Not sure what it's called-but there are thin strips of plastic lined with small hooks to catch hair. Fits in the pipe & does great for catching hair clogs that are very common.

Sold at grocery store & hardware.


Amazon link to example.
https://www.amazon.com/AUSSUA-Cleaner-Remover-Cleaning-Bathroom

Green Gobbler Drain Clog... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182VBOJE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've tried hit water, vinegar, and baking soda. I can't remember the sequence but try Google maybe?

It fizzes and foams and can break through small clogs. Water chaser after the foam subsides tests to see if the drain's open. Even if it works, it generally has to be repeated frequently until it doesn't work any more.

More serious clogs require mechanical intervention. I hated plumbing, so I always called a plumber for clogs beyond the level of the trap.

need to repeat if a real mess.

And to keep pipes clean, boiling salt water down all drains (inckuding toilets) every few weeks. Note: the salt also discourages root growth in the outside pipes.

In the process you might find that ring you lost ten years ago. It is an easy fix for anyone with the most basic mechanical skills. Sometimes it can be uncoupled by hand and other times may require slip-joint pliers. In a lavatory, (hand sink) the pop-up assembly rod will catch hair. You can shine a flashlight down the drain and see that issue and usually pull it out with something like forceps.

Bathtubs, especially those with the pop-up drains are usually an easy fix if you figure out how that damn stopper screws in. There is usually a Knob on the top of the pop-up, you hold the larger part of the "stopper" with one hand and screw the knob off with the other, (It may require pliers to start) and that will reveal a screwdriver slot that will allow you to remove the stopper and get to the hair clog. If you home is older and the bathtub is drained by a lever at the overflow level, it is a bit more difficult, but a screwdriver will gain access to the working mechanism that can be pulled out and cleaned. It may be a bit tricky getting it back in, but you can do it. You just have to ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky? Well, do you punk?"

I was a career plumber and I can tell you that I have seen more damage from chemical solutions to stopped drains than benefits from the chemicals. Usually when stopped drains become chronic it is because of a buildup of grease and soap clinging to the inside of the pipes. A strong acid may make a hole through the gunk and give you temporary relief or it may make it worse. The longer-term solution is to have the drain pipes mechanically cleaned. The only chemicals that I have used, that were even mildly effective was concentrated sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, which are damn dangerous to handle and may or may not produce the desired result.

What a plumber dreads is going to a house that has attempted, unsuccessfully, to clean the drain with some caustic solution. Many times the homeowner will even lie about it. He then removes a trap and gets doused with with acid. For me, that always increased the cost of the call, one way or another.

You can't keep hair out of drains, but you can prevent the more expensive problem that develops in sinks. Don't wash cooking grease down the drains...ever. Dispose of used cooking oil in the trash. If you fry something, wipe out the pan with a paper towel before you wash it. My house is 25 years old, and I have never had a kitchen sink drainage problem.

While I am handing out advice I will give you another free tip. When your garbage disposer starts stinking, run some cubed ice through it. The noise will wake the dead, but it will strip the metal surfaces clean and the smell will go with the buildup.

sometimes kitchen grease can be kept at bay with super hot water and a bunch of Dawn. not talking about cups of oil, just normal greasy pan cleaning. dump super hot water and squirt some Dawn, let hot water run. (I keep my water heater at DANGER so no need to boil for this procedure )

the theory is that the hot water will allow the grease to stick to the walls of the pipe, and the cold will keep it collagulated and on the move. I know that Dawn is a miracle degreaser, but I really don't know how it works as a grease prophylactic. I would certainly think that it would help.

I still think that the best solution is to put grease in the garbage as much as possible.

I was thinking oil more that harder grease. I also have a "special situation," very rural, old decrepit plumbing, all do-it-yourself repairs around here and a short run to the end of any pipes. I get away with more than a lot of folks can.

I buy milk and juice in cartons instead of plastic. When they are empty, I pull open the tops and rinse them out so they don't stink. When I cook anything that results in fats or grease being left in the pan, I pour as much of the grease from the pan into the carton. Then, I take reused paper towels and wipe out the rest of the grease and put the towel in the carton. This gets thrown out with the trash. Our Water Bureau reminds people every year as we approach the winter holidays to avoid pouring the leftovers grease down the drain. That grease clogs drains and can clog up the main sewer system, which costs lots of money to fix. I do find that Dawn dish washing liquid is helpful for clearing up stubborn clogs. Let the backed up water drain down, if you can. Then pour straight Dawn into the drain. Pour very hot or boiling water into the drain ( but avoid contact with cold porcelain if using boiling water). Let sit for 20-30 minutes. If it still is clogged, try working with a plunger or snake. Usually, that will take care of it. Sometimes, the Dawn and hot water treatment has to be repeated. Good luck! Plumbing problems are miserable.

In my experience if that doesn't clear the drain it will need mechanical intervention. I bought a snake at Lowes, about $8. YouTube videos will have some instructions.