Over time, grease, proteins, fats, hair, dirt, and other organic matter can build up inside your home’s drains, creating clogs that slow or completely prevent the flow of water through the drains. When this occurs, there is a wide variety of drain clearing options to choose from, but not every product is reliable.

We spoke with Dustin Smith, Master Plumber and Owner of Smith’s Plumbing Services, to find out his go-to product to unclog a drain.

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

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Smith says he relies on Drano Max Gel Clog Remover for homeowners to try when they experience a clogged drain.

“You can find Drano Max Gel at virtually any hardware store, grocery store, or big-box retailer like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target,” he says. “The widespread availability means you can usually grab it during regular shopping trips without making a special trip to a specialty store.”

Finding the most effective solution to clear the drain is essential for reducing the amount of chemical clog removers you need to purchase and use to solve the issue.

Smith says the gel application sets Drano Max Gel apart from its competitors.

“It stays in contact with the clog longer than liquid alternatives, allowing more time for the active ingredients to break down the blockage,” he says. “The product also generates heat during the chemical reaction, which helps dissolve grease and organic matter more effectively.”

Partial clogs are typically easier to deal with, since they still allow water to drain away, but full clogs can leave the drains full of standing water, which makes it difficult for some drain cleaners to reach the clog.

But Smith says that Drano Max Gel Clog Remover is “formulated to work in standing water, which is often the situation homeowners face when dealing with a clog.”

How Does Drano Max Gel Clog Remover Work?

Smith says that the two main ingredients are what make Drano Max Gel so effective. When they contact water, lye and bleach create a chemical reaction that breaks down the proteins and fats in the drain clog.

“The sodium hydroxide dissolves hair and grease, while the sodium hypochlorite helps break down organic material and provides additional cleaning power,” he says. “The thick gel ensures these chemicals stay in contact with the clog long enough to be effective, rather than flowing past it.”

So how long does it take to work? Smith says you can usually expect Drano Max Gel to work within 15 to 30 minutes, at which point you can flush the drain with hot water to clear the clog.

“For best results, avoid using the drain during treatment and ensure good ventilation since the chemical reaction can produce fumes,” he says.