(Archived Mar 29, 2011)Fixing a Slow Drain
Tip: Fixing a Slow Drain
My tub drains slowly (the only one in the house that does). I am sure there isn't a clog. I have an enamel tub, so I removed the plate, and when I gently pulled it out there wasn't a chain. I don't know if it a plunger type or a ball. Do I have to remove the tub, or is there a way to take out the drain plate from the tub so I can see into the drain?
By George from Berlin, MD
Feedback:
By rygobus
10/29/2010
Sometimes when a bath tub drain is slow, there is an accumulation of hair and crud in the drain between the tub and the trap. Trap cleaners rarely clear these obstructions. There is a tool available at most home stores that is just right for this job and it only costs a couple of dollars. Find a Zip It, they work great!
Good luck. Rygobus
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(Archived Oct 23, 2010)Fixing a Slow Drain
Request: Fixing a Slow Drain
What is a good way to open a slow drain without taking everything apart?
By Charlie from Las Vegas, NV
Feedback:
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
I use vinegar and baking soda every week to keep my drains running smoothly and odor free. Dump baking soda down the drain, then pour vinegar in after. The acidity of the vinegar and the bubbling action will help keep drains clear. (07/01/2010)
By sassieroses
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Also, have you tried the salt and boiling water? There was a post this past week, too, by a man that puts coffee grounds down his drain and never has slow drains, search that out on this site for more details. Good luck! (07/02/2010)
By mom of towers
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Try using boiling water, I mean water boiled in a pot or teakettle, not just very hot from the faucet. This should help dissolve whatever is clogging the drain. As you may have to do it several times, while waiting for the next container of water to boil you could use the vinegar/baking soda combination. (07/11/2010)
By AnnmacC
(Archived Jun 29, 2010)Fixing a Slow Drain
Request: Fixing a Slow Drain
How can I clean out my bath tub drain? I've pulled out a clog of hair, but it still doesn't drain properly. I don't want to have to hire a plumber. I've also poured hot water down it and a drain cleaner. It's still slow.
By Pat from Mid-MI
Feedback:
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Because you already used commercial drain cleaner, wear rubber gloves and goggles for safety. While running water into tub, use the toilet plunger (this will bring up a lot of yuk from the drain. Wipe this up with paper towels. Don't allow it to go back down the drain. Plunge until you achieve results.
Then add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar. Let stand approximately 30 minutes. Pour in a quart of boiling water, then run cold water to rinse clear. Repeat if necessary. Remember to use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water every month or two, and you will never buy Liquid Plumber again! (02/16/2010)
By psr1lady
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Enforcer Drain Care. It eats hair and gook. Safe and natural. (02/19/2010)
By muttmom
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
I bring a pot of white vinegar to a boil and pour it down the drain every now and then. It seems to work. (02/19/2010)
By Stngray
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Although I have never tried this, a friend told me about pouring in a whole can of any kind of cola soda pop. She says it works wonderfully. (02/19/2010)
By catcrony
(Archived Feb 15, 2010)Fixing a Slow Drain
Request: Fixing a Slow Drain
Our kitchen sink is draining slowly. Can anyone help me with this problem?
By Elmerfudd from Peebles, OH
Feedback:
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Pour baking soda into the drain until it's coating the upper drain. Pour vinegar over the drain and allow the bubble action and then chase it down with hot water. The drain will open up and you water will flow freely again in the drain.
If this doesn't help unclog the drain, then you may have a more serious problem, but try it a couple of times and see if that helps. I use this method each month to keep drains clean and the water running freely.
(10/03/2009)
By Lorelei
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Coca-cola can help a lot with this sometimes and is very cheap. You might as well give it a shot. (10/04/2009)
By Cherrier25
(Archived Oct 03, 2009)Fixing a Slow Drain
Request: Fixing a Slow Drain
What can I do to open a slow moving drain? It is in the bathtub, so probably mostly hair.
Lynn
Feedback:
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
When our bathtub drain slowed up, my husband used the toilet plunger on it. Gross, but worked. This was after using Drano and boiling water a bunch of times. (10/01/2008)
By Wendopolis
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
What I do is to take the out the drain stopper, an easy process, pull out the gunk with needle nose pliers and replace the drain stopper. Much easier than taking the time to pouring stuff down the drain and not have it work. (10/01/2008)
By Harry
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Get a bent piece of wire and fish the hair out of the drain, it is usually near the top of the drain. You'd be surprised how much hair can accumulate there. (10/01/2008)
By PICO
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
I recently read here on ThriftyFun that a plumber recommended pouring a bottle of "Nair" or another depilatory type hair remover (for women's legs) down the drain and leaving it sit for several hours because hair is usually the main culprit. You may have to do it twice. (10/04/2008)
By Cyinda
(Archived Oct 01, 2008)Fixing a Slow Drain
Request: Fixing a Slow Drain
How do you speed up a slow drain?
Beth
Answers:
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91432402.tip.html
This same question was posted on thrifty fun and here are some remedies. (04/30/2008)
By MCW
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Hi Beth! None of the tips posted on the link above worked for me last time I had this problem, so I bought a product at Menard's called Instant Power Hair and Grease Dissolver. It comes in a tall black plastic bottle, inside of a clear plastic bag, like a baggie. I poured about 2 cups of it into my (bath) drain, and by the next morning the drain was completely clear!
I also realized what was causing my problem, it was the body wash I had been using, one of the "cream" types. It was good for my skin, but awful for my drain! Made it greasy and a trap for hair and dirt.
You might want to give it a try. :) (05/02/2008)
By Kayray
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
The Menard's fix sounds interesting. I never use chemical products that might harm the drain. I use my garden hose to clear all drains. It even works on the toilet unless there is an unusually tight clog.
Simply hook the hose to a faucet (I try to hook it to my basement stationary tub faucet so I get hot water which is more effective). Use one of nozzles on the hose that is the skinny type if you have one, and push it down the drain as far as possible, then pack wash cloths or rags all around to keep the water from coming back into the basin or tub that is slow. Have a friend turn the water on full force while you hold the nozzle into the drain.
Let the water run for several minutes...at least 5. The drain should clear, but if not, I'd try it again only longer. It helps to do this process at the wall of a sink and sometimes you will discover the clog is in the trap (curved pipe) under the sink and can easily be cleaned out by hand, eliminating the need to use the hose. (05/02/2008)
By Cass
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Put some baking soda followed by vinegar in the drain on a regular schedule. Maybe once a month helps keep it running smooth. (05/03/2008)
By WIsgal
RE: Fixing a Slow Drain
Hi. I frequently use the method of pouring baking soda in the drain and then vinegar. However, I do heat my vinegar in the microwave before pouring it in on top of the baking soda. But stand back, because it really steams up. You can hear the gurgling, then I run hot water afterwords and watch the little whirlpool because the water runs so much faster.
(05/05/2008)
By dianna