Rating TOP 7 best pipe cleaners: which one to choose, pros and cons, reviews

Water seal device for toilet and bidet

When connecting the toilet to the home sewer network, installing a siphon is not required, since a water seal is already provided inside the toilet.

The operating principle of the toilet flush system is shown in the diagram. The path of water is shown by blue arrows. After pressing the button or lever located on the toilet cistern, a large amount of water is immediately supplied to its bowl. After flushing the sewage, the water is directed into the drain pipe and, making a turn, goes into the sewer riser. Due to the presence of a loop in the drain pipe, some of the water is retained, thereby forming a water seal that blocks the penetration of unpleasant odors. In a bidet, the water seal is designed in a similar way.

How to do

Let's look at how to make a sewer trap with your own hands. The simplest option is to drill two transverse through holes in the riser under the ceiling. One above the other, at a short distance (a few centimeters, it doesn’t matter). Metal rods are tightly inserted into these holes, which will trap foreign objects, freely allowing water and organic matter to pass through.

You can use a revision in the hatch of which a trap for the sewer riser is installed. It's easy to make it yourself. The easiest way is to insert a rod with several wire spikes extending from it. The wire is wound, leaving ends of 3-4 cm. A few pieces located in a horizontal plane are enough. This method is convenient because it allows you to quickly dismantle the trap at any time. However, not every apartment has an audit. By default, it is placed on the lower and upper floors of low-rise buildings, or every three floors of buildings with more than 5 floors.

It must be remembered that a trap is an ineffective and illegal means that does not so much solve the problem as create or increase it.

The best gels for cleaning pipes

Gel products are the most popular. They are characterized by good fluidity, but they envelop pipes better than liquids, are evenly distributed over the surface of the resulting plug and dissolve it more effectively, at the same time eliminating plaque accumulated on the walls.

"Ruff" - inexpensive universal gel

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Active gel that is suitable for cleaning any type of pipes. Due to its thick consistency, it penetrates deep into the blockage, even if there is water left in the system. The action of the brush is aimed at removing fats, hairballs, food debris, paper and organic waste. The product also copes well with unpleasant odors from the sewer.

To remove the plug, it is recommended to use 500 ml; for prevention, you can pour less gel.

Pros:

• affordable price (about 80 rubles per 1 liter);
• removes most blockages;
• removes odors;
• suitable for all types of pipes;
• available in most stores.

Minuses:

• high consumption;
• unsealed packaging.

Many buyers note a low-quality lid that may leak. Therefore, after purchase, it is recommended to store and transport the Ruff gel only in an upright position.

Tiret Turbo – against severe blockages

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Tiret Turbo is a gel for express pipe cleaning. To remove even complex blockages, just pour it in for 5-10 minutes. The products are much heavier than water, so the gel can be poured into a full sink. Tiret quickly “sinks”, easily penetrating to the site of contamination.

The manufacturer recommends pouring 250 ml of gel, which indicates economical consumption of the product. Tiret Turbo is sold in bright red bottles of 0.5 or 1 liter. The lid has child protection and microscopic holes to ventilate the contents and prevent the accumulation of excess gases. After using the gel, the room must be ventilated.

Pros:

• sold in almost every store and supermarket;
• suitable for metal and plastic pipes;
• short duration of action;
• low consumption;
• thoughtful packaging;
• Removes even complex blockages.

Minuses:

• expensive (about 350 rubles for 500 ml);
• not suitable for toilets, rubber and copper pipes;
• acrid smell.

Buyers are advised to monitor promotions on Tiret Turbo - you can often buy it at a better price.

Grass Digger Gel – antibacterial product

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Grass Digger Gel dissolves fat deposits, hair, and food residues. The product also effectively fights bacteria and unpleasant odors from the sewer. For prevention, it is enough to pour the reagent for only 5 minutes; for complex blockages, it is better to leave it in the pipe for several hours.

According to the instructions, add 300-500 ml of water to the powder, depending on the intensity of the pipe contamination. The product does not have a pronounced pungent odor, so there is no need to ventilate the room after using it. Grass Digger Gel is sold in different pack sizes - 0.75 liter bottles and 5.3 liter canisters.

Pros:

• low price (about 100 rubles for 750 ml);
• several types of packaging;
• removes unpleasant odors;
• sold in most stores;
• no pungent odor;
• works quickly.

Minuses:

• high consumption.

For complex plugs, you need to fill in at least 500 ml of product, which makes the consumption of the gel uneconomical.

