I’ve actually had decent luck with a wet/dry vac, but it’s kind of hit or miss. Sometimes it’ll suck out a hairball or whatever’s stuck, but other times you just end up making a mess and getting splashed. Honestly, I’m not sold on the boiling water trick either—if the clog’s grease-based, it can just melt and re-solidify further down the line. Taking apart the trap is gross, yeah, but at least you know you’re not just pushing the problem deeper. Enzyme cleaners are a gamble... I’ve seen them work, but only if you’re patient and the clog isn’t too gnarly.
I totally get what you mean about the wet/dry vac—tried it once and ended up with a face full of mystery water, so I’m not eager to repeat that. I’ve been hesitant to take apart the trap because I’m worried about messing something up or not getting it sealed tight again. Has anyone had issues with leaks after putting the trap back together? Or is it usually straightforward if you’re careful?
I’ve been hesitant to take apart the trap because I’m worried about messing something up or not getting it sealed tight again. Has anyone had issues with leaks after putting the trap back together? Or is it usually straightforward if you’re careful?
Honestly, taking apart the trap is usually pretty simple. If you pay attention to how it comes apart and make sure the washers or gaskets go back in the right spots, you shouldn’t have leaks. I’ve done it a bunch of times and never had a problem, as long as I hand-tighten everything and don’t overdo it. Sometimes people get nervous about overtightening or cross-threading, but if you just go slow and double-check your work, it’s fine.
That said, I actually prefer taking the trap off to dealing with vacuums or harsh chemicals. At least you can see what you’re dealing with and get all the gunk out for good. Worst case, if you do get a drip, a little plumber’s tape usually fixes it. Just don’t rush and keep a towel handy for any leftover water.
I get what you mean about being nervous, but like you said, if you’re careful it’s not a big deal.
That’s exactly why I do it too—nothing beats actually seeing what’s clogging things up. Curious though, has anyone tried those little plastic zip-it drain snakes? I’ve had mixed luck with them. Sometimes they pull out a ton of hair, other times they don’t seem to do much. Wondering if I’m just using them wrong or if the trap is just the better way to go.At least you can see what you’re dealing with and get all the gunk out for good.
Curious though, has anyone tried those little plastic zip-it drain snakes? I’ve had mixed luck with them.
Honestly, I’d skip the zip-it snakes for anything more than a minor clog. They’re fine for surface hair, but if you’re still slow after using one, the real issue’s probably deeper. Taking off the trap is messier but way more effective in my experience.