other drain obstructions without hassle, which is why it's the best drain cleaner on the market.

This drain cleaner is soft and will fit through strainers and pipes to remove clogs in showers, tubs, bathroom sinks, and kitchen drains. The length of this plastic clog remover has multiple teeth to ensure you can quickly remove hindrances to unblock your pipes.

Rather than hiring a plumber to remove entire pipe systems, you can go for the Vastar Drain Snake and remove the blockages affordably and conveniently. It eliminates the additional costs of paying a plumber for assistance and is environmentally safe since it doesn't use any toxic chemicals.

You don't need any expertise or experience to use this plastic drain opener since you only need to insert it into the pipe, turn it to hook the hair, and pull it to clear the pipes.

  • Pros
  • Chemical-free hair clog remover.
  • Easy to use.
  • 3 drain cleaners.
  • Affordable
  • Cons
  • It can break if you use much force.
  • Can fall into wide drains.

2. Green Gobbler Drain Cleaner

Sale
Green Gobbler Hair Grabber Drain Snake - 5 Pack (Great for Sink &...
  • WORKS LIKE A CHARM - Green Gobbler’s Hair Grabber tool is the most...
  • SAVE MONEY ON A PLUMBER - Don’t waste hundreds of dollars for a...
  • REUSABLE - This hair grabbing tool is made of sturdy plastic material...
  • USE IN ANY DRAIN - This tool is safe and compatible with all household...
  • SAFE FOR PLUMBING - Hair Grabber Tool clears drains of hair quickly...

Coming in second is the Green Gobbler Drain cleaner, another hair grabbing tool that is easy to use and considerably affordable. This drain opener is an easy-to-use option that is much more reliable and effective than other hair clog removal methods. You won't have to call the plumber since this tool will allow you to unclog your drains yourself, making it cost-effective.

This 22-inch hair grabbing tool is extra long to ensure it can reach the stubborn clogs as far as they go inside your pipes and drains. This ensures complete removal of the obstructions in your clogged drains. As such, the Green Gobbler Drain Clog remover is one of the best drain cleaners you can buy.

The plastic material used to make this clog eliminator is sturdy enough to be reused after rinsing. This means that you will be getting a long-term drain opening solution by investing in this model. This tool is compatible with sinks, showers, bathtubs, and septic systems.

  • Pros
  • Easy to use.
  • Effective hair removal.
  • Durable.
  • Reusable tool.
  • Works with all household drains.
  • Cons
  • The plastic could get whimsy after several uses.

3. Drano Max Gel Chemical Drain Cleaner

Sale
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink...
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is the #1 Selling Gel Drain...
  • FAST-ACTING: Gets to work in as quick as 7 minutes
  • REMOVES CLOGS: Pours through standing water straight to the clog
  • SAFE ON PIPES: Safe for garbage disposals, bathroom, kitchen and other...
  • WORKS OVERNIGHT: Can leave in drains overnight

If you'd prefer to go with chemical drain cleaners, the best option is the Drano Max Gel, an effective solution against soap, scum, hair, and grease. This liquid drain opener can work on slow draining and standing water without the use of additional equipment. It is easy to use and only requires you to pour it over your drain, and wait for 15-30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.

You can use this thick formula to dissolve the stubborn clogs in your drain line hands-free. This chemical drain cleaner will cut through standing water and reach the clogs deep in your pipes. You don't have to worry about this gel eating through your pipes or septic system since it is safe to use on PVC, garbage disposals, metal pipes, and other household drains.

Whether it's your bathtub, shower, or sink, this product is the perfect solution to unclogging your drains and ensuring a smooth flow of water.

  • Pros
  • Safe for household drains.
  • It will dissolve hair, soap, scum, and grease.
  • Works fast.
  • Instructions are easy to follow.
  • Cons
  • It's hard to estimate the right amount to use.
  • Not safe to use in a toilet or garbage disposal.

4. Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator

The Liquid Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator is among the best liquid drain cleaners you can find today. It is formulated to dissolve the hair clogs that block your drain within minimal time. It has a money-back guarantee and will destroy the most persistent hair clogs from your kitchen sink, shower, or bathtub.

This product is the ultimate solution to slow-running or fully blocked drains. So, if you've noticed some blockage slow draining or standing water in your home, Liquid Plumr is the way to go. You can safely use the Liquid Plumr formula in septic systems and household drains since it won't affect the integrity of PVC, metal, or plastic.

If you want to empower yourself and handle drain blockages without any help from plumbing professionals, this chemical drain cleaner will satisfy this need. The thick gel will work in 15 minutes to clear away the hairs that cause the accumulation of soap, scum, grease, and garbage. All you'll have to do after pouring the solution and waiting is to flush the drain with boiling water.

  • Pros
  • Great drain cleaner.
  • Easy to use.
  • Works on your kitchen sink, bathtub, and shower drain.
  • It can dissolve hair in 15 minutes.
  • Cons
  • Not safe for bodily contact.
  • It shouldn't be used to clear toilet clogs.

