Clogged Drains Have A New Foe

March 23, 2002

By Sue Doerfler
The Arizona Republic

It looks like a long, inside-out plastic zipper, with teeth along the outside instead of inside.

But boy, does it pull out the grime and hair that's collecting in - and clogging - tub and sink drains.

Called Zip-It, the product is safer than toxic chemical cleaners, which can burn and irritate the skin.

It's easy to use: First, remove the drain plug if you can, then insert Zip-It into the drain. The plastic is durable but flexible, so it will bend as needed. Then pull it out. The barbs on the plastic will catch hair, scum and soap residue as you pull out the Zip-It. You may need to do it several times to make sure all the accumulation has been eliminated.

Use Zip-It periodically. Don't wait for the sink or tub to be backed up. If you do, you may have to resort to other drain-cleaning methods: plunger, snake or plumbing service.

Zip-It, which retails for $2, is available at home-improvement centers and hardware stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, True Value and Ace Hardware, and Wal-Mart, among other locations.