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Thread: How to Have a Happy Sink Drain

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    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default How to Have a Happy Sink Drain

    Gentlemen:

    Shave soap and cream residue combined with shaved facial hair often create a rebellious shave den sink drain. This problem is a headache for me, since mine is an old sink and not exactly top-of-the-line. I have used a variety of commercial products to keep the drain clear, but it still backs up frequently, or drains slowly. I know there is an expert out there with just the right product and method to keep the drain clear. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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    Senior Member Cove5440's Avatar
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    I use baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda in first, I put in about 3 - 4 tablespoons, or more if it will go down, pour the vinegar in and put your drain plug in. Leave for about 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. Do that once a month and you should have less problems.

    Someone else may have a better solution, but that's what works for me. I also have a drain snake that I use when it plugs up completely.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth Theseus's Avatar
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    What kind of pipes are they(i.e. copper, galvanized, cpvc, etc...) and how old are they. If it is a persistant problem, it may be time to replace the plumbing.
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    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theseus View Post
    What kind of pipes are they(i.e. copper, galvanized, cpvc, etc...) and how old are they. If it is a persistant problem, it may be time to replace the plumbing.
    Theseus, my dear friend, I haven't the slightest idea what kind pipes they are. Nor do I have an idea how old they are. I mean they do not clog, but they do drag.
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    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    By the way, gentlemen, my "Thank You" button does not exist. So thank you for your suggestions.
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    Try cleaning out the trap at the 180 degree elbow on the bottom of the piping. This should be done every once in a while. If this doesn't work, and you've already tried some commercial drain cleaners, then my advice would be to call your local plumber and get the pipes replaced.
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    Senior Member JohnnyCakeDC's Avatar
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    Obie, if I may suggest, stop washing your trimmings and spent lather down your sink.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth Theseus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Obie View Post
    Theseus, my dear friend, I haven't the slightest idea what kind pipes they are. Nor do I have an idea how old they are. I mean they do not clog, but they do drag.
    In my experience, if it is a slow drain and not a clog, it is more likely that there is corrosion or mineral build-up in the pipe. If it was only a clog, normal declogging chemicals or a plunger should be more than enough to clear it out.
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    I've found DrainCare to be effective at maintaining a clear drain. It's an enzyme cleaner that you mix with hot water, pour into the drain and let sit for 8 hours (overnight). If you do it 3 times in a row it's usually good for a month. and it's natural.
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    This is not my actual head. HNSB's Avatar
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    I had the same problem with my sink drain. Chemical pipe-cleaners would work for a short time, then it would be blocked again.
    In my frustration I pulled the plug-thingie out of the bottom. (it's the type that's attached - not an old fashioned plug)
    Once I got that thing out, I found that the blockage was where that plug goes in, and probably the first half inch of pipe behind it - all well above the level of the trap. I can now pull that plug out and put it back in very easily, because the bottom connector is broken (it still works fine as a plug). I have had absolutely no problems since - when I have a lot of hair/soap to go down the drain I just remove the plug and flush with lots of water.
    There must be a way to take those out for occasional cleaning without having to break them...
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