I totally get the skepticism with enzyme cleaners. I’ve tried them a couple times and honestly, they seem to work best as a preventative thing, not a miracle fix for a full-on clog. Manual tools still feel more satisfying, even if it’s gross. You’re not alone in wondering if some of these “magic” solutions are just hype.
Manual tools still feel more satisfying, even if it’s gross.
Couldn’t agree more. There’s just something about pulling out a wad of hair with a drain snake that makes you feel like you actually accomplished something, even if it’s nasty. Enzyme cleaners are decent for keeping things clear, but once you’ve got a stubborn clog, I’ve never seen them do much. I’ve had folks swear by baking soda and vinegar too, but honestly, that’s more of a light maintenance thing in my experience. If the water’s not moving, it’s time to break out the plunger or the auger.
Yeah, pulling out a nasty clog with a snake is one of those “gross but satisfying” moments. You know you’ve actually fixed something, not just dumped a bottle down and hoped for the best. I’ve been called out to jobs where folks tried every cleaner under the sun—enzymes, baking soda, you name it—and the sink’s still a swamp. Nine times out of ten, it’s a solid mass of hair and soap gunk that nothing but a good old-fashioned auger will budge.
I do think enzyme stuff can help if you use it regularly, like as a preventative. But once the water’s pooling, it’s usually too late for magic potions. Had a customer once who poured boiling water and vinegar in for a week straight. By the time I got there, the clog was still there... but now the trap was leaking because the hot water softened the seals. Sometimes you just gotta get your hands dirty.
Had a customer once who poured boiling water and vinegar in for a week straight. By the time I got there, the clog was still there... but now the trap was leaking because the hot water softened the seals.
That’s exactly what worries me about dumping super hot water down plastic pipes. I tried that trick once and ended up with a slow drip under my sink—lesson learned. Honestly, I’ve had better luck unscrewing the trap and fishing out the gunk myself. Not glamorous, but it’s free and you know it’s gone. Those enzyme cleaners are fine if you’re on top of maintenance, but if it’s already clogged, nothing beats getting in there with a snake or even just your hands (with gloves... always gloves).
I’ve seen way too many melted traps and warped washers from the boiling water “hack.” It’s wild how often folks try it, hoping for a miracle. Honestly, a bucket, some gloves, and a bit of elbow grease usually beats any magic potion. Just watch out for that mystery sludge... it’s never just hair.
