Do Enzyme Drain Cleaners Really Work?

Drain clogs can be downright frustrating to deal with, especially if you’re trying to clean dishes or planning to host guests for a get-together. Although you might be tempted to reach for the first drain cleaner you see, it’s important to think about how these products can impact your plumbing system. Some drain cleaners can cause irreversible damage to your pipes, which will leave you with an even larger problem to clean up.

Fortunately, there are many solutions that will be easier on your pipes, such as enzyme-based drain cleaners. But since these products are known for being gentler, you might be wondering: do enzyme drain cleaners really work? Can you trust them to tackle your tough drain blockages?

In order to answer these questions, it’s crucial to understand how these enzymatic products work in comparison to other drain cleaners. So, does enzyme drain cleaner work? Let’s go over everything you need to know in detail below!

What Are the Main Types of Drain Cleaners?

Before we can discuss whether or not enzyme drain cleaners do really work, it can be helpful to learn about how these products work. Use this guide to see how enzyme products work when compared to other drain-cleaning solutions on the market:

 

What Are Enzyme Drain Cleaners?

When you enter a store searching for an effective drain cleaner, you probably look for products that boast “instant results” and “maximum strength” taglines. However, there’s a good chance these products contain strong chemicals that can cause severe damage to your plumbing and septic system.

For example, acidic and caustic drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as hydrochloric acid or lye. When poured down your drain, they create chemical reactions that can break down many materials, from hair to grease.

However, it’s also vital to point out that chemical-based drain cleaners can cause eye and skin irritation — should you come into close contact with them. You may also need emergency plumbing services to repair or replace your damaged drains and pipes, as the chemicals used in these products can also eat through various types of piping.

Enzyme-based drain cleaners don’t contain strong chemicals like their acidic and caustic counterparts. Instead, enzymatic drain cleaners work by feeding on the debris that’s clogging your drains. These products contain good bacteria that eat organic material and live organisms such as mold. You can also rest easier knowing that these solutions are much more environmentally friendly than other options on the market.

Does Enzyme Drain Cleaner Work?

Sure, enzyme-based cleaners might be gentler than their chemical-containing counterparts and are safer for your plumbing, but at the end of the day, your main goal is to clean your drains. So, does enzyme drain cleaner work? Can you confidently trust these products to get the job done?

When it comes down to it, enzyme drain cleaners do really work. However, it’s important to recognize that these products have a few limitations. In fact, they’re mostly used as a preventative measure against clogged drains. And while enzymatic cleaners can be used to remove clogs consisting of hair, grease, and food particles, they work much slower than other store-bought products.  You can expect these drain cleaners to remove your blockages in eight to 24 months. These products also have a shelf life, so they can lose their potency over time.

So, does enzyme drain cleaner work as well as other types of products and solutions? All-in-all, enzyme-based drain cleaners are an excellent option for drain maintenance. You might not want to purchase these products if you’re looking to remove a tough blockage in a short amount of time.

Have a Stubborn Clog? Contact Our Drain Cleaning Experts!

“Does enzyme drain cleaners work?” If you ask a few people this question, there’s a good chance that you’ll receive a mishmash of answers. That’s because these store-bought products can help you maintain your drains, but they’re not so great if you’re hoping to remove stubborn drain clogs in the blink of an eye.

Now that you know enzyme drain cleaners do really work — just not how you might think — don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for a drain cleaning service. Aberle offers many drain cleaning solutions to tackle a wide range of blockages.

If you’ve been searching for a plumber in Houston, TX, you can trust, look no further. Contact us today!