Does Green Gobbler Work? How Does It Work? An In-Depth Review

If you have a clogged drain, you might be wondering:

Does Green Gobbler work? How does it work? Will it damage my pipes?

In this Green Gobbler review, I answer all these questions and more. You’ll learn about its effectiveness, how it works, what types of clogs it’s best for, and how to use it properly.

I also share the results of the National Advertising Division’s review of Green Gobbler’s advertising claims.

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently decide if Green Gobbler is right for your situation.

---

Use the links below to navigate the review:

• Does Green Gobbler Work?
• Are Green Gobbler’s Advertising Claims Valid?
• How Does Green Gobbler Work?
• What Type of Clogs Does Green Gobbler Clear?
• Does Green Gobbler Work on Hair?
• Does Green Gobbler Work on Toilets?
• In What Situations Does Green Gobbler Not Work?
• Does Green Gobbler Damage Pipes?
• How Long Does It Take Green Gobbler to Work?
• Green Gobbler Product Offerings
• Bottom Line: Does Green Gobbler Work?

---

Does Green Gobbler Work?

Let’s get straight to the point: does Green Gobbler work?

The short answer is yes. Green Gobbler effectively clears clogged pipes due to a buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, or other soft matter.

I tested Green Gobbler against Drano, the leading liquid clog remover brand. I used both products on two clogs caused by hair and soap scum buildup.

You can read the full results of my Green Gobbler vs. Drano test in detail, but the short summary is that Green Gobbler was just as effective as Drano at clearing the clog and restoring my drain. Both products quickly removed the clog without damaging my drain or pipes.

Green Gobbler was easier to use than Drano because the bottle had two pre-measured compartments containing the exact amount of solution necessary. With Drano, I had to pour either the entire bottle or estimate half, which was challenging since the bottle wasn’t clear.

Since that test, I’ve used Green Gobbler to remove clogs in my shower, bathroom sink, and toilet, and each time it cleared the clog completely.

I’m not the only one experiencing positive results using Green Gobbler. Several top review sites also report its effectiveness:

The New York Post called Green Gobbler Drain Clogged Dissolver one of the best drain cleaners you can buy. Reviewers pointed out that it destroys clogs in your shower, sink, bathtub, toilet, and septic system. They liked that the dual chamber bottle offers two pre-measured uses, making it easy to use without guesswork.

Real Simple rated the best drain cleaners and chose Green Gobbler Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover as the best drain cleaner for toilets. The reviewers pointed out that most drain cleaners are unsafe to use in toilets due to chemical ingredients that can cause a harmful reaction. Since Green Gobbler contains non-hazardous ingredients, it’s an excellent choice to keep your family safe.

Good Housekeeping listed the best drain cleaners for tough clogs and selected Green Gobbler powder packs as the best single-use drain cleaner. Testers liked the pre-measured powder and ease of use. However, they pointed out extreme clogs may require a second pack and overnight treatment.

Better Homes and Gardens named the best drain cleaners for clogged sinks and called Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pac the best choice for a single-use drain cleaner. Reviewers lauded the easy-to-use, pre-measured packs as an excellent choice for traveling and versatile enough to clear all kinds of clogs from showers to toilets.

Bob Vila chose Green Gobbler as the best enzymatic option in a list of the best drain cleaners. Reviewers praised its eco-friendly formula, the versatility of use on different clogs, lack of odor, and effectiveness (even in standing water). However, they noted that it may take longer to work than other drain-clearing formulas.

Based on my personal use and the assessment of trusted home product review sites, I can confidently say that Green Gobbler works. If you’re still skeptical, they offer a money-back guarantee.

If you’re not completely satisfied with the results, they’ll refund you the purchase price up to $20.

Are Green Gobbler’s Advertising Claims Valid?

In the past, Green Gobbler made some bold claims in its advertising, including the statements, “works within minutes,” “works on contact,” “non-toxic,” and “powerful enough to plow through any clog.”

But are these claims true?

In 2022, the National Advertising Division (NAD), an independent, self-regulating organization that checks the truthfulness of ads, conducted a thorough review of Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver’s advertising claims. This review was called into action by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., the company that makes Drano, which happens to be Green Gobbler’s biggest competitor.

During the investigation, they looked deeply at Green Gobbler’s efficacy, ingredient, and environmental claims.

Efficacy Claims

You’ve probably seen claims that Green Gobbler is a potent tool against tough clogs. NAD confirmed that Green Gobbler could tackle stubborn clogs. They also confirmed that it can penetrate standing water to reach a clog.

However, NAD didn’t find enough evidence to support the claims that Green Gobbler works fast, so they recommended discontinuing advertising that says, “fast-acting hair clog remover” and “tackles stubborn clogs fast.”

