If your drain’s backed up, chances are you’ve stared at bottles of Drano, Liquid-Plumber, or Green Gobbler wondering which one will actually work. But here’s the truth: plumbers don’t use that stuff.
So What Liquid Do Plumbers Use?
Professionals reach for high-powered drain openers made with strong active ingredients like sodium hydroxide—not watered down retail formulas. One of the top options out there is Javelin Tub & Sink Treatment. It’s what plumbers use on the job, and now it’s available for anyone to buy.
Sodium Hydroxide: The Real Clog Killer
Most people don’t realize the active ingredient that actually clears hair and gunk is sodium hydroxide. But the big brands? They use barely enough to make a dent.
Here’s a look at how they compare:
| Product | Sodium Hydroxide (%) |
|---|---|
| Javelin Tub & Sink | 40% |
| Drano Max Gel | <5% |
| Liquid-Plumber | <5% |
| Green Gobbler | <15% |
Javelin has more than double and in some cases, eight times the active ingredient. That’s why plumbers use it. And now, you can too.
A Drain Cleaner That Keeps Working After You Pour It
Here’s what makes Javelin different (and why pros keep it stocked): It doesn’t just unclog your sink, it actually coats the inside of your pipes, breaking down leftover buildup over the next few days. That means your drain gets cleaner after the treatment, not just during.
You won’t get that from Drano, Liquid-Plumber, or Green Gobbler.
Bonus Benefit: Use It In A/C Condensate Lines
Got an A/C system? Here’s something most homeowners don’t know: Javelin Tub & Sink can also safely clear your air conditioner’s condensate drain line. That’s the line that backs up and causes leaks during summer. One treatment helps keep it flowing, so you don’t end up with a soaked floor or ceiling.
Why You Should Switch
If you’ve tried ever “best drain cleaner” on the shelf and still ended up calling a plumber, it’s time to upgrade. Javelin Tub & Sink is:
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✅ Built for professionals
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✅ 40% sodium hydroxide
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✅ Safe on all pipes PVC, metal, cast iron
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✅ Leaves a coating that keeps working
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✅ A/C-safe to keep condensate lines clear
You don’t need a plumber. You just need what they’re using.
Final Word
So if you’re still wondering what liquid do plumbers use to unclog drains, here’s your answer:
They use Javelin Tub & Sink. Not because it’s pretty but because it works. And now you can skip the service call and fix it yourself.