Drain Cleaning Made Easy

The Zip-It Drain Cleaner

I don't know about you guys out there, but I love the ladies with long hair, that's why I married one. The only issue I have with long hair is its inability to go down the drain.

I'd be willing to bet that this inexpensive device is the best bargain in the Fred's Head database when it comes to household tools. For 2 dollars you get a flexible twenty-four inch plastic probe that will remove an alarming amount of hair and gunk clogging your sink or shower drain. It descends the drain easily, you can snake it down without taking off the usual drain plug. The many little reverse (and very sharp!) spines hook hair balls and other unmentionables as you carefully back it out. It removes grunge that liquidators won't touch. Sold as disposable, a cautious wipe will keep it going forever. I can't keep the plumbing going without it.

The Zip-It Drain Cleaner can be purchased from any local Ace Hardware store, or click this link to purchase it from the Do It Best online hardware store.

The Drain King

A more complicated device is the Drain King, sold at most hardware or home improvement centers. This brilliant invention for clearing clogged drains without costly chemicals comes in different sizes for different drain diameters. You attach it to a hose, and for the kitchen sink, take off the p-trap, and slide the hose down the drain pipe as far as it will go. You then turn on the hose and it builds up pressure inside the wedged bellows to the point where it releases in a burst, expanding and contracting, you can clear one obstruction and then push the hose further to get to others.

Plumbing Super-Site

On the Web since 1994: The Plumber. You'll find lots of articles on the history of plumbing, going all the way back to Babylonia. Plus, you'll learn how to say "where is the toilet?" in dozens of languages.

Click this link to visit theplumber.com.