Best Drain Cleaner for PVC Pipes | Oct 2023 Reviews

If you’re like me and have PVC pipes, you know how frustrating clogged drains can be. We need a drain cleaner that can bust through gunk and grime but won’t damage our plastic pipes.

I highly recommend you check out the best drain cleaner for PVC pipes. All the cleaners are made specifically for PVC pipes and contain ingredients like sodium hydroxide that dissolve hair and soap scum.

I used the Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener, so to keep my PVC drain lines clean and water flowing freely without worrying about damage. Give it a try!

Best Drain Cleaner for PVC Pipes Reviewed

Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover

After months of use, I’m confident declaring Drano Max the ideal drain cleaner for PVC. Its powerful thick gel formula clings to nasty clogs, dissolving gunk, hair, and soap scum buildup. But it won’t corrode or damage plastic pipes.

I first tried it on a stubborn shower drain clog that left me standing in inches of water. After pouring just a bit of the Max Gel down the drain, the water began receding within minutes as it broke down the gunk. And I didn’t have to worry about damage to my PVC pipes.

With an 80oz bottle, I’ve also been able to use it preventatively in bathroom and kitchen sinks. Just pouring a little down each drain keeps them clear and free-flowing. I love that it’s safe for garbage disposals and septic systems too.

The gel consistency gives it superior sticking power compared to liquid drain cleaners. It coats the insides of pipes and clings to buildup, attacking clogs longer. I was impressed that it could be left overnight for extreme blockages.

With most drain cleaners, I’m always concerned about PVC pipe corrosion. So I was relieved to find Drano Max Gel, which powers through any clog quickly while remaining gentle on plastic pipes. No more standing water or slow drains, without pipe damage.

It does have a strong smell, but that’s a small price to pay for plastic-safe power. For PVC drain cleaning, Drano Max Gel is simply the best.

Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener

I’ve tried drain cleaners over the years, but many are too harsh on pipes or simply don’t work on tough clogs. But the Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener did the job fantastically. This powerful drain cleaner is specially formulaFlo-Kem 5195 Flo-Zyme Commercial Bio-Enzyme Drain Openerted to clear even the toughest clogs in PVC pipes without causing damage.

Let me tell you, this stuff really works! Recently, my kitchen sink was completely blocked up with years of built-up gunk. I poured a generous amount of the Ultimate Main Drain Opener down the drain before bed. By morning, the clog was completely cleared. I was amazed at how well it dissolved all that nasty sludge. No other drain cleaner I’ve tried has worked so quickly and effectively.

What I love most about this drain cleaner is that it’s safe for PVC pipes. The formula clings to pipe walls to dissolve clogs but won’t corrode or degrade plastic pipes. It’s also septic safe and made from environmentally friendly ingredients. While it’s tough on clogs, it’s gentle on plumbing.

The thick formula also sinks through standing water to penetrate and dissolve clogs deep down the pipe. No more fruitless plunging and snaking required! Just pour it in, let it work its magic overnight, and flush with hot water in the morning. However, it has a strong chemical smell.

With its industrial-strength formula, Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener is now my go-to for all my drain cleaning needs. I highly recommend it to anyone with PVC plumbing looking for a safe, effective way to remove even the toughest clogs. This stuff really works wonders!

Flo-Kem 5195 Flo-Zyme Commercial Bio-Enzyme Drain Opener

You must always be cautious about using harsh chemical drain cleaners that could damage your BVP pipes, even if I am. That’s why I was eager to try Flo-Kem 5195 Flo-Zyme, advertised as a safe bio-enzyme cleaner for PVC pipes.

Right away I noticed Flo-Zyme’s thick, milky formula coats pipes better than thin, watery cleaners. It clings to buildup and breakdown clogs instead of just slipping past them. I’ve used it on everything from sinks stopped up with hair and soap scum to tub drains clogged with thick gunk. Just a few ounces at night eats through nasty clogs by morning.

What I love most is Flo-Zyme’s enzyme formula is gentle on pipes. No more worrying about corroded PVC joints or leaks. It’s non-toxic too, so I can use it worry-free around my family. The light floral scent is pleasant instead of harsh chemical fumes.

Flo-Zyme isn’t as fast acting as some stronger acid cleaners. It takes some time to fully dissolve clogs instead of blasting through them quickly. But for PVC pipes, it’s a small price to pay for a safer formula.

Overall, Flo-Zyme is now my go-to for keeping drains flowing freely without damaging pipes. I’d recommend it to any homeowner looking for the best PVC-safe option. Thanks to Flo-Kem for creating a drain cleaner that works without the worry.

DrainScrub Powder Enzyme Drain Cleaner

When I came across DrainScrub Powder Enzyme Drain Cleaner, I was intrigued by its natural bacteria formula. After trying it on several clogged drains in my home, I’m happy to report it’s the best drain cleaner I’ve found that’s safe for PVC pipes.

This drain cleaner has a pleasant citrus scent, not the usual harsh chemical smell. I sprinkled a few scoops down my bathroom sink drain and let the friendly bacteria go to work breaking down gunk and buildup.

After letting it sit overnight, the drain was flowing freely again! I was impressed that DrainScrub powered through a pretty stubborn clog using natural enzymes rather than risky chemical agents.

The only downside is you need to let it sit for several hours to fully work. But for a product that uses natural bacteria instead of chemicals, I don’t mind waiting a bit longer for it to do its job safely. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to safely unclog their drains.

