Enzymes can be hit or miss, true, but mechanical methods aren't always the best first step either. I've seen plenty of cases where folks jump straight to plunging or snaking and accidentally damage older pipes or fittings—then they're stuck with a bigger headache than before. If it's not an urgent overflow situation, sometimes giving enzymes a shot first (even if just for a few hours) can soften things up enough to make plunging safer and easier. Just something to consider before diving straight in...
Good point about enzymes—I usually prefer being cautious too. But what about chemical drain cleaners? I've heard they're pretty harsh on pipes, especially older ones...any thoughts on safer alternatives that actually work?
"I've heard they're pretty harsh on pipes, especially older ones..."
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way. My old place had ancient plumbing—tried chemical cleaners once and ended up with leaks everywhere. Now I stick to baking soda and vinegar. Pour 'em down, wait 30 mins, flush with hot water. Works surprisingly well and hasn't killed my pipes yet. Better safe than sorry...
Yeah, baking soda and vinegar's a solid combo—saved me a few plumber calls over the years. But honestly, sometimes the clog's just too stubborn for DIY methods. Had a tenant once who kept pouring grease down the drain (despite my warnings...), and no amount of vinegar was gonna fix that mess. Ended up needing a pro to snake it out. Ever run into something like that, or is it just my luck with tenants?
Baking soda and vinegar can definitely help with minor clogs, but honestly, they're more of a temporary fix than anything else. Grease buildup is a whole different beast—vinegar won't break it down effectively, no matter how much you pour in. Instead of waiting for things to get bad enough to need a plumber, you might wanna try enzyme-based drain cleaners. They actually digest the grease and keep pipes clear longer. DIY is great, but knowing when to switch methods can save you some headaches (and cash) in the long run.
