What are Enzyme Drain Cleaners and How Do You Use It?

Clogs are unavoidable sometimes. Food, debris, or old pipes can cause backups in your drain that can lead to costly flooding. Ordinary cleaners aren’t always strong enough to tackle stubborn clogs. That’s why many homeowners reach for an enzyme drain cleaner. These powerful cleaners unblock the toughest clogs and will have water flowing down your drains again. Let’s look at the best enzyme drain cleaner options and why you should consider using them for your clogged drains. 

Enzyme drain cleaners for clogged drains

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are created by living organisms to speed up chemical reactions. They can be used in a variety of ways, but when it comes to tough clogs, they are the perfect solution because of their ability to break down molecules.

How do Enzyme Drain Cleaners Work?

There are countless ways sinks can clog including food particles, grease, organic waste, hair, and skin. Over time, organic matter like this can clog drains as it sticks to the insides. This can lead to strong odors, slow drains, and permanent clogs.  You may be wondering how enzyme cleaners work. Enzyme cleaners add powerful enzymes and bacteria into organic matter that is trapped in your drain. They break down these molecules allowing the bacteria to eat away at it and allowing water to flow naturally again. This is unlike other treatments that require the bacteria to continue to spawn so that you have an established colony that eats away at the clog in your drain. Enzyme cleaners act fast and can remove the clogs in your drain with one or two uses.

clogged bathroom sink - summit drain plumber fixing it
plumber repairing clogged sink in Ottawa

Can Enzyme Drain Cleaners Unclog a Drain?

Yes! Enzyme drain cleaners can unclog your drain. They take a little longer than chemical drain cleaners as the molecules and bacteria eat away at the clog. Remember, if you have a significant clog, it can take months for the enzyme drain cleaner to work so be prepared to exercise a little patience to get the best results.

How Do You Use an Enzyme Drain Cleaner?

There are several varieties of enzyme drain cleaners. The most popular enzyme drain cleaners are shaped like a stick that is placed into the drain. As you continue to use the sink or plumbing system, the enzymes dissolve and dislodge the clog.

Over time, your drain will be cleaned as the debris and grime is washed away. They can also be used to prevent future clogs by allowing the enzymes to continuously eat away at the organic matter that would otherwise cause clogs. 

The next most popular enzyme drainer is a mix used with water poured into the drain. The water helps to coat the pipes and begin the process of eating away at the debris. 

Finally, there are septic tank enzyme cleaners that you can flush down your toilet. They are shaped like a pod and slowly make their way to the septic tank breaking down matter like toilet paper and decreasing reliance on septic system services.

Benefits of Using Enzyme Drain Cleaners

Enzyme drain cleaners are an environmentally and budget-friendly option for getting rid of clogged drains. Let’s look at some of the benefits of enzyme drain cleaner use.

Better for the Environment

Enzyme-based drain cleaners are better for the environment because they rely on natural bacteria to do the work of unclogging drains. Chemical-based cleaners use high concentrations of chemicals like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid which can be dangerous to the environment.

Gentle on Pipes

Unlike chemical cleaners which can erode your plumbing over time, enzyme drainers naturally clean your pipes and are not corrosive. It also protects your cast iron or galvanized steel pipes.

foundation waterproofing Ottawa

Cost Effective

Keeping your pipes clean shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Enzyme cleaners are easy to use and prevent organic material, grease, and soap scum build-up without having to call the plumber. Enzyme cleaners can act as a preventative measure, as they can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs.

Safe for Septic Tanks

Harsh chemicals can kill the natural bacteria in your septic tank and encourage new bacteria to help continue the cleaning process even when you don’t have clogs.

Contact Us

If you are looking for the best enzyme-based drain cleaners, the team at Summit Drain can help you find the right solution. We offer professional advice and service to help ensure that your pipes are clean and free from clogs. Contact us today to discuss your drainage needs and for a free estimate.

FAQ

A main sewer line blockage can cause water to backup in random places. For instance, you run your washing machine and notice your sink overflowing – this can be a clear sign that you have a clogged drain line.

If you have ruled out a potential sewer drain clog, you can rinse your sewer drain by flushing it with water. When you flush your lines, try adding a bit of drain cleaner to the water. A great place to flush your sewer line is the toilet – a larger amount of water and drain cleaner can enter your system quickly and easily. Unfortunately, if you do this when you have a clog, it can cause backup and potential flooding – if this is the case, clear the clog first.

You should generally know if your sewer line is blocked with slow drainage. The purpose of the sewer line is to take all the water drainage away from your house via sinks, bathtubs or toilets – if you find that there is slower drainage in one drain then you can essentially clear that yourself using a drain snake or a plunger.

There is confusion regarding when you are responsible for sewer line repair. While some may believe that the homeowner is only responsible for repairing the part of the line that’s on their property, this is not the case. Sewer lines consist of multiple sections, the upper lateral, lower lateral and the main line. The city is only responsible for repairing the main sewer line.

If issues with the main sewer line cause damage to your lower lateral, which is most likely where the damage would generally first start – the city would repair this damage when they work on the main sewer line. Unfortunately, if there is backup and flooding on your property from the main sewer line, then the city would not be responsible. It is best to follow up with the city to see if they will repair any damage in these cases.

Unpleasant smells coming from your drains is indicative of sewer line issues and damage. You should always take these types of smells seriously as it could be toxic fumes slowly releasing from the sewer below into your home.

There are a number of ways to clear a slow drain using products found around the home:

Bent Wire – If you do not have a drain snake, you can try using a stiff wire – like one from a clothes hanger, leaving the hook to enter pipes and pull out any clogs. Try to make sure you don’t push debris further into the pipe.

Homemade Flush – Mixing baking soda and vinegar can dissolve any materials that are potentially clogging your drain pipes. This is a good and much safer alternative to store-bought chemical cleaners.

Toilet Plunger – Like plunging a toilet, you can try using this on your drains. Using a plunger on your drains can help get things moving by using suction. This should be enough to fix any mild blockages.

Aged drain pipes are at risk for corrosion which can lead to breaks. Summit Drain has both the technology and expertise to fix this if necessary.

Yes. Drain pipes are durable, but not meant to last forever. If you live in an older home in Ottawa, most likely the pipes are made from copper and can collapse in this day and age.

When it comes to a collapsed drain, call Summit Drain. We use trenchless technology to replace sewer pipes made from original materials without ruining your property.

Rock salt
Rock salt helps by removing moisture from the roots, which in turn kills them. Two lbs should do the trick, pour 1 down the toilet. Flush until gone. And repeat with the next. Then leave for 12 hours and don’t run any water.


Foaming root killers
Another effective way to treat roots in pipes is with foaming root killers. Pour powder into toilet and flush. It will foam upon contact with water. Not only does it help dissolve current roots, but also helps to protect against future ones.


Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is another good option. Available at most hardware stores, pour roughly half a cup into toilet and flush until gone. Leave the home and take all pets and family members along. This is a toxic substance and banned in some places.


Should I replace old pipes?
There does come a time where it makes sense to replace your pipes. Over time they crack and corrode. It is recommended to begin routine inspections once your home reaches 50 years in age. For plumbing Services in and around the Ottawa area, nobody does it like Summit Drain.

Summit Drain & Plumbing © 2025
We accept the following forms of payments:Payment Methods