Thread: 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.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Theseus

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.

By the way, gentlemen, my "Thank You" button does not exist. So thank you for your suggestions.

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.

Obie, if I may suggest, stop washing your trimmings and spent lather down your sink.

Originally Posted by Obie

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.

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.

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...