An eco-friendly and secure method of keeping your plumbing system running smoothly is with enzyme drain cleaners. Enzyme drain cleaners, as opposed to strong chemical drain cleaners, are made of bacteria and enzymes that decompose organic waste in your drains so that it may be flushed out. By using these in your drains, you can avoid smelly and costly backups by preventing them in the first place! They are also gentle on your system unlike harsh clog removers which can actually cause more harm to your pipes than good! They are also readily available online and at all Home Improvement stores.
The way enzyme drain cleaners function is by combining bacteria and enzymes with the organic material that adheres to the interior of the pipes. The complex organic molecules are broken down into molecules that the bacteria can consume with the enzymes. These enzymatic drain cleaners have the potential to even unclog stubborn drains if given enough time to work their magic. It's crucial to remember that enzyme drain cleaners don't work miracles and that it could take them days, weeks, or even months to start showing results. In order to avoid blockages, it is advised to use enzyme drain cleaners for routine drain cleaning before you get clogged up. At Megan Drew Plumbing we use Bio Attack to treat drains that we have unclogged as a follow up treatment after using the drain machine. We also have a blog about how to clear a drain at home.
The reasons we love enzymes and enzyme drain cleaners so much?
They are an excellent substitute for abrasive chemical drain cleaners.
They're safe for the environment, your family, your pets, and your plumbing system.
Enzyme drain cleaners are inexpensive and simple to use.
They come in a lot different applications to fit your specific needs.
You can literally use them everywhere. The applications are endless.
Enzymes are so easy to use! They come in sticks, liquids, sprays and pellets. They're often already in a lot of products you already use like, liquid detergents, stair removers and laundry pre-treaters, dishwasher detergent etc. And they're not just for plumbing! Lets look at all the different places we can use enzymes to promote healthy plumbing and a clean smell free environment:
Kitchens
Kitchen sink drains. They can get very smelly. Backed up with food and grease that has sneaked passed the basket strainer. Drop a stick in as part of your monthly routine and it will smell nice and keep your pipes running freely. Read our Blog about FOG (Fat, Oil, Grease) here.
Garburators. Pour some liquid in and let it rest overnight (follow the labels directions) and any food that's been trapped in the blades will be eaten.
Dishwashers. Run a cycle or two with enzymes to get them all throughout and inside the pumps, drains and washer spouts.
Bathrooms. Sink, shower, and tub drains. All of these drains can get very clogged with hair. Especially long hair. The hair washes down the drains and traps soap scum, toothpaste etc. clogging up your drains and causing them to backup.
Toilets. You can put the slow release tablets into your toilet tank! Just make sure they're secured to the tank so they don't dislodge and interfere with your flushing mechanism. They'll do their magic with every flush.
Laundry Rooms
Washing Machine. Not only do enzymes work to keep your washing machine clean and smell free, they can be used in your laundry to get rid of smells and stains.
Laundry. They work great for gym clothes, work clothes, kids clothes, towel, sheets, pet stuff, the options are endless. Let's be realistic, we've all left a load of laundry overnight to come back to it the next day with it smelling musty and gross. Re-run that load with some enzyme cleaners for laundry and they'll be fresh as a daisy again.
Laundry Tubs are another drain that gets overlooked and that often clogs up. Mop buckets get poured down here, stinky running shoes get soaked, pet stuff gets washed, really anything that doesn't fit into the kitchen sink goes into ours. With a dog, a cat, and 3 geckos, a lot of hair and other organic material get unintentionally washed down ours.
Carpets
Enzymes work great on carpets. I always add them into my carpet cleaner when I use it. They're also amazing for spot cleaning pet messes and spills. They have many treatments to are geared specifically to pet messes but they also work great on any biological mess. Spilled milk on the carpet? No problem. Enzymes to the rescue. With kids they have saved me so many times.
Septic Systems and RV's
Enzymes for septic systems and RV's are important because they improve waste breakdown. They enhance the decomposition process, ensuring that waste is broken down more efficiently. They also prevent clogs and foul odours.
It's important to remember that not all clogs can be cleared by enzyme drain cleaners. For instance, they might not be effective on blockages brought on by foreign objects or mineral accumulation. For such situations, it is advisable to contact a licensed plumber and they will use a drain machine to clear the drains safely or advise you on how to get you plumbing going again. Read our blog about how to find a Trusted and Reputable Plumber near you.
Whatever you do, don't let your pipes get to this point! Use enzymes routinely and call Megan Drew Plumbing if you have any questions or concerns. We're always here to help!
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