Clogged No More: Best Drain Cleaners for Hair and Grease

By Brian on February 3, 2025

The best drain cleaner for hair and grease is a common quest for those battling clogged pipes in their homes or businesses. When faced with a mix of hair tangles and sticky grease, finding a fast and effective solution is key. Here are some top recommendations:

Hercules Glug® Crystals Drain Opener: Ideal for tough clogs caused by hair and soap scum.
Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener: Known for its strong performance in breaking down both hair and grease.
Hercules Glug® Kitchen Liquid Drain Opener: Effective for kitchen drains with its grease-busting formulation.

Clogged drains are a pervasive issue, disrupting daily life and potentially leading to costly repairs if left unchecked. Homeowners and business owners in Northern California, where Go Pro Plumbing operates, know the importance of maintaining clear pipes to avoid plumbing nightmares.

Regular drain maintenance and awareness of what goes down your pipes can prevent these issues. Simple habits like disposing of hair and grease properly, and routine use of effective drain cleaners, can make a big difference. Staying ahead of clogs means fewer headaches and a longer lifespan for your plumbing.

Best Drain Cleaner for Hair and Grease

When it comes to tackling stubborn clogs caused by hair and grease, Green Gobbler stands out as a top choice for many homeowners. This product is a powerful chemical cleaner that effectively dissolves hair, grease, toilet paper, and even soap scum without the harshness of traditional bleach-based solutions.

Why Green Gobbler?

Industrial Strength: Green Gobbler’s Industrial Strength Gel is specifically formulated to tackle the toughest clogs. Its thick gel clings to the clog and works to dissolve it over time, making it highly effective for persistent blockages in toilets, sinks, showers, and more.
Safe and Odorless: Unlike many chemical cleaners, Green Gobbler is bleach-free and odorless, making it a safer option for your home. It’s also safe for all types of pipes and septic systems, so you can use it with confidence.
Easy to Use: You don’t need to be a plumbing expert to use Green Gobbler. Simply pour it into standing water, and let it do its magic. Many users have reported that clogs clear overnight, and the drain is back to normal the next morning.

Customer Satisfaction

Customers rave about Green Gobbler’s ability to clear drains quickly and effectively. One satisfied user mentioned, “I left it overnight, and the clog was gone. I ran hot water through it, and it drained normally after.” This kind of feedback highlights its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

For those in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, and across Northern California, Green Gobbler offers a reliable solution to the common problem of hair and grease clogs. By choosing a product that is both powerful and safe, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly without resorting to more invasive measures.

In conclusion, if you’re searching for the best drain cleaner for hair and grease, Green Gobbler is a proven option that delivers results. Its combination of effectiveness, safety, and ease of use makes it a top pick for many households.

Top Chemical Drain Cleaners for 2024

When it comes to chemical drain cleaners, three products stand out for their effectiveness in tackling stubborn clogs: Green Gobbler Main Line Opener, Zep 10-minute Drain Opener Gel, and Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener. Each of these cleaners has unique properties that make them suitable for different types of clogs and plumbing systems.

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener is often praised for its versatility and effectiveness. It excels in breaking down a variety of materials, including pet hair, organic compounds, and grease. During lab tests, it dissolved 100% of pet hair and 78% of organic matter. This makes it an excellent choice for households dealing with frequent hair and grease clogs. The product maintains a moderate pH level of 10.73, ensuring minimal risk to your plumbing while still being effective.

Key Ingredient: Lauramine oxide, a bleach-resistant surfactant, helps reduce surface tension, allowing the solution to spread and penetrate clogs more effectively.
Safety: Safe for toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and septic systems.

Zep 10-minute Drain Opener Gel

Zep 10-minute Drain Opener Gel is a fast-acting solution designed for quick relief from clogs. It performed well in tests, dissolving 70% of hair and 80% of organic matter. Its formulation includes isopropanol and strong bases like bleach and lye, which contribute to its rapid action.

Rapid Action: Works within 10 minutes, making it ideal for emergency situations.
pH Level: With a pH of 8.49, it is less alkaline compared to other cleaners, reducing the risk of damage to pipes.

While Zep is effective for immediate results, it generates moderate heat, so it should not be used frequently or for prolonged periods.

Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener

For those dealing with particularly tough clogs, Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener is the most potent option. It effectively dissolves 80% of both hair and organic matter, and 76% of paper products. However, its high acidity (pH of 1.59) means it must be used with extreme caution.

Potency: Highly effective against severe blockages.
Value: A six-pack offers great value, as only half a bottle is typically needed per use.