What about its ability to dissolve things? NAD found that Green Gobbler can turn hair, organic material, and paper into liquid. However, it shouldn’t be positioned as a solution to dissolve grease, oil, or sturdier forms of paper, like paper towels.

NAD also warned Green Gobbler to avoid messaging that says, “sticks to pipe walls” and “clings to pipes to keep them working” because those claims couldn’t be proven.

Ingredient Claims

Let’s talk about ingredients. Sodium hydroxide is common in many drain cleaners, but you won’t find it in Green Gobbler. NAD confirmed this claim as accurate.

Environmental and Safety Claims

You might see Green Gobbler advertised as having “no harsh chemicals.” Unfortunately, NAD found no evidence supporting this claim. Similarly, they disagreed that Green Gobbler is broadly “safer” than other products or has widespread environmental benefits. They advised the company to tweak or stop using these claims.

Other Claims

NAD also took issue with words like “revolutionary” or “breakthrough” being used to describe Green Gobbler. They felt these terms could mislead consumers into thinking the product offers unique benefits other drain cleaners can’t.

During the review, Green Gobbler agreed to stop using certain claims, like “works on contact,” “faster,” “most effective,” and being “non-toxic,” among others. They made this decision for business reasons, not because NAD asked them to.

In a nutshell, Green Gobbler can unclog drains effectively, sink through standing water, and dissolve hair, organic matter, and paper. But NAD couldn’t validate the claims about it working “fast,” dissolving grease and oil, sticking to and protecting pipes, and having broad environmental or safety benefits.

How Does Green Gobbler Work?

Green Gobbler distinguishes itself from other drain cleaners because it uses eco-friendly ingredients to dissolve clogs. The biodegradable formula includes bacteria that produce enzymes to break down soft matter, such as grease, hair, and soap scum.

The formula also includes surfactants that cut through grease and grime and help loosen clogs. Here’s a quick breakdown of Green Gobbler’s ingredients:

• Water dilutes the formula.
• Non-ionic surfactants act as de-emulsifiers.
• Benzisothiazolinone, Sodium hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone are preservatives.
• A defoamer is used to prevent the formula from foaming up.
• Monopotassium phosphate and Dipotassium phosphate act as buffers.
• Viable bacteria culture is the active ingredient and acts as the cleaning agent.
• Fragrance

Enzymatic drain cleaners, like Green Gobbler, don’t contain corrosive chemicals like bleach and sodium hydroxide. Therefore, they are safe to use on plastic, copper, or any type of pipe.

The main downside of enzymatic drain cleaners is that they often take much longer to work than chemical-based clog removers.

 Although, when I tested Green Gobbler vs. Drano, that wasn’t the case — both removed the clog in approximately 30 minutes.

Drano is a caustic drain cleaner. Caustic drain cleaners are ideal for clogs caused by food, grease, or soap scum. They often use alkaline chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, to quickly break down even the toughest buildup. However, caustic drain cleaners have a strong odor and can produce toxic fumes if mixed with other chemicals, such as bleach. 

Acidic drain cleaners use sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. They work well if you have a heavy-duty clog caused by hair, food, grease, soap scum, or paper. However, they can damage metal plumbing, and since they are so potent and dangerous, they’re sold primarily to professional plumbers.

With caustic and acidic drain cleaners, you must consider the following:

• Wearing protective clothing like gloves and goggles
• Keeping your eyes, nose, and mouth covered
• How the repeated use of chemicals can impact pipes

What Type of Clogs Does Green Gobbler Clear?

Green Gobbler has several products for different clogs. Therefore, it’s helpful to identify the type of clog to select the right product.

Here are a few common clog situations and the best Green Gobbler options:

• For drain clogs due to grease or soap scum, choose Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver.
• For hair clogs, choose Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Gel.
• For your toilet or main line, use Green Gobbler Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover.
• For general buildup causing slowed drains, select Green Gobbler Buildup Remover Gel.
• For regular clogs in your bathroom or kitchen or on the go in your RV or Airbnb, try the pre-measured Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs.

Green Gobbler is designed to work in standing water. Its formula liquifies soap scum, organic matter, hair, toilet paper, and flushable wipes. It’s also safe for use with septic systems.

Does Green Gobbler Work on Hair?

Yes, Green Gobbler works on hair. It breaks down hair into a liquid, allowing it to wash down the drain. While all its products work on hair, Green Gobbler Industrial Strength Gel is the best choice for hair clogs.

The gel uses alkaline ingredients, enzymes, and surfactants to break down and dislodge the hair. And the gel is three times thicker than the standard Green Gobbler formula for the extra power to eliminate tough hair clogs.

Does Green Gobbler Work on Toilets?