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Unusual Products

Special attention should be paid to non-standard products, which can also eliminate blockages in pipes.

Drainwig system

The Drainwig system is a small technical device that helps eliminate the risk of blockages. The device consists of a flower-shaped mount and a chain up to 50 cm long. To install the system, you need to lower the chain into the bathroom or sink drain, and then fix the position of the device using the mount.

Thus, all small particles washed down the drain will cling to the chain, which will need to be pulled out periodically to get rid of debris. Such a system costs from 100 rubles.

Karcher

Karcher is a brand that produces machines for cleaning clogs. The advantages of such machines are:

• Instant removal of blockages;
• No harmful chemicals;
• Increased pipeline service life.

You can use the Karcher machine even in winter as a defrost, and with its help you can remove not only blockages in home drains, but also in the main sewer. The disadvantage, of course, is the high cost. However, this method is considered quite unusual.

There are also products available in tablet form, which are quite convenient.

Tips for choosing

To choose a good device for your own use, you definitely need to pay attention to:

1. Bulk substances. Sold in the form of granules or powders. They contain very strong chemical compounds. Working with such substances requires compliance with safety measures and maximum caution. Each product is hermetically packaged in a thick plastic bag. Its contents are designed for one cleaning only.
2. Liquid. Very popular for clearing blockages. Such products are offered by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. All chemicals are contained in sealed plastic jars. They contain components that promote whitening and remove unpleasant odors. In addition, such chemicals can be used for disinfection purposes.
3. Helium. They provide fairly long-term protection of the system from re-formation of congestion. After all, the viscous gel not only dissolves the organic plug, but also envelops the inside of the pipe with a thin, slimy film that prevents the formation of silty deposits.
4. Acid preparations. Effective against blockages caused by mineral substances, it can dissolve hair, soap residues and other deposits accumulated inside pipes. Such preparations are indispensable in the bathroom and toilet.
5. For cast iron sewer pipes. Better than chemicals in the form of a gel; the blockage occurs due to the rough texture of the inner surface, which collects and retains deposits. The gel penetrates into all irregularities and gradually dissolves organic and partially inorganic substances, due to which the remaining “accumulations” lag behind the pipe walls.
6. Steel pipe clogged. Steel withstands the aggressive effects of chemicals, so depending on the severity of the problem, you can use acid preparations in liquid form.

Traditional methods for clearing blockages

You can also clear clogged pipes using simple and absolutely harmless folk remedies for any materials:

1. Boiling water or hot water. This method is more suitable for removing fatty deposits and not too dense plugs. Boiling water is used only for metal pipelines. 1 liter is poured into the drain hole, further rinsing is carried out after 20 minutes. To clean PVC pipes, you need water heated to no more than 60 ºC: just open the hot water tap for 20 minutes. The clog should go into the sewer line. You can check the result by running a small stream of water.
2. Soda and vinegar. If after washing with boiling water the clog remains in place, then you can try cleaning the pipes with a mixture of 9% vinegar and soda. As a result of the chemical reaction of these components, caustic foam is formed, which can corrode a dense cork. To do this, pour a pack of soda into the drain, and pour 150–200 ml of vinegar on top. The drain hole should be closed with a stopper for 2-3 minutes to prevent foam from coming out. The pipes are then washed with hot water.
3. Alka-Seltzer tablets. The famous hangover remedy can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also to rid sewer pipes of blockages. A couple of tablets are lowered into the drain hole, and 200–250 ml of 9% vinegar is poured on top. After 2-3 minutes, run hot water to push through the blockage.

The best drain cleaners

Liquid products are used for complex stains, as they quickly penetrate deep into the plug and effectively dissolve it. Most often, liquids are purchased to combat fatty deposits in pipes.

However, due to the low concentration of active components, such products are not suitable for breaking through blockages in standing water.

NBT-Siberia "Mole" - a cheap liquid anti-clog agent

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

“Mole” is a well-known liquid against sewer blockages, which is produced in Russia. The composition copes well with removing food debris, hair and fat plugs. Due to the absence of odor and dyes, the product looks like ordinary water. However, in reality it is a caustic alkali, which must be used very carefully.

To clean pipes, 250 ml of the product is enough - it should be poured into the sewer for 25-30 minutes. For severe blockages, the manufacturer recommends waiting a little longer. The liquid is sold in plastic bottles with a matte texture so that the bottle does not slip in wet hands.

The tip has a convenient dispenser-clamp, which allows you to pour the product precisely into the pipe and use it more economically.