Due to its corrosive nature, Santeen should not be used on metal or porcelain surfaces, and users should follow safety instructions closely.

In summary, choosing the right chemical drain cleaner depends on your specific needs. Whether it’s the versatile Green Gobbler, the quick-acting Zep, or the powerful Santeen, each offers unique benefits for maintaining clear and functional drains.

How to Use Drain Cleaners Safely

Using drain cleaners can be an effective way to tackle stubborn clogs, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here’s how to use these powerful solutions without risking harm to yourself or your plumbing.

Safety Precautions

Read the Instructions: Always start by carefully reading the instructions on the product label. Each cleaner has specific guidelines that ensure safe and effective use.
Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and eye protection. Some cleaners can cause skin irritation or eye damage, so it’s important to shield yourself.
Ventilation is Key: Use these products in well-ventilated areas. Open windows or use fans to disperse any fumes.
Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Never mix different drain cleaners or combine them with other household chemicals. This can lead to dangerous reactions.
Keep Away from Children and Pets: Store all chemical cleaners out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.

Understanding pH Levels and Corrosivity

The effectiveness of a drain cleaner often depends on its pH level. Here’s a quick guide:

Acidic Cleaners: Products like Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener have a very low pH (around 1.59), making them highly effective but also highly corrosive. They can damage metal and porcelain surfaces, so use them with caution.
Alkaline Cleaners: Solutions like Green Gobbler Main Line Opener have a higher pH (around 10.73), making them less corrosive but still effective at breaking down grease and hair.

Corrosivity Concerns

Corrosivity refers to how a chemical can deteriorate materials. The more acidic or basic a cleaner, the higher its potential for causing damage. To minimize risks:

Use the Right Cleaner for the Right Job: Choose a cleaner based on the type of clog and the materials in your plumbing system.
Limit Use: Overuse can weaken pipes over time. Follow the recommended amount and frequency.
Flush with Water: After using a drain cleaner, flush the drain with plenty of water to wash away any residual chemicals.

By understanding these aspects and taking proper precautions, you can safely use drain cleaners to maintain clear and functional plumbing systems.

Natural Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’re looking for a gentler way to tackle clogs, natural alternatives can be just as effective, especially for minor blockages. Here are some simple, non-chemical solutions to keep your drains clear.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic combination is a go-to for many households. Here’s how it works:

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes. This reaction helps break down debris in the pipes.
Finally, flush with hot water to clear the loosened clog.

This method is great for dissolving hair and soap scum, which are common culprits in bathroom drains.

Hot Water and Vinegar

Another simple yet effective method involves using hot water and vinegar:

Start by boiling a kettle of water.
Pour the hot water down the drain to loosen any grease or soap buildup.
Follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Rinse with another round of hot water.

The heat helps melt away grease, while vinegar acts as a mild acid to break down other residues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drain Cleaners

What is the best drain cleaner for grease and hair?

For tackling tough clogs caused by grease and hair, Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener is a standout choice. This non-acid formula is designed to effectively break down stubborn hair and grease deposits in your pipes. It’s a powerful solution that works without the harshness of acidic cleaners, making it safer for various types of plumbing.

What is the best thing to dissolve hair in a drain?

When it comes to dissolving hair, a simple yet effective method involves using baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how you can do it:

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Allow the mixture to fizz and break down the hair for about 30 minutes.
Flush with hot water to clear the debris.

This natural solution is excellent for breaking down hair and soap scum, common culprits in bathroom drains.

What will cut grease in drain pipes?

Grease can be a stubborn problem, but there are effective ways to tackle it:

Boiling Water: Simply pour boiling water down the drain. The high temperature helps melt and flush away grease buildup.
White Vinegar: Use a cup of vinegar followed by hot water. The vinegar acts as a mild acid, breaking down grease and other residues.
Hot Water and Vinegar Combo: Start with boiling water to loosen the grease, then pour a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with more hot water.

These methods are not only efficient but also gentle on your plumbing system, keeping your pipes clear without the need for harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

At Go Pro Plumbing, we understand that dealing with clogged drains can be a frustrating experience. That’s why we’re committed to offering top-notch customer service and reliable solutions to ensure your plumbing needs are met with efficiency and care.

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing same-day service, so you don’t have to wait around when an emergency arises. Whether it’s a stubborn clog or any other plumbing issue, we’re here to help you get back to your daily routine without delay.

For residents and businesses in Northern California, including Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, our expert services are just a call away. We pride ourselves on delivering quality workmanship and ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way.

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain or need any plumbing assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Go Pro Plumbing. Let us handle the tough jobs so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in good hands.