Comments on: Clogged Drains? Try These Frugal, Green Tips First

By: Clearing Clogged Drain

Clearing Clogged Drain — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:00:12 +0000

We had the same problem and pulled up the same disgusting stuff! We were able to do it with regular tools too ((never used those kitchen tongs again) but somehow lost the screw that keeps the drain cover on and have tried to find a replacement and cannot find one that works!!!!

By: Ian Parker

Ian Parker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:15:37 +0000

I've got a viciously clogged bathroom sink drain at the moment. I have not yet tried boiling water, but I will give it a go. Not sure that it will make it down to the clog, though.

About the plunging method, I had heard that it can be bad for pipes, particularly PVC pipes. Is that true?

Ian Parker's last blog post..Live Live

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:41:21 +0000

@Ian,
I have absolutely no idea if the plunging method is bad for PVC pipes. I have tried it once on my PVC pipes, and it worked just fine, but now you have me doubting. This is definitely a question I would ask a plumber.

Any plumbers out there?

By: Saph @ Walk With Me

Saph @ Walk With Me — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:16:37 +0000

Oh yes – that works great. I also love to watch the fizzing. LOL

Baking soda and vinegar can do so much amazing stuff!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:24:18 +0000

@Zhu,

The process wasn’t difficult, just involved a lot of paperwork, as all things French seem to do!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:08:23 +0000

@Shevy,
Yes, this is the sort of situation where you definitely don’t want to be mucking around yourself. It will be a major hassle but just think of how nice it will be afterwards!

By: Zhu

Zhu — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:59:28 +0000

That's what I do when our pipes get clogged and I'm happy to report we've never called a plumber! Good tips.

I just read your story on how you got French credit history and I had no idea how complicated it was… I'm French and it was tricky for me to get a credit card in Canada but I thought it was easier in France. Sorry

Zhu's last blog post..Always Take The Weather With You

By: Shevy

Shevy — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:54:50 +0000

The plumber finally called yesterday and said he’d be back to work on the pipes under our kitchen sink in the next week or so. He apologized for it taking so long (he was over at the beginning of July to work on a leak under the house and hasn’t been back) and was just double-checking that he could still get the key from our neighbour.

We really needed a plumber, plunging isn’t doing it and the pipes are 40 years old and not in any shape for us to be putting stuff like baking soda down them. Not only is the sink backing up, it’s leaking off and on into the cupboard underneath. I have no idea what it’s going to cost. Getting a plumber who was willing to come to our rural place was not easy. This guy was doing a huge job in a town about 10 minutes away. But he hasn’t billed me for the first lot of work yet, which is pretty amazing.

Once the work is done I’ll try to remember to use vinegar and baking soda every time I change the baking soda in the fridge.

Shevy’s last blog post..Playland and the Fever Fairy

By: Frugal Trenches

Frugal Trenches — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:55:38 +0000

Great tips!! From personal experience they all work! Frugal Trenches's last blog post..Daily Tracking Money and Food - Day 3!

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:29:15 +0000

I use the vinegar and baking soda all the time. In fact, it’s a good idea to do this once a month – before they get clogged.

Dana’s last blog post..Why not Sara?