I still keep a zip-it tool handy for hair clogs though... nothing beats pulling out that mess directly.
Yeah, the zip-it is a total game changer for hair. I’ve tried the baking soda and vinegar thing too, and honestly, it’s never really worked for me either—maybe it helps with smells, but not much else. Enzyme cleaners are decent for maintenance, but if there’s a big wad of hair, nothing beats just yanking it out. Kinda gross, but way more satisfying than waiting for chemicals to maybe do something. I always tell folks, if you’ve got long hair in the house, just expect to do this every few months.
Enzyme cleaners are decent for maintenance, but if there’s a big wad of hair, nothing beats just yanking it out.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks dump all sorts of stuff down their drains hoping for a miracle, but if you’ve got a proper hair clog, those chemicals just end up sitting on top of the mess. I’ve pulled out some gnarly “hair monsters” with a zip-it—honestly, it’s kind of wild what builds up in there. One thing I always mention: be careful with those chemical drain openers. They can eat away at older pipes and if you ever have to take the trap apart after using them, you really don’t want that stuff splashing on your skin or in your eyes.
If you’re dealing with long hair, those mesh drain covers help a bit, but yeah, you’re still gonna be fishing out hair every so often. It’s gross, but way better than a flooded bathroom.
Title: Drain Upkeep Tips After Seeing That Crazy News Story
Honestly, nothing makes you appreciate regular drain maintenance like seeing one of those horror stories on the news—flooded apartments, water pouring down the walls, the whole nine yards. I’ve been called out to more than a few places where folks tried every chemical under the sun before finally giving in and calling for help. Nine times out of ten, it’s just a big ol’ hairball sitting there like it owns the place.
I get why people reach for the chemical stuff first—it’s easy, and nobody wants to deal with what’s lurking in their pipes. But like you said, those drain openers can be nasty, especially if you’ve got older plumbing. I’ve seen traps practically dissolve after years of heavy-duty chemicals. Plus, if you ever have to take things apart, that residue is no joke. Gloves and goggles are your friends.
Mesh covers are a decent line of defense, but they’re not foolproof. Long hair seems to find its way through no matter what. I always tell folks: make it a habit to clear out the cover every couple days. It’s not glamorous, but it beats standing ankle-deep in shower water wondering where your life went wrong.
One thing I’d add—if you’re squeamish about pulling out hair clogs by hand, those little plastic zip tools are cheap and surprisingly effective. Just don’t be shocked by what comes out... I once pulled out something that looked like it belonged in a biology lab.
Enzyme cleaners are fine for keeping things moving once you’ve cleared the main blockage, but they’re not miracle workers. If water’s backing up, you’re probably past the point where enzymes will help much.
At the end of the day, a little regular attention saves a lot of hassle (and money) down the line. And hey, if you ever do have to call someone in, at least you’ll know you gave it your best shot before things got wild.
Totally agree about the chemicals—my old place had pipes from the 60s, and I learned the hard way that those drain openers just eat away at them over time. Here’s my cheap routine: once a week, I pour boiling water down the drains (careful with PVC though), then run a zip tool through every couple weeks. Mesh covers help, but yeah, hair still sneaks by. If you’ve got pets, brushing them before bath time saves a ton of hassle too. It’s not glamorous, but it beats paying for emergency plumbing... trust me.
“It’s not glamorous, but it beats paying for emergency plumbing... trust me.”
Honestly, I’d rather deal with a little gross hair than shell out hundreds for a plumber, too. I’ve tried the boiling water trick, but sometimes it just pushes the gunk further down. Ever tried baking soda and vinegar? Not sure if it’s just an old wives’ tale, but it seems to help a bit in my place. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those enzyme cleaners—are they actually worth the extra cost?
