Chemical vs. Enzyme Drain Cleaners
Chemical and enzyme drain cleaners are the two most popular options on the market today. However, they use vastly different ingredients in an effort to get rid of clogs in your drain. In addition, they both come with various pros and cons that must be considered when determining which type of product is best for your home. Let’s take a closer look at the two products to give you a better idea of which choice might be better for your drain cleaning situation.
What to Know About Chemical Cleaners
This type of product relies on compounds such as sulfuric acid or lye to create a reaction when it comes into contact with hair or other organic materials. The reaction creates heat that is often strong enough to melt away or move the clog through the drain.
What to Know About Enzyme Cleaners
Enzymes are natural ingredients that want to eat away at the clog. They will get rid of the material in your drain by ingesting it and removing it as they go down the drain themselves.
Natural Ingredients Are Often Best for Pipes
Natural ingredients will not cause any damage to pipes because they will not react with the compounds that comprise them. For example, acid or lye may react with the copper or other materials that make up the pipe itself, which can cause drains to crack or otherwise dissolve along with whatever is causing the clog.
Meanwhile, the natural cleaner will simply eat the hair, grease, or soap that is built up within your shower or sink drain. It’s also important to note that since the enzymes won’t cause a chemical reaction, they won’t create any fumes that could travel throughout your home’s plumbing and make their way to other rooms in the home.
Natural Cleaners Take Longer to Work
One of the key drawbacks of a natural cleaner is that it can take hours or days to work. Therefore, you might have to deal with a sink or toilet that you can’t use overnight or during the course of a weekend.
Meanwhile, a caustic cleaner may be able to get rid of a clog in a matter of minutes, assuming that it is deployed correctly. Natural cleaners also struggle to work well on clogs that are deep within a pipe, which may mean that you have no choice but to use acid or lye if you want a quick solution.
A Drain Snake May Be a Possibility
Snaking out a clog may be the best way to get rid of it quickly without causing damage to pipes or polluting the air that you breathe. A professional such as those from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may be able to assist with the process if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Seeking professional help may also be ideal if the clog is located deep in a drain or is caused by tree roots or something else growing inside of it.
Natural Cleaners Can Be Ideal for Routine Maintenance
After a clog has been removed, you may want to use natural cleaners to keep pipes clear in the long term. For instance, you may pour them down drains once a week or once a month and let them work overnight or while you’re out of town for a day or two. This ensures that you get the results that you want without causing too much of an inconvenience.
Some Notes About Using Chemical Cleaners
If you are going to use caustic cleaners, it’s important to handle, use and store them safely. Ideally, you will wear gloves, goggles and a mask to keep your handles, face and eyes safe. It’s also important to use this type of product in a properly ventilated environment and that it is stored where children and pets cannot interact with them in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical vs. Enzyme Drain Cleaners
What is the difference between chemical and enzyme drain cleaners?
Chemical cleaners use compounds like sulfuric acid or lye to generate heat that melts or pushes clogs through the drain. Enzyme cleaners use natural ingredients that literally consume organic material, hair, grease, soap buildup and carry it away as they move down the drain.
Which type is safer for my pipes?
Enzyme cleaners are generally safer for pipes. Chemical cleaners can react with copper and other pipe materials, potentially causing cracks or deterioration. Enzyme cleaners, being natural, won’t react with your pipes and won’t produce fumes that can spread through your home’s plumbing system.
How long does each type take to work?
Chemical cleaners can clear a clog in minutes when used correctly. Enzyme cleaners, on the other hand, can take several hours or even days so you may need to plan around being unable to use a sink or toilet during that time.
Are there situations where chemical cleaners are the better choice?
Yes. If a clog is located deep within a pipe and you need a fast solution, a chemical cleaner may be more effective. Enzyme cleaners tend to struggle with deep or severe blockages.
Can I use enzyme cleaners as a preventive measure?
Absolutely. Once a clog has been cleared, enzyme cleaners are a great option for routine pipe maintenance. Pouring them down drains weekly or monthly, letting them work overnight or while you’re away can help keep buildup from forming.
What safety precautions should I take with chemical drain cleaners?
Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling chemical cleaners. Use them only in well-ventilated areas, and store them somewhere completely out of reach of children and pets.
When should I call a professional plumber instead?
If the clog is deep in the drain, caused by tree roots or other growth, or if you’re not comfortable using a drain snake yourself, it’s best to call a professional. A plumber can clear the clog quickly without damaging your pipes or affecting your home’s air quality.
If you are in need of help with a clogged drain, call the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for help today. We have the tools and drain cleaning experience to deal with the toughest of clogs without causing damage to your home. We promise to be on time and restore your home to a proper state in a timely and efficient manner.
