Enzyme Drain Cleaners

It’s frustrating when your drain won’t do what it is intended to do – drain. It is messy and annoying when your dirty water just sits in the sink, and you want to find quick and easy (and cheap) solution. Typical drain cleaners are incredibly caustic and can not only damage your pipes, but the environment. So, what about enzyme drain cleaners? 

What are enzyme drain cleaners? 

Instead of using harsh chemicals to power through a clog, enzyme drain cleaners use bacterial cultures to break down organic material. If your clog isn’t caused by a piece of plastic or metal that you flushed (or that has come off the pipes), these enzymes will break down the clog and help to clear it.  

What are the benefits of enzyme drain cleaners? 

Enzyme drain cleaners are far more environmentally friendly and can prevent future clogs. They are gentle on your pipes and even helpful to your septic tank, by introducing good bacteria that will kill harmful bacteria in your system. They are much more cost effective than hiring a professional to clear out smaller clogs of things like grease, soap scum and food material. And they are far less toxic, for you, your pets, and the environment, than traditional chemical drain cleaners.  

Do enzyme cleaners work? 

Enzyme drain cleaners absolutely work, but within limits. They take a long time (potentially months if the clog is large)– much longer than chemical drain cleaners or a plumbing snake – so think of them more as a long-term solution to keep your drains clogged. As they help your plumbing system to grow a helpful bacterial colony, they will be able to clear even stubborn clogs, but that takes a while. If you have a major clog, using a drain snake or a professional might be required, but using enzyme cleaners as maintenance will help keep your drains clear.  

In combination with physical clog removal, enzyme drain cleaners are going to be an important part of your plumbing arsenal. Once you’ve used them regularly for several weeks, you will be able to say goodbye to the hassle of drain clogs going forward. And happy plumbing is a major key to a happy home!