DU-MOST Drain Line Opener & Clog Remover

Who wants to damage his plenty of PVC pipes using harsh chemical drain cleaners? Well, i don’t want to. When my kitchen drain got clogged with grease, I knew I needed something powerful to clear it out. That’s when I tried DU-MOST Drain Line Opener.

Let me tell you, this stuff works fast – within 15 minutes my drain was flowing freely again! I was seriously impressed.

The liquid formula pours right into the drain for direct application. Though it’s powerful on clogs, DU-MOST is gentle on pipes. I didn’t notice any harsh chemical odor like some cleaners have.

The only negative is you need to wait 15 minutes for it to work fully. But for a product that clears drains fast without damaging PVC pipes, I don’t mind the short wait.

I’m confident saying DU-MOST is the best drain cleaner for PVC pipes and plumbing. It dissolved a stubborn clog in minutes without any risky chemicals. I plan to use it monthly to keep my drains clear and prevent future problems. Any homeowner with PVC pipes should try DU-MOST for a safe yet potent solution.

What Types of Drain Cleaning Products are Best for Use on Plastic PVC Pipes?

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners have strong ingredients like acid or lye that can break down and dissolve clogs. But these chemicals can also damage and wear away plastic PVC pipes. Popular brands of chemical cleaners are Liquid Plumr and Drano. It’s better to use other types of cleaners on PVC pipes.

Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners use enzymes to break down and remove gunk like grease, hair, and food that clogs drains. The enzymes dissolve the gunk without damaging PVC plastic pipes. Enzymatic cleaners like Bio-Clean and Drainbo are safer to use on PVC.

Bacterial Drain Cleaners

Bacterial cleaners use good bacteria to feed on and digest organic gunk that clogs drains. The bacteria eat up stuff like hair and grease to clear clogs. Bacterial cleaners won’t hurt PVC pipes. Some examples of bacterial cleaners are Rooto Bacter and Natural Bioguard.

Mechanical Drain Cleaners

Mechanical drain cleaners use physical force to remove clogs. Different types are drain snakes, plungers, and air burst cleaners. They push or snake through clogs to clear them out. Mechanical cleaners don’t use any chemicals so they won’t damage PVC pipes. They are safe to use.

How Could the Wrong Drain Cleaner Damage PVC Piping?

• PVC is a soft, pliable plastic that can be damaged by harsh chemical drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide. These can melt glue joints and degrade pipes.
• Enzymatic and bacterial drain cleaners are safer options as they don’t contain corrosive ingredients. They break down clogs without damaging PVC pipes.
• Mechanical drain cleaners are also very safe as they use physical force and don’t contain any chemicals.

How Do Drain Cleaners For PVC Pipes Work?

• Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes that break down proteins, fats, hair, and food waste that cause clogs. Safe for PVC.
• Bacterial cleaners use bacteria to feed on and break down organic material clogging pipes. Also don’t damage PVC.
• Mechanical drain snakes physically push through clogs and clear out debris. They won’t corrode or degrade PVC pipes.
• Chemical cleaners with sulfuric acid or lye work by dissolving clogs, but they can also dissolve and damage PVC piping.

What Do You Look For In The Best Drain Cleaners For PVC Pipes?

Enzymatic or bacterial formula

The best cleaner for PVC pipes should have enzymes or bacteria instead of harsh chemicals. Enzymes and bacteria break down clogs safely without damaging plastic pipes.

No harsh acids or lye

Make sure the drain cleaner doesn’t have sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide/lye. These strong chemicals will corrode and eat away at PVC pipes over time.

Ability to break down organics

The enzymes or bacteria in the cleaner should be able to dissolve and remove organic gunk like hair, grease, food scraps that cause clogged drains.

Reputable brand

Look for well-known, trusted brands like Bio-Clean or Drainbo that have good customer reviews and feedback. This means they work well.

Instructions for PVC use

The label or instructions should say the cleaner is safe to use on PVC plastic piping. This way you know it won’t damage pipes.

Fast-acting formula

Choose a drain cleaner that will quickly clear clogs and get water flowing again in a short time. You don’t want to wait forever for it to work.

Money-back guarantee

A satisfaction guarantee means if the cleaner doesn’t dissolve the clog effectively, you can get your money back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can unclog drains without damaging PVC pipes?

Enzymatic and bacterial drain cleaners can break down clogs without damaging PVC pipes. You can also use a plunger or drain snake to physically clear clogs.

What is the strongest drain cleaner?

Chemical drain cleaners with sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide are the strongest. But they corrode pipes, so it’s better to use enzymatic or mechanical drain cleaners on PVC pipes.

What is the best chemical to unblock drains?

Enzymes or bacteria are the best chemicals because they break down organic clogs like hair and grease without damaging pipes. Avoid harsh acids and lye.

How do you clear a clogged PVC pipe?

Use an enzymatic cleaner to dissolve the clog. You can also try a plunger or drain snake to physically dislodge the clog. Avoid chemical cleaners with sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide that corrode plastic pipes.

Read more:

• Do Bathtub Drains Have Traps?
• Can You Change the Drain on a Bathtub?
• 6 Most Common Bathtub Drain Stopper Types
• How Do You Get Rid Of Sewer Backup In Bathtub?
• What Size P-Trap For Bathtub?
• 8 Best Shut Off Valve For Main Water Line