Unclogging
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Install a hair-catching device like a TubShroom in shower drains to catch hair before it enters the drain.
It catches hair so it doesn't clog the drain and saves money compared to dealing with clogs.
- They are gross to clean out.
- Traditional mesh traps can cause temporary clogs.
6 people, independently
Rent a snake from a home improvement store for bathroom sink clogs caused by hair rather than paying a plumber.
Plumbers may charge five times as much.
one person who lived it
If plunging and snaking fail to fix a slow drain, check and clear the air vent.
Disconnecting the vent released trapped air and allowed the sink to drain.
one person who lived it
Use a drain snake to unclog drains.
One approach that works wonders for clearing clogs is snaking.
2 people, independently
Steer clear of harsh chemical drain openers like Drano, particularly if your plumbing is made of metal or copper.
These chemicals can eat through pipe material faster than they clear the clog, causing damage, especially in older houses.
4 people, independently
Remove the trap and pull out the clog with your finger.
It is easy and free.
one person who lived it
Remove the sink stopper and use needle-nose pliers to physically extract hair or blockage.
one person who lived it
Use a small plunger specifically designed for sink drains.
It works better and avoids contact with waste.
2 people, independently
Avoid relying on chemical cleaners for deep clogs.
They may not reach or stay in contact with large blockages; one service plumber described them as entirely useless.
one person who lived it
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Dump old milk down the drain to introduce bacteria into your septic system.
It is loaded with bacteria and contains no solids.
one person who lived it
Use inexpensive plastic pronged tools to twist and pull out hair clumps from drains, being careful not to poke yourself.
- Be careful not to poke yourself with the tool.
4 people, independently
Consider using a manual drain snake to clear deep clogs yourself instead of paying for professional jetting or pipe replacement.
Professional services may quote extremely high prices for jetting or replacing underground piping.
one person who lived it
use a plunger appropriate for the surface shape (flat for sinks, flanged for toilets) to clear clogs and slow drains
The sheer number of people completely unaware of how effective a plunger is at clearing both complete clogs and slow drains
one person who lived it
Do not rely on baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains.
The chemical reaction removes the cleaning power of both substances, resulting in wasted materials without clearing the clog.
2 people, independently
Store a plunger directly behind the toilet for immediate access when needed.
Searching for a plunger while the toilet is overflowing is inconvenient.
one person who lived it