Yes, Green Gobbler products work on toilets. All products can handle a toilet clog, but three are specially formulated for use on toilets:

• Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver – Try this first on a toilet clog before using stronger options. The 31-ounce bottle contains two applications. Use one to start; if the clog persists, use the other application.
• Green Gobbler Powder Plunger Toilet Clog Remover – If you prefer powder, try this option for a clogged toilet. It’s guaranteed to dissolve clogs without a plunger, or Green Gobbler will return your money.
• Green Gobbler Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover – If the clog is severe, switch to this heavy-duty option to clear the toilet or main line quickly. It claims to turn the worst clogs into liquid within 30 minutes.

In What Situations Does Green Gobbler Not Work?

Green Gobbler’s formula is ideal if organic materials, such as toilet paper, grease, hair, soap scum, or food matter, cause your clog. The enzymatic formula will dissolve the sources of the clog.

However, if you have a severe clog where your pipe is filled with several inches or feet of matter, or there is an object in your pipe, like a plastic toy, you will likely need to try a product with harsh chemicals, a drain snake, or call a plumber.

Does Green Gobbler Damage Pipes?

No, Green Gobbler does not damage pipes. It’s safe for PVC, ABS, copper, and cast iron pipes. The non-corrosive formula uses enzymes and surfactants to break down clogs instead of caustic or acidic formulas.

How Long Does It Take Green Gobbler to Work?

Depending on the product and the severity of the clog, it can take as little as 15 minutes, or it may need to work overnight (8+ hours).

Here’s how to use some popular Green Gobbler products:

• Drain Clog Dissolver – This is a good option for bathroom drains, including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Its liquid formula has two pre-measured applications. If clearing a sink, tub, or shower, pour one application into the drain and let it sit for an hour before flushing with hot water. If clearing a toilet, pour both applications, let it sit for two hours or overnight, and wait until the water level is normal before flushing.
• Drain Opening Pacs – This powder drain cleaner is used for lightweight clogs. Pour the powder into the drain and add enough water to ensure all of the powder is wet. The water activates the product. Wait 15-30 minutes before flushing your drain with hot water.
• Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover – If clearing a main plumbing line, pour the whole bottle into any toilet on the first floor of your home. Then, flush the toilet to let the product flow through your pipes. If unclogging a toilet, pour one quart of the liquid into the bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Pour in hot water to help flush the clog.
• Industrial Strength Gel – You can use this in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or any other place with a drain with a severe clog. For sinks, tubs, and showers, pour 16 ounces of the gel slowly into the drain and allow it to sit for 5-15 minutes or overnight. Then, flush with hot water for at least 5 minutes. Use 32 ounces for a toilet clog.

Green Gobbler Product Offerings

Green Gobbler offers a variety of products for your home. You can find the products online at GreenGobbler.com and Amazon or in home improvement stores.

Here’s a quick overview of the brand’s top product lines:

Drain clog removers

Green Gobbler’s drain-clearing products are available in liquid, gel, and powder form. These options have varying strengths. For example, the Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver is ideal for most regular clogs in sinks, tubs, and toilets, while the Industrial Strength Gel is perfect for tough clogs, like those with thick toilet paper or food matter.

Drain maintenance

To avoid clogs, Green Gobbler offers different formulas to keep your plumbing system clear. Maintenance products, like Buildup Remover Gel, Enzyme Drain Cleaner, and Foaming Root Killer, help things flow smoothly.

Septic treatment

Green Gobbler makes various septic system products to keep your pipes flowing freely and eliminate odors. These options are biodegradable and eco-friendly. You can choose from septic liquid cleaners and gels to pods that dissolve.

For example, the Septic Saver Liquid can maintain septic tanks up to 1,500 gallons for 60 days, while you can flush one Septic Saver Pod monthly to prevent sewage problems.

Weed killers

Green Gobbler sells one product to kill weeds, but it’s offered in multiple sizes. The 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer eliminates various weeds, from crabgrass to dandelions. It’s OMRI Listed, meaning it is safe in organic gardens.

Bottom Line: Does Green Gobbler Work?

So, does Green Gobbler work? The short answer is yes. Green Gobbler is an effective drain clog remover that works on various clogs, such as hair, grease, and soap scum. I’ve tested it against leading brands, and it performs just as well without causing pipe damage.

While the NAD couldn’t fully substantiate some of Green Gobbler’s advertising claims, they confirmed that it could handle tough clogs, penetrate standing water, and dissolve hair, organic matter, and paper.

What sets Green Gobbler apart is its eco-friendly and non-corrosive formula. It uses enzymes instead of harsh chemicals, making it safe for various pipe types. With Green Gobbler, you don’t have to worry about damaging your plumbing system.

Call a professional if you have a persistent clog or drain issue that Green Gobbler isn’t designed to fix. You can get free quotes on Home Advisor from plumbers in your area.

Want to learn more about Green Gobbler and browse its entire lineup of products? Visit GreenGobbler.com or check it out on Amazon.