Good point about porcelain sinks—I never even thought about that. I've always stuck to hot tap water just to be safe, but now I'm extra glad I did.
"sometimes it takes a couple rounds."
Yeah, same here. I've noticed the baking soda and vinegar combo works best if you let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Seems like giving it time to fizz and break things down makes a noticeable difference.
One thing I'm curious about though... has anyone tried those enzyme-based drain cleaners? They're supposed to be eco-friendly and safer for pipes, but I've heard mixed reviews on whether they're actually effective or just marketing hype. Wouldn't mind hearing some real-world experiences before I give them a shot myself.
I've tried enzyme cleaners a few times, and honestly... they're hit or miss. Worked great on minor clogs, but for tougher stuff, I ended up back with baking soda or a snake. Still, worth a shot if you're curious.
Gotta disagree slightly on enzyme cleaners. Sure, they're not miracle workers, but I've had them save me from some pretty gnarly tenant-induced disasters (think spaghetti night gone wrong...). Trick is patience—let it sit overnight, sometimes even longer. But yeah, if you're staring down a real beast of a clog, nothing beats a good ol' snake and some elbow grease. Still, enzymes deserve more credit than just "worth a shot," IMO.
"Trick is patience—let it sit overnight, sometimes even longer."
True, patience is key with enzyme cleaners. Couple thoughts from my experience:
- Enzymes can be great preventive maintenance—regular use keeps pipes clearer long-term.
- For serious clogs, though, enzymes alone rarely cut it. Had a bathtub clog once that laughed off enzymes... snake was the only way out.
- Also depends on pipe age and type; older plumbing might need gentler methods to avoid damage.
Bottom line: enzymes have their place, but knowing when to switch tactics saves headaches (and plumbing bills).
Enzymes are handy, but honestly, waiting overnight isn't always practical if you've got water backing up. Had a kitchen sink clog once—tried enzymes first, but ended up needing a quick plunge anyway. Sometimes you just gotta skip straight to mechanical methods.
