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Zippy procedure clears slow drains
Sadie Jo Smokey
The
Arizona Republic
Sept. 3, 2005 12:00 AM
If your bathroom sink or tub is draining slowly,
it's time to clean the drains. Before pouring a slew
of harsh chemicals down the drain, try to manually
remove the clog.
The project is easy enough for do-it-yourselfers
and should take less than one hour.
1) Remove the pop-up plug in the sink or unscrew
the strainer in the tub. Once the plug or strainer
is removed, use a brush or cloth to clean them.
2) Because most bathroom drains are clogged by hair,
start with a flexible tool that can slide down the
drain to pull out the hair. Professionals use a closet
auger or plumber's snake, but you can buy a flexible
plastic tool called a Zip-It for $3.50 at most hardware
stores.
3) Insert Zip-It into the drain, pushing down until
the handle meets the top of the drain.
4) Slowly pull out the Zip-It. Carefully remove debris.
Repeat several times until you're satisfied you've
removed all of the hair.
5) If water still is not flowing freely down the
drain, try a plunger.
6) Be sure there is enough water in the basin or
tub to cover the plunger cup completely. Coat the
rim of the cup evenly with petroleum jelly. Center
the cup over the drain hole. Without breaking the
seal between the drain and the cup, pump down and
up with short, quick strokes five or six times, then
jerk the plunger up from the drain. Repeat if necessary.
7) Turn on the taps to ensure the water is flowing
freely down the drain. Once the water has drained
from the sink or tub, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and
1/2 cup white vinegar down the drain and cover tightly
for 1 minute. The chemical reaction will create a
fizzy pressure and dislodge smaller clogs. Rinse with
hot water and return the pop-up plug or strainer.
Tools and materials: Zip-It, plunger, petroleum jelly,
baking soda and white vinegar.
Sources: Time Life Books Complete Home Repair Manual,
St. Remy Press; Home Safe Home by Debra Lynn Dadd.
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