The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Best Non-Toxic Drain Cleaner in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our use of affiliate links does not influence how we rate products. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
What you should know when choosing non-toxic drain cleaner on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Drain Cleaner
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Septic System & Cesspool Treatment, Unscented - Earthworm
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.99
Product Details
- Natural bioenzymatic process helps to restore balance in septic systems and cesspools.
- Contains highly active bacterial cultures and special enzymes to digest household waste.
- Effective on various waste types including fats, oils, proteins, starches, carbohydrates, toilet paper, and vegetable matter.
- Prevents septic and cesspool backups by helping remove buildup and odors.
- Environmentally responsible and safe for use around kids, pets, and family.
- Does not contain harsh chemicals, ensuring it won't damage plumbing.
- All ingredients contribute to naturally breaking down organic materials without leaving harsh chemical residues.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Clearing
- Reliable
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Ceteareth-10, Pasteurized Bran, Sand, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride, Ceteareth-10, Viable Culture Blend, Lipase, Protease, Amylase, Cellulase
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Probiotic Drain Maintenance Liquid, Lavender - Mrs. Meyer's
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$13.30
Product Details
- Contains micro-helpers that prevent buildup and freshen drains with a Lavender scent.
- Probiotic formula self-activates to break down grime and soil in drains and pipes.
- Designed for regular use to maintain optimal drain and pipe condition.
- USDA Certified Biobased Product (88%) with plant-derived cleaning agents and essential oils.
- Compatible with septic systems, drains, pipes, and kitchen sink garbage disposals.
- Effective as proactive, preventative maintenance rather than for unblocking existing clogs.
- Recommended usage every two to four weeks as part of regular cleaning routines.
- Bottle contains at least 30% post-production recycled plastic.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Refreshing
- Natural
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Bacterial Spore Blend, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, (Coumarin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Amylase Enzyme Blend, Lipase Enzyme Blend, Sodium Citrate, Capryleth-4, Citric Acid, Calcium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzisothiazolinone
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Enzyme Drain Cleaner, Unscented - Natural Elements
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$22.99
Product Details
- Advanced enzyme formula designed to digest fats, organic waste, oil, paper, hair, and grease.
- Effective in various applications including kitchen and bathroom sinks, shower and floor drains, toilets, septic systems, and commercial sinks and grease traps.
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable; safe for home or commercial use.
- Highly effective in reducing odors; works within hours of application and is suitable for garbage disposals and odor-producing floor drains.
- Helps keep drains open and reduces buildup by eliminating grease, hair, soap scum, food, and organic waste.
- Safe for all pipes and plumbing fixtures without causing heat, boiling, fumes, or corrosion.
- Reduces the need for frequent maintenance such as rotary drain cleaning, septic pump outs, and grease trap pumpouts.
- Effective maintenance product for problematic plumbing, grease traps, septic systems, and drain fields, enhancing system function and reducing buildup over time.
- Not intended as an instant clog remover; effectiveness increases with regular maintenance treatments.
- Strong enough for commercial use yet safe for residential applications.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Eco-friendly
- Easy-to-use
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Enzyme Drain Cleaner, Unscented - Green Gobbler
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$24.48
Product Details
- Breaks down clogs effectively using natural lipase enzymes, targeting oil, fat, grease, sludge, and food waste in plumbing systems.
- Safe for pipes and the environment, offering a natural alternative to harmful chemicals like sodium hydroxide.
- Improves grease trap efficiency by enhancing bacterial activity to facilitate the separation of water and grease.
- Promotes the biological breakdown of organic material and foul odors in septic tanks and other similar environments.
- Formulated to degrade a variety of waste types including fats, oils, greases, starches, proteins, and cellulose.
- Designed to clean and deodorize demanding environments such as drain lines, lift stations, sewers, and grease interceptors without corrosive chemicals.
