Thread: slow sink drain problem

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I never use any Draino. I try to run real hot water down as often as I can as my kitchen faucht has water restrictors so you don't get a lot of water.


Easy, peasy--

I was very happy when they got rid of the sensor sinks that I had to deal with. Move your hands, no water and not enough to flush the soap.

They went to standard faucets on that addition and I can't remember the last time I had to unplug a sink there.

In some areas water is at a premium and I could understand that but if not use enough water to wash the soap etc. down and you will have few issues.

Even if water is restricted plug the drain and let all the water flow in one large batch and many of your problems will be eliminated.

Toothpaste is another one that many might not think about............

Why does a drain plug, but a roof will leak?

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Why does a drain plug, but a roof will leak?

Karma my friend--Karma--

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Why does a drain plug, but a roof will leak?

'Cause everything's topsy turvy, and things are unraveling at the seams?

When the water backs up and just sits in the sink, I block the vent holes and use a plunger with a tall bulb.

Doesn't happen very often, but for me, the plunger has always made short work of the problem.

Pete <:-}

Please be careful using LYE...Works for me.

Probably worth pulling p trap out and making sure it’s clean, too. Cuda’s pic is what I usually see as the culprit. The plugged p trap is usually a symptom of the slow flow from the mostly plugged drain plug and it’s that slow flow that lets things get stuck in the bottom of the p trap. To clean the stopper look at the down tube on the drain body. There should be a knurled cap threaded onto the back of the drain body that holds the arm that holds the stopper open and closed. If you unscrew that cap you can remove the rod and then pull the stopper out. Takes about 30 seconds to get it out and just reverse to put it back together. It will give you easy access to pull out the hair that’s in there. You can go to any home improvement store or onLine and get a plastic hair remover: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Brasscra...112-Hair-Snake

If you have a push to open/close drain just unscrew it, should come right out.

Dran-o or lye works great but you need to let it stand for an hour or so. Bail the water out if there is water standing in the sink. After the Drain-o I take a garden hose and wrap old latex gloves around it for a seal, and stick it in the drain, and turn on the water to blast the loosened crud down where it belongs. HINT: wear a face shield or goggles so splashback doesn't get in your eyes. Don't ask me what made me come up with the face shield trick.

Originally Posted by outback

Its the wife's hair that's always the culprit.

Iron supplements can reduce this. For your wife, not the drain.

I bought an 80 oz jug of Draino and the sink works fine now. Thanks for all the good advice.