Thread: Are your sinks backed up?

Originally Posted by BobH

Only thing that blocks my sink is long hairs hanging up on the pop up actuator arm and then it is just slow to drain. Nothing from anything shaving related.

Bob

+1 on the actuator. I trim my mustache with electric clippers and a # 1 comb attached to leave the satche short. I do it over the sink. Now the short mustache hairs will get in there and maybe get gummed up with the MWF residue ? Dunno but I've had to pull the actuator pop up Bob mentioned and all was well again ....... until the next time.

As 1 who installs pipe from faucet and drain to the ocean/septic tank/where ever I would say it shouldn't be caused by soap, cream or anything from shaving.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

+1 on the actuator. I trim my mustache with electric clippers and a # 1 comb attached to leave the satche short. I do it over the sink. Now the short mustache hairs will get in there and maybe get gummed up with the MWF residue ? Dunno but I've had to pull the actuator pop up Bob mentioned and all was well again ....... until the next time.

I guess it could, but I think that those hairs are so small that they would be able to pass right by as long as the passage is clear to begin with. But it's not unlikely that it will contribute to clogging to some extent, but not nearly as much as long hair. That's just my guesses though.

Originally Posted by Ludvig

I guess it could, but I think that those hairs are so small that they would be able to pass right by as long as the passage is clear to begin with. But it's not unlikely that it will contribute to clogging to some extent, but not nearly as much as long hair. That's just my guesses though.

True, but when I have pulled the drain plug/actuator out it was full of hair and I don't know what all. Of course I'm only having to do this once in a couple of years or so.

Sounds to me like there is a build up in one of the lower down line sweep 90's. Over time, usually many years, the pipes can build up a crust and nearly shut off the opening. If you were able to get a small diameter power cable cleaner down the drain a good clip, you should be able to free up the buildup. If it turns out there is no blockage to speak of then you may have a vent problem. In which case, you could install an air admittance valve in-line right under the sink to allow more air and faster drain. Ken

Vinegar and baking soda sounds fine to me, I have a problem drain, and will try it. There could be something other n there, like Hirlau said. I have not had problems with soap.When nothing else works I get some acid for cleaning pipes from the hardware store. You have to be careful because it can seriously burn or injure. Cover up, eye protection and thick rubber boots. I let the acid work overnight and it unclogs.

Originally Posted by vicmaldo

Vinegar and baking soda sounds fine to me, I have a problem drain, and will try it. There could be something other n there, like Hirlau said. I have not had problems with soap.When nothing else works I get some acid for cleaning pipes from the hardware store. You have to be careful because it can seriously burn or injure. Cover up, eye protection and thick rubber boots. I let the acid work overnight and it unclogs.

Another word of warning is to not use those chemicals if it is a bad clogging. I have heard of people, mostly plumbers, suffer nasty damage to their hands when the chemicals have been used but not successfully unclogged the drain. Then they have to clean the drain by hand and ooops, there was those chemicals that got stuck, now on my hands and burning away.

Yup, had the same problem. Dropped the trap and pulled a wad of hair.

It was a shedding vintage Simpson boar brush and soap. I too, am the only one using the sink in a new home.

I notice soap coats my brush handle and scuttle so not surprising it would coat the pipes especially with a shedding brush.

Hasn’t had the trap off in about a year, but it runs good so far.

There may be some unwanted guests hanging out in your shave den at night,,,

Gremlins

Originally Posted by Hirlau

There may be some unwanted guests hanging out in your shave den at night,,,

It's scary to imagine isn't it?