- Powerful enough to handle difficult clogs and buildups while remaining odorless and safe for use in various settings including boats and RVs.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Deodorizing
- Economical
Cons Mentioned
- Slow
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Blend Of Non-Ionic Surfactants, Sodium Hydroxide, Defoamer, Buffers, Preservative, Viable Bacteria Culture, Fragrance
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Homesolv Enzyme Drain Cleaner, Valencia Orange - Citra Solv
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.95
Product Details
- Rated No.1 by a leading consumer magazine
- Safe for septic and greasy water systems
- Natural and biodegradable
- Keeps pipes free-flowing
- Uses the power of natural enzymes to eliminate grease, oil, soap residue, and more
- Leaves behind a hint of citrus fragrance
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Eco-friendly
- Effective
- Cruelty-free
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Limonene, Enzyme Blend
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Drain Cleaner, Citrus & Sage - Earthworm
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$26.99
Product Details
- Suitable for use in all slow running drains including sinks and garbage disposals.
- Features a citrus & sage fragrance to maintain fresh smelling drains.
- Formulated with natural enzymes to prevent clog formation by removing build-up.
- Ensures safety for children and pets with no harsh chemical residues.
- Rated Best Natural Drain Cleaner by Real Simple Magazine in July 2022.
- Can be used in various drain types such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, and more.
- Also applicable for boat and RV holding tanks and grease traps.
- Works through a natural bioenzymatic process without harming plumbing systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Safe
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Viable Culture Blend, Benzisothiazolinone, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Drain Cleaner
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide is a corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. High concentrations, either through inhalation or prolonged exposure, can lead to significant respiratory issues, including inflammation, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. It is used in various industries such as fertilizers, dyes, explosives, plastics, and cleansing agents, among others. Due to its intense pungency and potential to cause extreme irritation and even life-threatening conditions, precautions such as wearing protective clothing and immediate cleansing of affected areas are recommended. It should be stored away from combustibles and heavy metals, in well-ventilated areas and in specified containers. Disposal guidelines also need to be referred from environmental regulatory agencies due to the hazardous nature of the substance.
Sources:
The Facts About Ammonia, Chemical Safety Facts: Ammonia, ATSDR Chemical Profile, EPA: Ammonia, Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater, EPA Chemical Profile, Mass Casualties from Acute Inhalation of Chloramine Gas, Ventilatory disorders associated with occupational inhalation exposure to ammonia, Ecological and toxicological effects of inorganic nitrogen pollution in aquatic ecosystems: A global assessment, TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR AMMONIA ,
Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid, a clear and highly corrosive liquid, is employed in the creation of fertilizers, other acids, and glue, and is used in petroleum purification, metal pickling, and lead-acid batteries. It can cause severe burns, is a potential human carcinogen, can trigger pulmonary edema, and may erode tooth enamel.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate is toxic upon ingestion and act as a strong oxidizer, posing a fire hazard when exposed to organic materials. It may react violently with combustible substances and decompose due to heat or water, releasing toxic gases such as chlorine. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can result in corrosive skin burns. Inhalation of high concentrations can lead to acute pulmonary edema. It may also explode from shock, friction, or other ignition sources, and can cause fires upon contact with combustible materials.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an odorless white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It generates significant heat when dissolved in water or neutralized with acid which may ignite combustible materials. It is highly corrosive and is typically used as a solid or in a 50% solution. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture a variety of products including soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products. Exposure to this substance may cause severe burns, necrosis, and pulmonary edema, depending on the concentration and exposure method.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is a clear liquid with a strong chlorine odor, predominantly used as bleaching agents or disinfectants in commercial cleaning solutions and water purification systems. Sodium hypochlorite is often used in a dissolved state. It is corrosive to skin and can cause pulmonary edema from high inhalation exposure. Its ingestion can lead to methemoglobinemia, and a 3% to 5% solution causes burnings of the mouth and throat. The anhydrous form of this compound is highly explosive.
Benzisothiazolinone
Isothiazolinones are preservatives known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, primarily in workers involved in manufacturing industries like paint, paper, rubber, and air fresheners. Additionally, there's a reported case of occupational asthma from exposure to this chemical among workers.
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