Hair can collect with soap scum and other debris, turning a slow shower or sink drain into a stubborn clog. A gel drain cleaner made for hair may be a convenient option, but formulas, directions, and suitable drain types differ. Below, we compare five products by their stated features so you can choose one that fits your clog and follow its label safely.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best suited for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator Gel | Hair clogs in bathroom drains | Formula specifically intended for hair |
| Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer | Mixed clogs and larger household needs | Large bottle; targets hair, grease, and soap scum |
| Green Gobbler Ultra Concentrated Drain Clog Remover | Adjusting the amount for clog severity | Concentrated formula with several suggested pour amounts |
| Drano Max Gel | Slow drains and tough blockages | Gel designed to pass through standing water |
| Zep Liquid Heat Max Clog Remover Gel | Hair, grease, and buildup | Thick gel intended to cling to clogs |
Our Picks: Best Product For Hair Clogged Drain reviews
1. Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator Gel: A Focused Pick for Hair Clogs
This Liquid-Plumr gel is formulated specifically for hair clogs, a common problem in showers, tubs, and bathroom sinks. The product is also intended for slow-running kitchen sinks. Its focused purpose makes it a straightforward option when hair, rather than grease or another type of buildup, seems to be the main issue.
The 16-fluid-ounce bottle is smaller than several other options here. That can suit someone who wants a hair-focused drain cleaner without choosing a larger multipurpose bottle. Liquid-Plumr states that the formula contains 70% more actives than its Full Clog Destroyer Plus Pipeguard product; that comparison is the brand’s claim, not a guarantee that every clog will clear on the first try.
The manufacturer says it is safe for septic systems and PVC, plastic, metal, and old drain pipes when used as directed. It is not for toilets or garbage disposals. As with any chemical drain cleaner, read the label before pouring and do not combine it with another drain product.
Pros:
- Specifically formulated to target hair clogs.
- Suitable for several bathroom and kitchen drain types.
- Stated to be safe for septic systems and multiple pipe materials when used as directed.
Cons:
- Not intended for toilets or garbage disposals.
- The smaller bottle may be less convenient if you need a multipurpose cleaner or more product on hand.
Verdict: Choose this one if hair is the likely cause and you want a focused formula for bathroom drains.
2. Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer: A Larger Multipurpose Bottle
This 80-fluid-ounce gel is designed for more than hair alone. Liquid-Plumr says it tackles hair, grease, and soap scum, and that it can cut through standing water. If you want one drain product for several types of household buildup, its broader stated use may be more practical than a hair-only formula.
The product is described as having 3X action to protect, prevent, and destroy clogs. The manufacturer also says it is safe for septic systems, disposals, and several pipe materials, including PVC, plastic, copper, and older pipes, when used as directed. Its listed uses include bathroom and kitchen sinks, showers, tubs, and garbage disposals.
The large bottle may be more than you need for an occasional shower clog, and the directions matter: the product should not be used in toilets or with a plunger. Avoid combining it with other drain cleaners, and check the label for the correct amount and handling instructions.
Pros:
- Targets hair, grease, and soap scum.
- Large bottle for households that want a multipurpose drain cleaner.
- Made for several sink, shower, and tub applications.
- States that monthly use can help prevent clogs from returning.
Cons:
- Not for toilets and should not be used with a plunger.
- Its larger size may not suit a household that only needs occasional hair-clog treatment.
Verdict: This is a sensible choice if you want a larger gel for hair and other common drain-clog materials.
3. Green Gobbler Ultra Concentrated: Flexible Amounts for Different Clogs
Green Gobbler’s ultra-concentrated cleaner is intended to dissolve hair and soap scum. The product description says it can work in as little as 30 minutes, though actual results can depend on the clog and the label’s directions. Its suggested amount changes with the situation: the instructions call for a full bottle for tough clogs, half a bottle for lighter clogs, and one-third of a bottle to help prevent standing water.
The bleach-free formula is described as suitable for showers, sinks, tubs, pipes, and septic systems. That range can make it appealing if you want one product for different household drains. Its adjustable directions also offer more flexibility than products with a single stated treatment amount, but you still need to assess the problem and follow the label rather than assume a smaller pour will clear a severe blockage.
Green Gobbler also lists a 30-day money-back guarantee for dissatisfied customers. The guarantee is a brand policy, so check the seller and product terms for details. Do not mix this or any drain cleaner with other chemicals.
Pros:
- Targets hair and soap scum.
- Provides different suggested amounts for tough clogs, lighter clogs, and prevention.
- Bleach-free formula is stated to be suitable for several drain and pipe types, including septic systems.
Cons:
- The product description does not provide a bottle size in the supplied information.
- Choosing an amount requires you to judge the clog and follow the specific label directions.
Verdict: Consider Green Gobbler if you want a concentrated, bleach-free option with different suggested amounts for different drain conditions.
4. Drano Max Gel: A Fast-Acting Option for Slow or Blocked Drains
Drano Max Gel is a 32-ounce drain cleaner intended for tough hair, grease, and soap clogs. The product description says the gel can pour through standing water toward the blockage, a useful feature when the drain is holding water. It is listed for bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Drano’s directions say the product starts working in seven minutes, with a recommended wait of 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with hot tap water. The listed directions call for 16 ounces for best results and 32 ounces for extremely slow drains or complete clogs, with a repeat treatment if needed. Always check the current label on the product you buy and follow its instructions.
