Best Drain Cleaner for Main Line? (2024 Review)

Last Updated On April 14, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

by

|

Reviewed by

best drain cleaner for main line (1)

All aspects of your plumbing system are important, but the main line (aka sewer line) that connects your home to your septic system, is really important

Read on to discover our top product picks designed to keep your main line clean, and steal expert tips to avoid expensive problems down the road.

In this PlumbingNav review, we cover: 

  • Why do you need a special drain cleaner for the main line?
  • What are the different types of sewer line cleaners? 
  • How does main line drain cleaner work? 
  • What do you look for in the best main drain cleaner?
  • Review of the best main line drain cleaners

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
Roebic FRK-1LB FRK Foaming Root Killer
  • Easy to use 
  • Safe for all pipes
  • Won’t damage nearby trees
  • Easy to use 
  • Safe for all pipes
  • Won’t damage nearby trees
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Root Destroyer Drain Opener for Sewer & Pipe Lines
  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to use 
  • Safe for pipes, no fumes
  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to use 
  • Safe for pipes, no fumes
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Eco Strong Septic Tank Rescue Shock Treatment
  • Highly effective industrial-strength formula 
  • Fast-acting with results in minutes
  • Deodorizing
  • Highly effective industrial-strength formula 
  • Fast-acting with results in minutes
  • Deodorizing
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener
  • All-natural
  • Starts working in 25 mins
  • Dissolves organic waste and paper
  • All-natural
  • Starts working in 25 mins
  • Dissolves organic waste and paper
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Scotch Brand 1801 Gallon Restores Flow Sewer and Lateral
  • Easy to use, only one application
  • Safe for all pipes
  • Dissolve both vertical and lateral clogs
  • Easy to use, only one application
  • Safe for all pipes
  • Dissolve both vertical and lateral clogs
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On April 14, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Roebic FRK-1LB FRK Foaming Root Killer

Specifically designed to kill and inhibit root growth in your sewer line, this foaming drain cleaner will keep your main line clean without damaging any nearby trees. 

It works on paper, fat, grease, soap scum, and sludge, This bundle also includes a liquid drain cleaner.

Our Top 5 Drain Cleaners For Main Line Clog?

What's In This Guide?

      Why Do You Need A Drain Cleaner For The Main Line?

      The main line connects to either the septic tank or the city’s plumbing system. All water that exits your home goes through the sewer line, so a sewer drain clog will affect every drain in your home.

      Signs that you have a main line clog include:

      • Bad smells
      • Multiple slow drains
      • Gurgling coming from the toilet 

      A drain cleaner can help break up any clogs that develop before they become complete clogs. 

      Another way to prevent a main line clog involves being mindful of the things that you flush down your drain. Items like grease can build up over time. This is vitally true if you’re on a septic system as that will lead to issues that require treatment.

      Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is especially important for the main line since homeowners can’t access them easily. 

      After a clogged drain occurs, you may need to try a longer drain snake or drain cleaning machine before calling for professional plumbing services. Your best bet is to remove the sewer cleaning cover for the closest access.

      What Are The Different Types Of Main Drain Cleaners?

      Chemical Drain Cleaner 

      A chemical drain cleaner uses chemicals to dissolve the main sewer line clog using one of a variety of different chemicals. 

      Some of the chemicals found in chemical drain cleaners include:

      • Hydrochloric acid
      • Sodium Hydroxide 
      • Sulfuric acid
      • Lye
      • Trichlorobenzene

      Many of these chemicals can irritate the eyes and skin. The fumes can even be toxic, reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your home. 

      The chemicals can also cause damage to your pipes by eating through them or causing corrosion. 

      However, they also provide the best results, making them the preferred choice for a serious clog. 

      Enzymatic Drain Cleaner 

      The best enzymatic drain cleaners use natural materials, such as enzymes, bacteria, and probiotics, to eat through biological waste. 

      They are much safer for pipes and people, but they can’t eat through all materials that may create a clog such as limescale or hard water calcium deposits

      While safer, not all enzymatic drain cleaners are organic or non-toxic.

      did you know best drain cleaner for main line

      How Does Main Line Drain Cleaner Work?

      To clean the main sewer line, you will pour the drain cleaner down a toilet on the first floor of your home. If you also need to unclog a toilet in addition to clearing a main line clog, use a different bathroom. You want to work on the blockage in the main sewer line first.

      You may need to mix the cleaner together with water in advance if you have a powder drain cleaner vs. a liquid sewer line cleaner. 

      Follow the instructions on your particular product to learn how much to pour down the toilet and how long you should expect to see results. In many cases, you need to pour boiling water down the drain with the cleaner to activate it. 

      What Do You Look For In The Best Drain Cleaner For Main Line?

      Safe For Pipes

      You need to pick a product that will keep your pipes safe. If you have plastic PVC pipes, some cleaners might be too harsh. Metal pipes may risk corrosion, so you need to find non-corrosive products. 

      Always be sure to use products exactly as instructed to ensure you don’t cause any damage. 

      Strength

      Some products work better as a part of your regular plumbing maintenance, while others have the power to dissolve more difficult clogs. 