Pros:

• low price (from 50 rubles per 500 ml);
• convenient bottle;
• without smell;
• low consumption;
• breaks through most clogs.

Minuses:

• difficult to find on sale.

The manufacturer indicates in the instructions that the reagent lasts for half an hour. However, buyers recommend pouring the product for at least 3-4 hours. Housewives note that in 30 minutes the product does not have time to corrode serious blockages.

Deboucher Active – universal liquid for preventing and removing blockages

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

Deboucher Active removes grease deposits on pipes, organic dirt, food residues, hair plugs, and paper. The product is suitable for the prevention and removal of blockages, does not damage pipes and enamel on plumbing. However, its formula effectively removes bacteria and unpleasant odors.

According to the instructions, you need to pour 500 ml of liquid for at least 2-3 hours. For complex blockages, it is recommended to leave the product in the drain for a longer time. Deboucher Active is available in 1 liter plastic bottles. The lid is safe and childproof.

Pros:

• affordable cost (about 110 rubles per liter);
• sold in many stores;
• convenient bottle;
• corrodes a variety of contaminants;
• Suitable for all types of pipes.

Minuses:

• you need to wait a long time for the effect;
• may not be able to handle heavy congestion.

Buyers note that Deboucher Active is particularly good at breaking through hair plugs. This liquid is suitable for owners of long hair and pet owners.

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Best granular drain cleaners

Granular products are used in difficult cases. They are distinguished by a high concentration of active substances and are convenient to use.

Grupa Inco Ludwik "Hydraulic" - an economical product

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

"Gidravlik" - effective granules for removing complex blockages. They are sold in 500 ml plastic bottles. The screw cap reliably protects the product from dust and moisture. The wide neck and thoughtful handle on the bottle allow you to conveniently pour the product into the drain hole.

To remove a blockage, a small amount of granules is enough, so the package lasts a long time. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to fill the product with hot water. After use, there is no unpleasant odor left in the room, which is especially valuable when working in poorly ventilated sanitary areas.

Pros:

• copes with complex blockages;
• convenient packaging;
• removes odors;
• economical.

Minuses:

• toxic composition;
• difficult to find in stores.

The high efficiency of Gidravlik granules is ensured by the increased content of active substances and, alas, the toxicity of the product. Therefore, when using it, it is necessary to strictly observe safety precautions.

Mole Tornado – active granules

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

Mole Tornado is a granular drain cleaner that removes grease and hair plugs, as well as food debris. It is suitable for all types of pipes and does not corrode their walls.

To use, you need to pour the granules into the drain hole and fill with warm water. For difficult traffic jams, it is recommended to repeat the procedure. For the reagent to be fully effective, it takes at least 1.5 hours. Granules are sold in thick plastic bags of 90 g. This amount is enough for 1 use.

Pros:

• low price (25 rubles per bag);
• found in most hardware stores;
• convenient packaging;
• no smell;
• Suitable for all pipes.

Minuses:

• may damage enamel or stainless steel plumbing parts;
• works for a long time.

Despite the fact that the product does not have a pungent odor, you need to use Mole Tornado carefully. Dust flying from granules can cause allergies or irritation of the respiratory tract.

The best pipe cleaners

Powders are convenient primarily due to their compact packaging - small bags of the product take up minimal space on shelves and drawers. But the compositions of such powders are distinguished by a high concentration of active substances. When using them, you need to strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended blockage time so as not to damage the pipes.

Peak Out - fast-acting drain powder

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

Peak Out is a powder product for express cleaning. It is poured into the pipe for 15-20 minutes and filled with a small amount of water. The active components here are sodium nitrate and hydroxide. Fragrances help eliminate unpleasant odors from the sewer system.

The product does not leave residue or streaks on plumbing fixtures and is easy to use. The powder is sold in compact 60 g thick foil packages. The package reliably protects the reagent from dirt and moisture and does not take up much space on the shelf.

Pros:

• low price (from 23 rubles per 60 g);
• kills bacteria;
• removes odors;
• does not leave a residue on plumbing fixtures;
• convenient compact packaging.

Minuses:

• pungent odor when used;
• does not corrode hair plugs.

For full use, the reagent must be poured with cold water under high pressure - the powder dissolves less well in hot water and does not act as quickly.

Sanitol "Anti-clog" - the best prevention of blockages

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Sanitol Anticlog is an alkaline reagent for eliminating blockages in metal and plastic pipes. The product contains sodium hydroxide, soda and surfactants. To combat a small plug, the powder should be poured in for 1-2 hours, in difficult situations it will take 3-6 hours.

