How to clear a clogged drain without chemicals
The drain in my bathroom sink has been draining more and more slowly for a while now. (I’m embarrassed to admit even to myself how long this has been building up.) In my bathroom sink, I realize it’s probably clogged with a lot of hair. I’ve used chemical drain cleaners before and I don’t think they work very well. They might make a small difference for a short period of time but they don’t actually “Clear” the drain. Can you imagine a chemical that was strong enough to dissolve hair? What environmental impact that would have being flushed down our drains? I’d rather not! I found a tool that lets me clean out a drain without the use of harsh chemicals!
It’s a disgusting job but you can use a hooked plastic wand thing-a-majig and clear it out. This one is called a Zip-it and costs $2.50 at your local hardware store.
It’s super easy to use — but you might want to put on a pair of gloves and maybe cover your nose and mouth with a bandana – old time western movie style.
- Pull out the drain plug
- push the Zip-it down into the drain
- pull it back out –the hooks grab onto whatever hair and crap have clogged the drain
- you might give it a couple goes to get ALL the gunk.
Did I say disgusting? It is SO gross, I almost threw up!
Seriously — D I S G U S T I N G!
But that sucker worked like a charm!
Have you ever used one? Did you throw up? uuuhhhhhhh (shudder and gagging again just thinking about it.)
Oh Sandra!! I feel your pain girl!! Bless your heart. I almost gagged just looking at your pictures. Looks like seaweed 🙂
I gag every time I read a new comment and have to scroll down through the pics to reply. like right now…… LOL 🙂
About 15 years ago, my hubby bought me one of those small augers wit.h a coil on the end of a winding metal tape because we have had some major bathroom sink and tub clogs. This little gadget looks very effective, though. Oils from make-up, other beauty and grooming products, and body skin and oils add to the problem as well. A good preventive practice is to pour boiling water down the drains ever one or two weeks. An electric kettle comes in handy for this.
Oh! I have one of those to use on the laundry room sink. I just haven’t gotten brave enough to use it because I know my tummy won’t be able to handle. I know it’s just hair and it’s our hair but …
I’ve decided to get hubby to do it. A plan I can follow. 😀
Jake’s a Girl
hair and oil and dirt and gross stuff that grows on all that crap…uuugh -gagging again! Good idea to have hubby do it. Wish I would have because I now have the gag reflex whenever talking about hair.
I have one and it’s one of the best $3.00 investments! The only problem is that I gag like crazy trying to get all that rotten hair off of it!
I have been using one of these in all my bathrooms for years. They work the best. I keep one in each shower. They are less then $2 at walmart. Make sure you pick up a couple.