      Always ensure that the product you buy has the capabilities to handle the clog by reviewing what materials it can break up. This includes organic material, inorganic material such as paper, tree roots, etc. Also confirm it’s rated for appropriate strength as a sewer line cleaner.

      Best Drain Cleaner For Main Line Reviewed

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Roebic FRK-1LB FRK Foaming Root Killer

      Specifically designed to kill and inhibit root growth in your sewer line, this foaming drain cleaner will keep your main line clean without damaging any nearby trees. 

      It works on paper, fat, grease, soap scum, and sludge, This bundle also includes a liquid drain cleaner.

      Pros

      • Easy to use 
      • Safe for all pipes
      • Won’t damage nearby trees

      Cons

      • Takes 6-8hrs to work
      • Corrosive 
      • Includes chemicals 

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Root Destroyer Drain Opener for Sewer & Pipe Lines

      This root destroyer made from copper sulfate crystals destroys roots and stops them from coming back. Its formula is safe for all pipes, and it doesn’t produce fumes. 

      When you first notice a problem, pour this easy-to-use cleanser into the toilet and flush. 

      Pros

      • Cost-effective
      • Easy to use 
      • Safe for pipes, no fumes

      Cons

      • Not for clogged toilet 
      • Only for maintenance and mild clogs
      • Sulfate can damage pipes

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Eco Strong Septic Tank Rescue Shock Treatment

      A heavy-duty formula of triphasic biology dissolves clogs in just minutes and continues to work after the fact, preventing clogs in the future. 

      To use, you mix together the powder with water and flush it down the toilet. This product also works especially well on foul odors. 

      Pros

      • Highly effective industrial-strength formula 
      • Fast-acting with results in minutes
      • Deodorizing

      Cons

      • Powder is hard to mix
      • Only works on organic waste 
      • Expensive

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener

      Prevent clogs from happening with this natural, enzymatic drain cleaner that will attack mild to moderate clogs made out of organic waste, paper, baby wipes, grease, and/or soap scum, while also keeping your drains clean. 

      Enzymes won’t damage your pipes, and they won’t damage your eyes or skin, either. If the product doesn’t work as advertised, Green Gobbler offers a 30-day moneyback guarantee. 

      Pros

      • All-natural
      • Starts working in 25 mins
      • Dissolves organic waste and paper

      Cons

      • Not suitable for stubborn clog
      • Not for washing machine or garbage disposal
      • Won’t eliminate odors 

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Scotch Brand 1801 Gallon Restores Flow Sewer and Lateral

      One simple application of this one-gallon non-acidic chemical drain cleaner will remove all vertical and lateral obstructions, including tough clogs, overnight. 

      The caustic drain cleaner is safe for all types of pipes, but not ideal for toilet use. 

      Pros

      • Easy to use, only one application
      • Safe for all pipes
      • Dissolve both vertical and lateral clogs

      Cons

      • Takes 6-8hrs to work
      • Corrosive 
      • Includes chemical ingredients 

      When To Get Professional Help With Your Main Drain Line?

      An especially tough clog in your sewer may not respond to a typical drain cleaner due to how far the clog developed in your plumbing system. 

      If a drain cleaner doesn’t work, get a power drain auger.

      If the auger can’t do the trick, either, it’s time to call for a professional drain cleaning service, such as hydro jetting and sewer cleanout. You can buy products designed to destroy tree roots in your sewer line, and these do work, but some situations will require special equipment.

      You also know you need a plumber if a complete clog occurs in your sewer line somewhere underneath the concrete slab or another inaccessible place. They will first do an inspection of the sewer line, and deploy the right remedy.

      Camera inspection is important. If old sewer pipe materials are damaged or broken, they can assist with trenchless sewer repair to fix the section of pipe without digging.

      After professional sewer line cleaning removes the clog, make use of a natural eznyme cleanser semi-regularly and be mindful of the items you allow down the sewer drain. You can also install a grease trap to eliminate clogs in the future. 

      FAQs For Main Sewer & Drain Cleaning

      How do you unclog a main drain line?

      You can unclog a sewer line with a special chemical. The best chemical to unclog the main sewer line drain will be designed for this purpose. For more difficult clogs, you should use an electric plumbing snake. 

      Can you pour Drano in main sewer line?

      Yes, Drano states their product is safely rated for both plastic and metal pipes and this includes the main sewer line. However, you must follow the directions on the label.

      What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?

      Most plumbers use equipment over chemicals to unclog drains. However, some of the chemicals found in chemical drain cleaners include:

      • Hydrochloric acid
      • Sodium Hydroxide 
      • Sulfuric acid
      • Lye
      • Trichlorobenzene

      What do professional plumbers use to unclog drains?

      A plumber will use a drain snake to unclog your drain, or hydro jetting for very difficult clogs.

      Meet Your Plumbing Navigator

      Plumbing Navigator: plumbing advice

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We’re passionate about all things plumbing, and love sharing tips, “how-to”, and reviewing the latest products to help make your project a success!

      Learn More Plumbing Tips

      Want to tackle more plumbing projects? Check out these helpful guides!

      best water heater stand
      tankless water heater flush kit
      best mesh drain strainer
      Best Shower Drain Cover

      Got Plumbing Questions? Search For In-Depth Answers Below!

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

      Recently Published Guides