Need some advice on unclogging my drain!
By waylon on May 1, 2008 in blog
Hi Bill [Capsalis],I’m turning to you for some expert eco cleaning advice. I’m writing the editor’s letter for this issue of elephant, on the importance of toxic-free cleaning and the mindful life (I think it’ll complement your article nicely). I myself have some pretty nasty clogs in my drains—lots of hair in the the bathtub and bathroom sink—and I tried using vinegar and baking soda and boiling water, but it didn’t make much of a difference. I’m faced with the possibility of having to go out and buy Draino or some other nasty product, but I can’t in good conscience do that while I’m in the process of writing a letter that preaches to our readers how bad those products are. Do you have any suggestions for unclogging my drain the eco way? Your help is much appreciated!Cheers, Heather
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For hair in drains: I went to Lowe’s and bought a $7 plastic thingy with backwards spikes. It’s like a small drain snake. You wriggle it into the drain and pull out all the muck and hair. Works like a charm!
Your kind of drain problem should not require caustic chemicals at all.
Liz, the aunt | May 1, 2008 | Reply
Hey thanks for the question. And sorry for the delay.
Don’t ever use Drano! Just take the trap apart to get the hair out. If it is a sink look underneath where the elbow pipe is and you should be able to twist the big wide screws by hand – loosen them up and pull the elbow out and unclog your drain! Use rubber gloves. It can be nasty. If it’s in a shower try a mixture of your fingers digging into the drain to pull the hair out. Also try some straight Hydrogen Peroxide in the drain. That might help. You should buy a drain cover – little plastic mesh thingy that fits over the opening of the bathtub drain to trap hair. Couple of bucks at McGuckins and no hair in the trap!
And at McGuckins they sell this natural bacteria powder which is very health for you pipes – puts good bacteria in the pipes and east away at the bad stuff – I treat my pipes once a month and it keeps the plumber away!
See ya!
Bill Capsalis | May 5, 2008 | Reply
Aunt Liz, look atchu, reading our web site and dispensing eco advice to we so-called greenies out here in Colorado, I love it!
You rock.
Your nephew,
Way
elephant | May 6, 2008 | Reply