5. Drainx Drain Auger Pro Plumbing Snake

DrainX Drain Auger Pro | Heavy Duty Steel Drum Plumbing Snake with...
  • 1/4" Dia. Drain Snake with spiral head designed for 1-1/4" through 3"...
  • Features a lasting and durable steel drum housing with grip handle for...
  • This hand-driven drain auger will clear your househould drain clogs...
  • Easy Work Gloves and Drawstring Carrying Pouch Included. Great for use...

Finally, we have the Drainx Drain Auger, which is 25 feet long and designed to reach far into your drainage pipes to get rid of hair, grease, food particles, and other drain clogs. It's an excellent solution if you are avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or huge plumbing bills.

The instructions this tool comes with easy instructions, complementary work gloves, and a carrying pouch. It features a grip handle that you can hold and a turning knob for driving the drain snake into your pipes. This product has a durable housing made from steel drums for durability. As such, you can use this item multiple times, which makes it a long-term investment.

  • Pros
  • Easy to use.
  • Extra-long drain snake.
  • Sturdy build.
  • Easy to cleanNon-toxic option
  • Cons
  • It could go down the drain.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Drain Cleaners

1. Types of Drain Cleaners

There are two primary types the best drain cleaners can take; chemical drain cleaners and mechanical drain cleaners.

  • Chemical Cleaners

These drain cleaners are made from chemicals that can dissolve hair clogs which makes them quite effective. Unfortunately, these formulas contain harsh chemicals that can pose certain dangers to your health if you misuse them. Chemical cleaners made from sodium hydroxide or potassium can produce dangerous fumes when they mix with water.

Before you use a chemical cleaner, you'll have to wear protective gear like gloves since contact with the formula can cause harm to your body. As such, you'll also have to keep the product away from children or pets. Nevertheless, a chemical hair clog remover can clear clogged drains without needing any physical action from you. They can quickly remove clog-causing hair and grease from your pipes and sinks.

  • Mechanical Drain Cleaners

Mechanical drain cleaning requires the use of drain snakes and drain augers. A mechanical drain cleaner functions as an effective grease, hair, and garbage build-up remover since it can physically hook and pull out the clogs. You can use them whether your sink is flooded or dry, which makes them more flexible than chemical methods.

They are environmental-friendly and are the best choice for people living with pets or small children. The downside of mechanical drain cleaning is that the tools might not fit with all drains. So, you'll have to ensure that it can fit in your piping system before you purchase one. Fortunately, you can use these cleaners in your kitchen sink, shower, bathroom, and tub drains.

2. User Safety

In your search for the ideal solution for eliminating hair clogs, you should consider the level of safety you need from your product. If you have children and pets around your house, it can be dangerous to have a chemical cleaner lying around. This is because the chemicals in such products can lead to burns if it touches your skin and eyes or poisoning if ingested. To avoid all the risks involved, a drain snake or auger is a much safer option since they don't involve any chemical use.

Nevertheless, if you think that a liquid drain cleaner is what you need, you should also arm yourself with the necessary protective gear. This will keep your skin and body from contact with the formula and prevent any health risks from arising.

3. Ease of Use

Powder and liquid drain cleaners are packaged in packets and bottles, which makes them easy to use. All that's left to do is pour the contents into your drain, wait and flush the drain with some hot water. This is a straightforward solution that doesn't require any use of tools or equipment. These chemicals only work when there is slow-draining or standing water.

On the other hand, some mechanical options also feature a simple design that involves directing them into your pipes and feeding them until they reach the obstruction. Then, by rotating the tool, you'll hook the hair, soap, and scum so that you can pull them out of your pipes. Depending on convenience, you can make an appropriate selection.

4. Compatibility

Another factor to consider when choosing a suitable drain build-up remover is compatibility. Before you settle on a chemical-based cleaner, you will want to ensure it will be safe to use on the pipes and drains in your home. Fortunately, the gels in this review are safe for PVC, plastic, and metal pipes as well as septic systems.

On the mechanical side, you will want to ensure that the model you choose can fit well in your pipes. If it's too large, it won't do much, and if it's too narrow, it can easily fall in if you mishandle it. So, you should keep an eye on the dimensions and length of the tool as you continue your search.

5. Price

It can be tricky to determine the exact amount of liquid or powder necessary to clean the hair clogs in your drains. Partially clogged pipes can require a portion of or an entire drain cleaner package. If you have several drains with hair clogs, you might have to buy several packages of the cleaner you select. This will increase the price of the overall removal of the blockage.

The mechanical drain cleaners are more cost-effective since they have a sturdy build, making it possible to reuse them. After using a drain snake or auger, you can rinse it off so that you can use it if the drain blocks again. Some brands offer more than one clog remover in the packaging. Such a model can be great for someone who doesn't want to reuse the tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best liquid drain cleaner?

The Drano Max Gel Drain Cleaner is the best option if you want a liquid cleaner for your shower drains.

2. Which is the best mechanical drain cleaner on the market?

The best drain cleaner is the Vestar Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover which is a long tool that is effective against hair clogs.

3. How can I know if my drain is clogged?

As hair, grease, soap, and scum start accumulating in your drains, the water will drain slowly, and eventually, it will stand in place. When the water drain is slow, you should start looking for a drain cleaner. 

Michael Rodriguez


I'm a registered massage therapist out of Vancouver BC. I absolutely hate the information I find on Google about this industry and I started this blog to debunk these myths.

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