For heavy buildup, I usually recommend pulling the trap and giving it a good clean. Gloves help... but nothing really prepares you for what you might find.
Pulling the trap is definitely the way to go if you’re not squeamish. Just make sure to stick a bucket underneath first—learned that the hard way when I ended up with a mystery soup all over my floor. I’d add: turn off the water, and maybe lay some towels down too. And yeah, enzyme stuff is fine for gunk, but nothing’s dissolving a Lego or hairball from 2003.
Yeah, pulling the trap is the only real fix when it’s a solid blockage. Chemical stuff just softens up grease, but if you’ve got a chunk of plastic or a wad of hair, nothing’s eating through that. I’ve seen folks try boiling water or baking soda—sometimes helps, but honestly, just get in there. Don’t forget to check the washers when you put it back together, or you’ll have a leak to deal with too.
Chemical stuff just softens up grease, but if you’ve got a chunk of plastic or a wad of hair, nothing’s eating through that.
I’ve had the same experience—those “magic” drain cleaners are more of a band-aid than a real fix, especially for anything solid. Pulling the trap is pretty straightforward if you’re careful, but I always get nervous about overtightening the washers when I reassemble. Has anyone tried those flexible drain snakes you twist by hand? Curious if they’re worth the small investment compared to just taking the whole thing apart.
I’ve actually used one of those twisty drain snakes, and honestly, it’s kind of satisfying in a weird way—like fishing for gross prizes. It worked way better than dumping chemicals down the drain, at least for hair clogs. I do wonder about the plastic bits though... seems like you’d still have to take the trap apart if something solid’s wedged in there. Anyone else get nervous about what might come out on the end of those things?
I get what you mean about the “gross prizes”—sometimes it’s like a horror movie for your plumbing. I’ve had to use those twisty snakes a few times, and honestly, I’m always a bit wary about what’s going to come out. Once pulled up a wad of hair with a bobby pin and some weird plastic ring tangled in it... not exactly pleasant.
About the plastic bits, you’re right—if something solid like a bottle cap or a piece of broken plastic is stuck, the snake usually won’t grab it. At that point, you really do need to take the trap apart. It’s not as intimidating as it looks, but I always recommend putting a bucket underneath and wearing gloves. You’d be surprised how much gunk can build up in there.
I’m not a fan of dumping chemicals down the drain either—besides being rough on pipes, they can splash back if there’s a blockage. Manual removal feels safer and more thorough, even if it’s messier. Just take it slow and don’t force anything if you hit resistance... that’s when things can go sideways fast.
