State Chemical vs. Amazon: Comparing Industrial Drain Openers

Imagine this: you need a drain opener, and you’d like it as quickly, effectively, and painlessly as possible. You’ve looked into chemical manufacturers and found State Chemical, but then there’s Amazon—fast and familiar. But which has better products? Which is easier? Which has a better value? Which is best for you?

At State Chemical, we’ve sold drain openers for decades and work with clients who are unsure which company to buy from every day. We’re committed to providing honest information so that you can make the best purchase, even if that is not from our company.

To stay true to this mission, we’ve written this article comparing when to buy from Amazon versus from State Chemical. After reading, you’ll know which company is best for you and your facility based on the following criteria:

• Safety data sheet regulations
• Product quality
• Shipping time and ease of ordering
• Product availability and variety
• Price
• Service
• Quantity
• Quality control

Safety Data Sheet Regulations Make Buying Drain Openers from Amazon Tricky

If you have any hazardous materials in your facility, you are required by OSHA to provide a safety data sheet (SDS) to protect your employees. Businesses are audited frequently to ensure these standards are being upheld; if they aren’t, the businesses will be penalized.

When you buy directly from State Chemical, we automatically provide you with an SDS so that you can follow OSHA regulations and keep your staff safe when handling hazardous materials. That way, you don’t have to think about it or spend time looking for it.

Meanwhile, it might take more work to track down the SDS if you buy from Amazon. Most manufacturers will provide these sheets on their websites, but you’ll have to do extra digging to ensure you find the right one and follow all regulations. It’s not impossible by any means, but it creates extra work and should be navigated with caution. You could be penalized during your next audit if you forget to retrieve the correct SDS.

Drain Openers from Amazon are Less Concentrated

When you buy a drain opener on Amazon, you’re usually buying a household product. Industrial-strength drain chemicals are not available for the general public, so what you’ll find on Amazon are products deemed acceptable for use by the average, untrained person. This means you’ll usually get a less powerful product than you would from State Chemical.

Often, this is because of dilution, where a concentrated chemical is weakened by the addition of water. This makes for safer handling but also for a less effective product and may cost more in the long run.

For example, Drano is a household product. You can use it in your business, but it’s diluted by more water than State Chemicals’ drain openers, meaning it will take more product per use to get the same results. In contrast, you’ll be able to buy a more concentrated product from State Chemical, like Drain Rocket. This will work faster, with less effort, and with more uses per container.

Amazon Provides Easy Ordering

Since most consumers are already familiar with Amazon, ordering products through Amazon can be much simpler. You’re already comfortable with the site, you may already have an account, and you know how to find what you’re looking for.

Ordering from State Chemical is similarly quick; you just need to make the phone call and give your information. However, it does involve a few more steps than Amazon and you won't have the ability to submit your own order.

If quick online ordering is important to you, and you don’t need an industrial-level product, Amazon is a good place to purchase your chemicals.

State Chemical and Amazon Have Comparable Shipping Times

When it comes to receiving your drain opener, you want it as quickly as possible. Luckily, State Chemical and Amazon can usually each get products to you quickly.

At State Chemical distribution centers, 95% of orders are filled within 24 hours, providing for quick, stress-free shipping.

Similarly, Amazon offers varied shipping times and is known for getting orders to consumers fast, making it a solid option for times of urgent need. However, Amazon can also be less consistent with shipping times, especially if you don’t pay for Prime, so it’s best to consider the delivery options for your chosen product.

Amazon and State Chemical Both Offer Product Variety

Additionally, Amazon and State Chemical each offer a variety of products.

At State Chemical, we have three drain openers as well as three drain maintainers that can sometimes be used as drain openers. Each option is made for different needs—for example, we offer both granular and liquid options for safety preferences, optimized cost-effectiveness, and clog severity. Whatever your situation or preference, we probably have a drain opener for it.

Meanwhile, Amazon is a marketplace that can instantaneously produce hundreds of different products for whatever you search. It may take some combing, and that can be tiring, but chances are, there’s a drain opener from Amazon to fit your needs too.

Amazon Products are Less Expensive, but State Chemical Products are More Effective

A main reason that people tend to go to Amazon for drain openers is obvious: it’s inexpensive. At the time of this writing, the first search result on Amazon for “industrial drain opener” is a 64 oz. bottle of Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener for $24.98, or about $0.40/ounce. In contrast, a single bottle of a State Chemical drain opener such as Clear Out, Drain Rocket, or Scram costs $1.50 to $4.00 per ounce (though it will lower to $1.00 to $2.75 per ounce if you buy a pack of twelve).

Why the big difference? It all comes down to product performance. State Chemical’s products are created and tested in our labs to most effectively unclog drains. This means our products will have a higher concentration of active ingredients and less dilution; in contrast, the cheaper product will have fewer active ingredients and more water.

So, which product should you buy? The answer depends on your drain issues. If you have minimal blockage issues, the Amazon product might be sufficient. However, those products will likely be more diluted and require more frequent applications than State’s products.

Meanwhile, if you have heavy amounts of items such as oils, food waste, hair buildup, and grease exiting through your drains, your risk of expensive drain cleaning services or drainpipe replacement will be significantly higher. In these situations, paying more for a higher performing product is more cost effective over time.

State Chemical is right for you if you need more heavy-duty, effective products and cost isn’t a big concern. If your issues are milder or infrequent and you have a limited budget, Amazon might be better for you.

State Chemical Offers Customers Service with Their Drain Openers

One of the main factors that might lead you to buy a drain opener from State Chemical is the fact that we offer service. This means that if you have an issue with a product after purchasing, we’re here to help you with that. Additionally, on top of automatically providing SDS, we can train you on how to safely use your product so that you aren’t left to figure it out on your own.

You Can Buy Chemicals from State Chemical in Bulk

Do you have a big facility and know you’ll need drain openers in advance? A perk of buying drain openers from State Chemical is that you can buy products in bulk or as a single unit. This way, if you could benefit from buying in bulk, you’ll be prepared in advance and will get a better deal on the products you’re buying.

However, if you’re running a smaller facility with a less frequent need for drain openers, it may be a better call to buy from Amazon. Sometimes Amazon offers products in bulk, but they’re more likely to be sold individually, which can be helpful when you’re looking to just try out a drain opener or only buy one.

State Chemical has Quality Control

Since State Chemical manufactures its own products rather than being a distributor, we have the advantage of a dedicated department that provides our own ISO 9001-certified quality control. This means that we have regular quality checks to guarantee that drain openers are produced to the specifications outlined in the product formula.

Meanwhile, you won’t necessarily get the same level of quality control when buying off Amazon, a distributor with less control over product quality.

If You’re Looking for More Concentrated Drain Openers with Service and the Option to Buy in Bulk, Buy from State Chemical. If You Prefer Familiarity and Easy Ordering for Less Severe Clogs, Choose Amazon

Finding the right drain opener can be a hassle, and even more so when you’re buying the company along with the product. Now that you understand the pros and cons of buying drain openers from State Chemical and Amazon, you’re ready to learn about how much a drain care contract with State Chemical costs.