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The Nontoxic Alternative To Drain Cleaner That Really Gets The Job Done

It's normal for drains to occasionally get clogged in your home. While you might make your best effort to prevent foreign objects from going down the drain, you can't completely stop a natural accumulation of hair, soap scum, and minerals that can sometimes lead to backups. At this point, you may be looking for a way to quickly unclog your drain. Chemical-based cleaners are among the more conventional solutions, but these don't always fix the underlying problem. What's more, chemical drain cleaners are dangerous due to their powerful formulas, and they can potentially damage your pipes. For regular maintenance and occasional clogs, it may be time to consider nontoxic enzyme cleaners instead.

Enzyme drain cleaners are powered by helpful bacteria. This bacteria produces enzymes that help to dissolve and dislodge clogs. One example is Green Gobbler Liquid Hair Drain Clog Remover. When poured down a drain, these natural elements react with organic particles and help to break them down upon contact. For this reason, enzyme-based drain cleaners are particularly helpful in tackling clogs caused by hair, mold, mildew, and food. To use them, you simply pour a small amount of the product down the drain per the manufacturer's instructions, and follow up with hot water several hours later to help move the remains of the clog through your pipes.

Weighing the benefits and caveats of enzyme drain cleaners

When comparing enzyme drain cleaners and chemical-based versions, enzyme-based products have far more benefits. Not only do they lack the risk of burns and respiratory side effects, but enzyme drain cleaners are also known to be safer for your pipes. Enzyme-based drain cleaners can also help you maintain a healthy septic tank with less clogs. Because they don't contain powerful chemicals, they're safe enough to use in all areas of your home, such as sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and garbage disposals. Their regular use could even help to reduce odors.

While enzyme drain cleaners generally have more pros than cons, there are still a few things to keep in mind before using these products. First, while enzyme cleaners can unclog drains, they take longer to work than their chemical counterparts, with some products needing to stay in the drain for up to 24 hours before flushing with hot water. When considering the choice between toxic chemicals and time though, you might be inclined to choose the latter for the sake of you and your family's health. Also, despite their clog-dissolving capabilities, enzyme drain cleaners tend to be most effective when used on a regular basis as part of overall maintenance. This can cost money upfront, but help save the potential cost of major plumbing repairs in the long run. Finally, it's important to keep in mind that enzyme drain products can still pose the risk of skin irritation, so you might consider wearing gloves during use. 

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