To prevent the formation of clogs in the sewer, it is recommended to use the product once a month. One package weighing 90 g is just enough for one such cleaning. The powder is poured alternately with small portions of hot water (200-300 ml each).

Pros:

• the cost is only 15 rubles per package;
• copes even with complex blockages;
• Suitable for metal and plastic pipes.

Minuses:

• long lasting;
• high level of toxicity.

Sanitol Anticlog is a caustic alkali, so when using the product you must follow safety precautions and avoid getting the reagent on your skin or mucous membranes. For people prone to allergies, it is recommended to additionally wear a mask to protect the respiratory tract from fumes.

Evrika “Floop” – instant drain cleaning

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

Evrika “Floop” is a powder for emergency cleaning of drainpipes. It is also suitable for regular prevention of contamination and removal of minor blockages. It is based on sodium hydroxide, an active additive (boletus), soda, and aromatic fragrance.

This composition disinfects, removes odors, and also eliminates rust, oxide and dirt. It must be used following safety precautions, as the product can leave chemical burns on the skin.

To clean, you need to pour the entire pack of powder into the pipe and fill it with cold water. It takes 15 minutes for the reagent to take effect. The foil packaging with Floop has a convenient notch that allows you to open the package even with wet hands.

Pros:

• disinfects;
• effective in cold water;
• suitable for all types of pipes;
• quickly clears small congestions;
• removes rust and plaque;
• convenient package.

Minuses:

• much more expensive than other powders (40 rubles per 60 g);
• not sold everywhere.

Evrika Floop is designed for the prevention and elimination of small traffic jams. The powder will not cope with severe contamination.

Leading manufacturers of effective drain cleaning products

Modern household chemical stores offer a wide variety of products to combat blockages, so the buyer sometimes has to spend a long time choosing the right option from the presented assortment. To make your task easier, you need to navigate the leading manufacturers of solutions for eliminating contamination:

1. Unicum. A brand that, despite the foreign name, belongs to a Russian manufacturer. The company's product range includes products from the budget segment and premium options. It is important that all products meet the requirements of international safety and quality standards, while demonstrating high results.
2. Bagi. An Israeli brand that produces exclusively high quality products. The company's assortment includes products for the care of the bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. The advantages can be considered affordable cost, safety and prevention of re-contamination.
3. Chirton . A brand that is also well known to customers. Its feature is the optimal price-quality ratio. The presented products effectively remove grease and other types of blockages. The products of this brand are able to eliminate even old stains without the slightest harm to health.
4. Tiret. A trademark of a large manufacturer represented in more than 200 countries around the world. Among the products presented you can find strong gels designed to remove blockages in any pipes.
5. Cinderella. A Russian brand that has been operating since 1996. The company's technologists are working to improve the quality of products, trying to make them as effective and safe as possible without increasing cost.
6. Mole. Another Russian company that specializes in the production of fertilizers and industrial salt. There is also a line for the production of household chemical products, including compositions for cleaning pipes.

See also: TOP 7 best pumps for increasing water pressure

Comparison table of characteristics

The summary table contains the main parameters of the considered models.

"Tiret Professional"

Tiret is a fairly well-known drain cleaner thanks to TV advertising. However, this is exactly what you should not buy. It cleans extremely poorly. To clear the most banal, simple clog in the kitchen, I had to pour out the entire bottle and wait about 2 hours, despite the fact that the smell throughout the entire apartment was incredibly stinky. Tiret smells terrible.

First, I poured the amount of gel indicated in the instructions and waited 15 minutes, no effect. Then I poured it in again and waited again, again 0. In the end, I poured out the entire bottle and spent 2 hours on it, then the blockage resolved. It costs 300 rubles for a 0.5 liter bottle and I think it’s quite expensive for one use. So I definitely don't recommend it.

Biosop FE hi foam 4

If Unicum doesn't help, use heavy artillery. This sewer pipe cleaner has a number of features:

1. Sold in already liquid form. This means that caustic soda (the same sodium lye) will not boil.
2. The composition is complex, with more active surfactants and concentrated caustic (the pH of the solution is 13 points).

It is well suited for cleaning drains on site at home and almost no toxic fumes are observed. But you shouldn’t forget about security measures.

The main disadvantage of the solution: price. A 5-liter canister costs 900 rubles, which is a lot.