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This is How we Do It

Toshio's instructions for snaking a drain:

0. The faint of heart should don a pair of heavy-duty gloves. This could get hairy.

1. Insert the plumber's snake into the offending drain, turning it clockwise as you push it down.

2. Once it's down there, switch on the water for a couple seconds to help the snake along. Keep turning.

3. When the turning gets tough, pull the snake back out and clean it off, then repeat the process until you're all clear.

The end-result should look something like this:

image

(Photo credit: Toshio's roommate Jon.)

-Toshio...off to drain a snake...

Posted by: hsnavely on 03/07/2008
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Deb  on March 07, 2008 at 07:22 AM 1
What about those enzyme solutions you see at the food co-op. Seems like if they sell them, they are pretty good.
Simon  on March 07, 2008 at 07:47 AM 2
I pour a bottle of BioPure down the drain periodically to keep them clear. From the website: BioPure is a highly concentrated, all natural household and industrial cleaner containing powerful probiotic bacteria, antioxidants and enzymes that break down grease, grime and dirt and neutralise odours. BioPure means cleaning without chemicals and its living benefits continue to work even after the initial application. https://anniesorganics.mionegroup.com:443/product/16301
Heather  on March 07, 2008 at 07:56 AM 3
Real plumbers will probably cringe when I admit to this, but I use a straightened out hanger with a hook on the end to clear out my drain... Perhaps I should invest in a plumber's snake... Thanks for the tip! :)
Jennifer Dedrick  on March 07, 2008 at 08:01 AM 4
Hi - Earth Friendly Products makes a product called Earth Enzymes drain opener. I used it on my shower because I had the "shower tribble" going on and it works like a champ. No horrible smell-it actually smells like oranges. You can also use it on sinks with garbage disposals-it is awesome on that, too. Enjoy!
Pam  on March 07, 2008 at 08:17 AM 5
when your sink with disposal clogs, here is a sure way to unclog without chems. have someone hold the plastic drain cover tightly over the second sink. use a plunger on the side with the disposal. it works every time!
Mark  on March 07, 2008 at 09:25 AM 6
Vinegar and baking soda work well too.
Karen  on March 07, 2008 at 09:31 AM 7
I use the Zip It all the time. It works great.
susan  on March 07, 2008 at 10:27 AM 8
Plunger works too!
Marilynn  on March 07, 2008 at 11:00 AM 9
Baking soda and vinegar work well for maintanance, but Ecover's earth enzyme cleaner is a miracle worker! It takes about 24 hours to work, so make sure that everyone is the house agrees to leave the shower alone for that long.
Elaine  on March 07, 2008 at 11:23 AM 10
I find that prevention is the best cure. You can get a drain catcher from your local dollar store. It catches almost all the hair. Having to empty a bit of hair every time your shower is probably preferable to unclogging a hamster sized glob of hair.
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