What Is The UK’s Best Drain Unblocker?
In this guide we’ll look at the best drain unblockers.
We’ve compared formulation, size, ease of use and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Drain Unblocker Reviews
Drain Unblocker Buyer’s Guide
A blocked drain is a common occurrence in most households, as dirt, debris, hair and grease build up in your pipework. But a blocked drain doesn’t have to be a total disaster: many drain unblockers can quickly clear the most stubborn blockages.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best drain unblocker? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Formulation
Drain unblockers are usually in granular or liquid form. Liquid unblocking agents tend to be the most effective, as granular agents can do more harm than good. That’s because they sometimes sit on top of the blockage and make it worse.
The formula used in the drain unblocker will determine what it’s best for. Those for kitchen sinks may not be good at dissolving hair, while those for bathroom drains may not tackle grease so well. Drain unblockers with a caustic formula will produce heat to melt grease and gunk. Enzyme-based unblockers can take longer to work, but they are safer to handle.
Size
While a large bottle of formula may seem like the best option, you should look at how much product needs to be used in one treatment. Many drain unblockers are expensive, and to effectively unblock the sink, the entire bottle of solution needs to be used at once.
To make sure you save money, look to see how many treatments your sink unblocker contains. Ensure that the unblocker you buy is the right strength for the job.
Ease of Use
Using a drain unblocker is undoubtedly easier than tackling your blocked drain with a plunger, but some are easier to use than others. Look for a drain unblocker that gets to work quickly, requiring little effort on your part. Most can simply be poured down the drain and left for a period of time. This could be as little as 3 minutes, or as long as 12 hours!
Drain Unblocker FAQs
How does a drain unblocker work?
Drain unblockers work in 3 different ways. The first type of unblocker is a caustic drain unblocker. These produce heat which melts through the grease and grime. They can reach the blockage even through standing water.
Oxidising drain cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals. These dissolve the blockage, although they can damage certain types of pipework.
Finally, there’s acid drain cleaners which aren’t usually available to purchase for domestic use. These are commonly used by plumbers, and contain high concentrations of acid which can melt extremely stubborn blockages.
How to use drain unblocker?
Drain unblockers are generally used in a similar way, but you should still follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully to avoid damaging your pipework.
We recommend wearing safety goggles, rubber gloves and a face mask if needed. Open the bottle of drain cleaner and pour the specified amount into the drain. This could be just a few hundred millilitres, or the entire bottle! Leave to work for the recommended amount of time. This is around 30 minutes, but it may be overnight for more stubborn blockages.
Flush the sink through with plenty of hot water. Your sink should now be draining normally, if not, you may need to repeat the process.