If you have an older home with old pipes, they might be a bit clogged up. Even if you are careful with what you put down your drains, over the years, debris and residue can build up, thus leading to a lack of drainage and even severe blockages too. This is why we are here to help you with today, to find the best drain cleaner for old pipes, which is easier said than done because there are quite a few products to consider. We have some of the best products for you to look at, as well as some advice on how to find the cleaner for old pipes.
Overall #1 Rated Pick

Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover + Snake Tool
Our number one pick for the best drain cleaner for old pipes has to be Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover + Snake Tool. There are a variety of reasons for this, so let’s take a quick look.
- This product is safe to use on all pipes including old ones, even septic systems too (it just cannot be used on toilets).
- The extra strength formula has the power to eat through grease, hair, soap scum, toilet paper, waste, and more.
- This is a very fast acting formula, but can also be left in drains overnight.
- The real kicker here is how this product also comes with a snake tool so in case the Gel doesn’t get it done, you have a drain snake to finish off the clog.
Drain Cleaner for Old Pipes – Buying Guide
Let’s quickly go over some advice, tips, and info that you can use to choose the best cleaner for old pipes.
What it Can Power Through
The first thing you always want to look for when choosing a drain cleaner is what the product in question is designed to eat through. Most of these products will be able to eat through anything organic. The product you get should be able to handle all manners of food, grease, hair, and anything else which might be in your drain.
Chemical vs Enzyme
Another thing to keep in mind here is whether you want to go with a chemical formula or an enzyme based formula. Enzyme based formulas are quite eco friendly and can usually eat through most clogs just fine. However, the chemical drain cleaners are much stronger, better at unclogging, and much faster acting too, although they definitely are not eco friendly.
Intended Application
You do also need to pay attention to the intended application of the product. Everything we have reviewed here today is safe for old pipes and drains. However, be careful when choosing drain cleaners for toilets, as most of the products reviewed today, as well as most drain cleaners in general, are not toilet safe.
Viscosity
Something else to look for is a drain cleaner with a thick formula. Thick drain cleaners can cut through standing water and will really adhere to clogs, so the clogs get dissolved without the product simply running right down the drain past the clog.
Safety Tips
- Wear gloves when using these products, as most are super corrosive
- Use these products in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes
- Always read the instructions and safety warnings before using any drain cleaner
The Best Drain Cleaner for Old Pipes
The top best product [hide]
Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover + Snake Tool

DISSOLVE Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover

Zep Liquid Heat Drain Opener

Liquid Plumber Clog Remover

Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover + Snake Tool
Our number one pick has to be the Drano Gel Drain Clog Remover + Snake Tool. Now, the reason why we chose this product, for one, is because it comes with a drain snake, so if all else fails, you can snake out your sink, shower, or tub drain to remove any clogs that the Drano Gel itself was not able to deal with. Of course, the Drano Gel itself is very strong, an extra strength formula that should be able to eat through all manners of clogs, anything organic really. This stuff is made to be very thick so it actually eats through clogs instead of just running past them. It may not be toilet safe or eco-friendly, but it definitely unclogs drains quite well.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, drain cleaner for old pipes is one that will be able to eat through organic blockages without running right down the pipes, and moreover, it has to be safe for old pipes. One thing to keep in mind is that most of the products reviewed today are not toilet safe, but other than that, it’s all up to you!