Clogged drains and sewer backups are unpredictable and inconvenient. However, we stand a good chance of avoiding such issues if we implement a sewer and drain maintenance program. We discussed much on this subject in a previous post entitled, “Sewer and Drain Maintenance”. Within this post, the reader will come to an understanding of how beneficial ‘non-pathogenic’ enzymes and bacteria are in maintaining sewer and drain lines.
“Non-pathogenic” means your pets or family will not be harmed by the bacteria with proper use.
Non-pathogenic bacteria are environmentally friendly and possess the ability to produce enzymes adequate to break down the food source. Enzymes are the teeth of the bacteria. When bacteria identify the organic material in your sewer and drain, it will produce the correct enzyme and begin consumption.
Some people like to use enzymes alone. Remember, the enzyme is the teeth of the bacteria. Once the process of breaking down the organic material has begun, there needs to be bacteria for the disposal and digestion of the offending agent.
On the other hand, bacteria by itself can work within your sewer system without adding bacteria, if the bacteria has not had a long shelf existence.
Drain care production companies bottle bacteria and introduce a food source. The bottled bacteria will forget how to produce enzymes for anything other than the food source that was in the bottle. The reason is in the regeneration of bacteria in this captive environment where there are only one or two types of food sources available.
If adding enzymes to bacteria for drain cleaning, you should be sure to include enzymes that contain the following:
- cellulase destroys plant fiber and fibrous particles
- Alpha-glycosidase will break up foods such as seeds fibrous beans, and roots that may invade the sewer line.
- Protease effectively breaks up protein found in eggs, meats, and cheeses.
- amylase will focus on breaking apart starch, carbohydrates, and sugars found in fruits and vegetables.
- Lipase breaks apart oils and fatty substances
- Lactase breaks down dairy products such as milk and cheese