Honestly, I get the hanger thing—done it myself plenty. But I’ve seen folks scratch up their drain pretty bad with that, especially if you’re not careful. If you’re dealing with long hair all the time, you might want to try one of those flexible plastic drain sticks. They’re cheap, don’t mess up the pipes, and actually pull out way more gunk than a hanger ever did for me. Mesh catchers are a pain, yeah, but they do save you from bigger clogs down the line... just gotta remember to empty them before they turn into their own little science experiment.
Mesh catchers are a pain, yeah, but they do save you from bigger clogs down the line... just gotta remember to empty them before they turn into their own little science experiment.
Ha, the “science experiment” part is too real. Ever pulled out a mesh catcher after forgetting it for a week? I swear, I’ve seen things in there that could probably apply for citizenship. But hey, you’re right about the plastic drain sticks—they’re weirdly satisfying to use, too. Anyone ever tried the baking soda and vinegar trick? I’ve had mixed results... sometimes it fizzes up like a volcano, other times it just sits there judging me.
Ever pulled out a mesh catcher after forgetting it for a week? I swear, I’ve seen things in there that could probably apply for citizenship.
That’s way too relatable. I’ve had tenants call me convinced there was a “creature” in their drain, only to find it was just a month’s worth of hair and soap gunk. The baking soda and vinegar thing is hit or miss for me too—seems like it depends on how bad the clog is. Sometimes it’s just not enough, but at least it feels like you’re doing something before breaking out the heavy-duty stuff. Those plastic drain sticks, though... weirdly satisfying, like you said.
Those mesh catchers are like little science experiments if you forget about them for too long... As for the baking soda and vinegar, I’m with you—sometimes it’s like a magic trick, other times it’s just fizz and disappointment. Here’s my go-to when the tub’s not draining: First, yank out whatever’s in the catcher (brace yourself). Then, I use one of those plastic drain snakes—seriously, pulling out a wad of hair is gross but weirdly satisfying. If it’s still slow, I’ll pour boiling water down there, but not if you’ve got PVC pipes (don’t want to melt anything). Chemical stuff is my last resort, mostly because I don’t want to breathe that in. Sometimes you just gotta get your hands dirty... or gloved, preferably.
Chemical stuff is my last resort, mostly because I don’t want to breathe that in.
Same here—those chemical drain cleaners are pricey and honestly, I’m never convinced they do much besides stink up the bathroom. I’ve tried the baking soda/vinegar thing too, but it’s hit or miss. The drain snake is definitely worth the $2 at the hardware store. Just a heads up, though: if you’ve got an old tub like mine, sometimes those plastic snakes can get stuck. Had to fish one out once... not fun, but cheaper than calling a plumber.
