At GPS Gas and Plumbing Services, we’ve seen our fair share of blocked drains across Sydney. While a severe blockage requires professional tools, we know that many homeowners first reach for a chemical drain cleaner for minor issues. To help you choose wisely, we’ve put our professional experience to use and reviewed some of the most popular drain cleaners available in Australia.
This guide will cover the features, strengths, and weaknesses of several leading products. We’ll also touch on the common causes of clogs and explain when it’s time to put down the bottle and call a professional.
The 4 Most Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Understanding what causes a blockage is the first step in preventing one. Here are the main culprits we encounter:
- Food Particles: In the kitchen, scraps like coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and eggshells can accumulate in pipes. Over time, they combine with grease and other substances to form solid blockages. A simple sink strainer can make a huge difference.
- Grease and Oil: It’s tempting to wash cooking grease and oil down the sink, but this is a primary cause of stubborn clogs. As the grease cools, it solidifies on the inside of your pipes, narrowing the passage and trapping other debris until the drain is completely blocked.
- Hair: In the bathroom, hair is the number one enemy of drains. It tangles easily and mixes with soap scum to form dense clumps that are difficult to dislodge from shower, bath, and sink drains.
- Tissues and Hygiene Products: Flushing anything other than toilet paper can lead to serious plumbing problems. Wet wipes (even those marked “flushable”), paper towels, cotton balls, and other sanitary products do not break down in the same way and are notorious for causing blockages in toilets and sewer lines.
What is the best drain cleaner in Australia?
As seasoned plumbers, we have used and evaluated countless products. Here’s our breakdown of the drain cleaners you’re most likely to find on store shelves.
Drain Clean Hair Unclogger
We find this product to be highly effective for its specific purpose: dissolving hair clogs in bathroom drains. Its non-toxic and biodegradable formula is a significant advantage, making it a more environmentally conscious choice. It works quickly on organic matter but isn’t designed for more complex issues like tree root intrusion or blockages from foreign objects.
- Pros: Its fast-acting formula is great for dissolving hair and soap scum. It is safe for all pipe materials, including PVC and metal, and is biodegradable.
- Cons: It is ineffective against clogs caused by grease, tree roots, or solid objects. The chemical odour may be strong for some users, and it requires careful handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.
Orange Power Sticky Spot and Goo Dissolver
While not a typical drain cleaner, we recommend Orange Power for specific types of kitchen clogs. It excels at breaking down the sticky, greasy, and fatty substances that can build up in drains. Its natural citrus oil base is a powerful alternative to harsh chemicals for these kinds of blockages.
- Pros: It effectively cuts through stubborn grease, fat buildup, and sticky residues. It’s a versatile product that can also be used for other cleaning tasks around the house. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require scrubbing.
- Cons: It may not be potent enough for severe, compacted blockages. The strong citrus scent can be overpowering for sensitive individuals, and safety precautions are still necessary during use.
Easy Off Drain Cleaner Turbo Gel
From our professional experience, Easy Off Drain Cleaner Turbo Gel is a powerful and versatile performer. Its thick gel formula is effective at cutting through standing water to reach the clog, and it works quickly on a variety of blockages found throughout the home.
- Pros: It begins clearing drains in as little as five minutes. It is suitable for use in kitchen sinks, bathroom showers, and tubs. Its ability to work in standing water makes it highly effective.
- Cons: The formula contains harsh chemicals that demand careful handling with gloves and goggles. It produces a strong chemical smell and is not a solution for major blockages like tree root infiltration.
Drano Bathroom Max Gel Drain Cleaner 770ml
This product is specifically engineered to tackle clogs in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs. The thick gel formula is designed to cling to and dissolve hair and soap scum, which are the most common causes of bathroom blockages.
- Pros: It starts working in just five minutes and is particularly effective at destroying tough hair clogs. It is safe for use in both metal and plastic pipes.
- Cons: This is a corrosive product that can cause irreversible eye damage if mishandled. It is not for use in toilets, garbage disposals, or washing machines. Mixing it with other products can create dangerous gas.
Drano Kitchen Crystals Drain Cleaner 500g
This granular formula is made specifically for kitchen sinks, where grease and food waste are the primary issues. The crystals activate with hot water to melt away tough grime and clear blockages, also helping to remove odours.
- Pros: It is highly effective on grease and food-based clogs. It works fast on slow-running drains and is safe for all pipes and septic tanks.
- Cons: It is hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. It absolutely should not be used in toilets.
BOSTON Drain Refresh Eco Enzyme Drain Cleaner 5L
For those seeking an environmentally friendly option, this enzyme-based cleaner is a great choice. It uses natural enzymes to break down organic matter and eliminate odours without harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for homes with children and pets.
- Pros: It is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for regular use as a drain maintainer. It naturally breaks down organic waste and controls odours.
- Cons: It works much more slowly than chemical-based cleaners. It is not designed for clearing tough, immediate blockages.
BOSTON Drain Away Heavy Duty Drain Cleaner 5L
When dealing with a particularly stubborn clog, this heavy-duty cleaner offers a powerful solution. Its high-strength formula is designed to dissolve hair, grease, and other organic matter that lighter-duty cleaners can’t handle.
- Pros: The potent formula is effective against severe clogs. The large 5L bottle is convenient for properties that experience frequent blockages.
- Cons: It contains very strong chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with skin or eyes. It is not an eco-friendly product and requires careful disposal.
For Blocked Drains, it’s Best to get a Professional Plumber
If a chemical cleaner doesn’t solve the problem, or if the blockage quickly returns, you likely have a more serious issue. At this point, it’s crucial to contact a licensed plumber. Continuing to use chemical cleaners can corrode your pipes and mask the underlying cause, leading to more extensive and costly damage down the line.
At GPS Gas and Plumbing Services, we have the professional equipment to identify the source of your blockage and clear it safely and effectively. This helps prevent damage to your plumbing system and ensures a long-term solution.
Conclusion
For a quick fix on a tough clog in either a kitchen or bathroom, Easy Off Drain Cleaner Turbo Gel is a reliable and powerful option. However, the best choice will always depend on the type of clog and your personal preferences. For regular maintenance and a greener approach, an enzyme-based cleaner is an excellent choice.
If your drain problem is beyond a simple cleaning and you’re located in the Sydney area, give us a call. The team at GPS Gas and Plumbing Services are your local experts in all drainage issues.
