Enzymes are handy, but honestly, I've found they're not always enough—especially if you're dealing with older plumbing or slower drains. Even with careful scraping, grease and soap residue can still build up over time. Every few months, I pour boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar. It breaks down stubborn buildup naturally, without harsh chemicals. Just be cautious with boiling water if your pipes are PVC... learned that lesson the hard way too.
Totally agree on the baking soda and vinegar combo—it's a lifesaver for regular maintenance. But honestly, if you're dealing with really stubborn buildup, sometimes you gotta step it up a notch. I've had good luck using a drain snake every now and then to physically clear out gunk that natural methods can't quite reach. It's not glamorous, but it works wonders, especially in older pipes. And yeah, boiling water and PVC... been there, done that, not fun.
Good points about the drain snake—it's definitely effective for stubborn clogs. But honestly, I'd caution against relying on it too often, especially if you're dealing with older plumbing. I've managed a few properties with vintage pipes, and believe me, aggressive snaking can sometimes do more harm than good. You might clear the clog temporarily, but there's always a risk of damaging already fragile pipe walls or joints.
One alternative that I've found pretty helpful is enzyme-based drain cleaners. They're eco-friendly, safe for most pipe materials (including PVC), and they gradually eat away at the organic buildup without harsh chemicals or physical force. Sure, they're not instant miracles—you have to be patient—but regular use really helps keep things flowing smoothly without risking damage.
Also, I totally agree on boiling water being risky with PVC pipes... learned that lesson the hard way myself years ago. Lukewarm water combined with enzyme treatments has been my go-to ever since.
Of course, every situation is different, and sometimes you just gotta get hands-on. But from a long-term maintenance standpoint—and especially if you're cautious like me—gentler solutions tend to pay off better in the end. Just my two cents based on some costly plumbing mishaps over the years...