The manufacturer says the formula includes an ingredient intended to protect pipes from corrosion over time. However, this is not a reason to use more than directed or to mix it with another cleaner. If you prefer a formula specifically centered on hair, Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator is more focused; Drano’s stated strength is its use for several clog types and standing water.
Pros:
- Targets hair, grease, and soap clogs.
- Gel is designed to move through standing water.
- Provides directions for slow-running drains and complete clogs.
Cons:
- Its listed uses focus on bathroom and kitchen sinks rather than every drain type.
- A full treatment can use a substantial portion of the bottle.
Verdict: Pick Drano Max Gel if you need a multipurpose gel and standing water is part of the problem.
5. Zep Liquid Heat Max: Thick Gel for Hair and Other Buildup
Zep Liquid Heat Max comes in a 64-ounce bottle and is described as a strong gel for hair, grease, and buildup. Its thick consistency is intended to cling to a clog and penetrate through standing water. That combination may suit a household dealing with more than one kind of drain buildup.
The product is listed for bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, and kitchen drains. Zep states that the formula will not harm plumbing or septic systems when used as directed. The supplied product details do not specify treatment amounts or wait times, so check the container for directions before use rather than estimating a dose.
Compared with the 16-ounce Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator, Zep offers a much larger bottle and a broader stated target than hair alone. The trade-off is that its description does not give the same level of detail about treatment instructions, making the label especially important for first-time use.
Pros:
- Targets hair, grease, and buildup.
- Thick gel is designed to cling to clogs and pass through standing water.
- Listed for several kitchen and bathroom drains.
- Large 64-ounce bottle.
Cons:
- The supplied details do not state a treatment amount or wait time.
- The larger bottle may be unnecessary if you only need a one-time treatment.
Verdict: Zep is worth considering if you want a large, thick-gel formula for hair and other buildup, provided its label matches your drain and needs.
How to Choose a Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs
Identify the likely cause of the clog
If hair is the main concern, a formula specifically designed for hair, such as Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator, is a focused starting point. If the drain may also contain grease or soap scum, a multipurpose option such as Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength, Drano Max Gel, or Zep may better match the stated clog types. A drain cleaner may not be the right answer for every plumbing problem, so consider professional help if the blockage persists.
Match the product to the drain
Check which drains the product is made for before buying. Some options list use in showers, tubs, and sinks, while others have specific restrictions. Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator, for example, is not for toilets or garbage disposals. Never assume that a product is suitable for every fixture just because it is called a drain cleaner.
Check pipe and septic-system compatibility
Product descriptions may list compatibility with certain pipe materials or septic systems, but that guidance depends on using the product as directed. Read the container for warnings and limitations, especially if your plumbing is old or you are unsure what material it uses. If the label does not answer your question, contact the manufacturer or a plumbing professional.
Consider the bottle size and suggested amount
A larger bottle can make sense if you expect to treat more than one drain or want a multipurpose product on hand. A smaller, hair-focused bottle may be more practical for an occasional bathroom clog. Some products provide different suggested amounts for different clog conditions; follow the specific label rather than using a dose copied from another brand.
Look at the stated wait time and follow-up directions
Wait times and flushing instructions are not the same for every formula. Drano Max Gel, for example, lists a 15-to-30-minute wait before flushing with hot tap water. Check the instructions for the exact product you choose, and do not leave a cleaner in the drain longer than its label allows.
Use chemical drain cleaners carefully
Follow all label precautions, use only one drain cleaner at a time, and never mix drain products with each other or with other household chemicals. Keep the product away from children and pets, and avoid splashes when pouring or flushing. If a chemical cleaner is already in the drain, do not use a plunger unless the product label specifically says it is safe to do so; splashing can cause injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best product for a hair-clogged drain?
For a clog that appears to be mostly hair, Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator is the most specifically focused option in this comparison. If you want a cleaner for hair along with grease or soap scum, consider a multipurpose formula and confirm that it is intended for your drain.
Can I use these products in a shower drain?
Several products in this list are described for showers or tubs, including Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator, Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength, Green Gobbler, and Zep. Check the product label before use, since restrictions and directions vary.
Can I use a drain cleaner if water is standing in the sink or tub?
Some products are described as working through standing water, including Drano Max Gel, Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength, and Zep Liquid Heat Max. Follow the label’s directions for the amount and wait time, and do not assume that every formula works the same way.
Are these products safe for septic systems?
The supplied product descriptions state that each of the five options is safe for septic systems when used as directed. Read the label for the product you buy and use only the amount it recommends.
Can I use a plunger after pouring in drain cleaner?
Do not plunge after using a chemical drain cleaner unless the product label specifically allows it. A plunger can cause the chemical to splash. Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength specifically says not to use it with a plunger.
What should I do if the clog remains?
Follow the product label on whether a repeat treatment is allowed and how to flush the drain. Do not add a different cleaner to the drain. If the blockage remains or keeps returning, contact a plumbing professional rather than continuing to layer chemical treatments.
Can I use these products in a toilet?
Do not assume that a sink or shower drain cleaner is suitable for a toilet. Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator and Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength are specifically described as not for toilets. Check the label for any product before using it in a fixture.
Final Recommendation
For a straightforward hair clog in a shower, tub, or bathroom sink, Liquid-Plumr Hair Eliminator is the clearest match because it is specifically formulated for hair. Choose a multipurpose gel such as Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength or Drano Max Gel if you also need to address grease or soap scum. Whichever product you select, confirm that it suits your drain and follow its label exactly.
