Used enzymes a few times on older galvanized pipes at my last place. Helped a bit with slow drains, but honestly, the real improvement came after we snaked it out first. Enzymes are decent maintenance, but don't expect them to fix years of neglect...
I've had a slightly different experience with enzymes, actually. At our place, the pipes aren't ancient but they're definitely not new either—probably 20ish years old. I started using eco-safe enzyme cleaners regularly about two years ago, and honestly, haven't needed to snake since. Maybe it's because we didn't have major buildup to begin with, but I think if you're consistent and proactive, enzymes can do more than just basic maintenance. Guess it depends on how far gone your pipes already are...
"I think if you're consistent and proactive, enzymes can do more than just basic maintenance."
Totally agree with this. I've been using enzyme cleaners for about a year now, and here's what I've noticed: consistency really is key. At first, I wasn't seeing much difference, but after about 3-4 months of regular use (once every two weeks or so), the drains started running noticeably smoother. Maybe it's not a miracle fix for everyone, especially if your pipes are already pretty clogged...but as preventive maintenance, it's been surprisingly effective for me.
Yeah, enzymes can definitely help if you're patient and consistent. I've seen a lot of folks expect immediate results and then give up too soon. From what I've noticed, enzyme cleaners work best as a preventive measure rather than a quick fix for serious blockages. If your pipes are already badly clogged, you'll probably need something stronger or mechanical first...then enzymes can keep things clear afterward. Just my two cents from years dealing with plumbing headaches.
I've tried enzyme cleaners myself, and while I agree they're decent for maintenance, my experience wasn't exactly stellar when dealing with an existing clog. Had a stubborn blockage in the kitchen sink once—tried enzymes religiously for weeks with minimal improvement. Eventually had to resort to a drain snake to clear it properly. Afterward, though, regular enzyme treatments did seem to keep things flowing smoothly. So yeah, they're useful...but don't expect miracles if you're already dealing with a serious issue.
