The holidays are just around the corner and that means family, friends, food….and clogged drains. A Consumer Reports study found calls to plumbers rise 50% the day after Thanksgiving, which leads us to suggest that maybe Uncle Fred is pouring your “famous” eggnog down the drain or perhaps Cousin Jimmy just isn’t a fan of your Ambrosia salad. In fact, research shows that drain opener usage spikes in November and December, which is another good reason why Zep is entering the consumer drain care category with the launch of three formulas—one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom and one for the tub and shower.

 
According to Gary Gastel, VP-brand management, Zep, all of the formulas are unlike typical drain openers one can find at retail.

 
“Zep drain openers are highly viscous compared to many other drain openers, and were developed to be thick enough to cut through standing water and go right to the clog,” he explained. “Zep drain openers are formulated to have some of the highest concentration of active ingredients to help dissolve stubborn clogs quickly the first time.”   

 
According to Zep, Advanced Kitchen Sink Drain Opener Gel has a unique formulation to clear food and grease clogs. This product is also safe for use in garbage disposals. 

 
The company notes that bathroom sink pipes get an unusual combination of materials such as toothpaste, shaving cream, hair, makeup and soap scum. They find their way down the drain and bind together to cause stubborn clogs. Zep Advanced Bathroom Sink Drain Opener Gel’s concentrated formula is designed to dissolve and dislodge those materials in minutes, according to the company.

 
Finally, Zep Advanced Tub & Shower Drain Opener Gel
is formulated to dissolve thick hair, soap scum and conditioner fast. The gel formula cuts through standing water, surrounds the clog, and melts it away.
 
 
Because there is nothing else like these in the market today, now there is no more guesswork in how to unclog each drain in your house.
 
 
“A major frustration for consumers is in trying to find a drain opener that works, so our Zep research and development and product management teams developed this unique, highly concentrated line of drain openers. Now, the solution is right in the name and you'll know you're getting the best formula developed to dissolve that specific clog” said Gastel.  

 
The Zep R&D team has a lot of confidence in the new formulas.

 
“Our research has found target consumers want a drain opener that works the first time while being safe for septic systems and pipes,” he explained. “That’s why Zep Advanced Drain Opener Gels are guaranteed to work or they’re free.”
   
 
These days there’s cash in clogs. According to Information Resources, Inc., sales of drain cleaners rose 3.2% to nearly $322 million for the 52 weeks ended September 9, in US multi-outlets. That’s well ahead of the overall household cleaner segment, which had sales of $3.42 billion, an increase of just 1.27% for the same period.

 
As a new player in the home drain care category, Zep has work to do. SC Johnson dominates with nearly 51% of the market, on the strength of its Drano brand. Clorox is next with nearly 30%, due to the popularity of Liquid Plumr. Rounding out the top five players are private label, 6.52%; Scotch Corp., 3.16%; and CR Brands, 1.62%.
 
Here’s are the Top 10 brands and their dollar share, according to IRI:

Brand	$Share
Liquid Plumr	23.90
Drano Max	21.93
Drano Max Gel	20.40
Private Label	6.52
Drano	3.95
Liquid Plumr Urgent Clear	3.52
Instant Power	3.16
Drano Dual Force	3.10
Liquid Lighting	1.41
Mr Plumber	1.38

 
The new Zep Advanced Drain Opener Gels are said to work in standing water, are safe for pipes or septic systems, and come in a 32oz bottle providing two treatments. Each of these Zep drain opener gels can also be used for regular drain maintenance to keep drains clean and clear all year round, and are available at The Home Depot.