Non-chemical alternative to draino?

I haven’t actually tried this, but I heard that Coke, the beverage, will work!

If anyone recommends using yogurt, slap him in the face. I asked friends this same question last year, and I wound up with a sink full of rotting, wet, vanilla yogurt. Hilarious in hindsight, but pretty gross in the moment. Haven’t tried the Coke thing, though.

You need an auger (sometimes referred to as a snake) and your landlord should most likely be paying for it. Check your lease to see if you’re responsible for small maintenance repairs.

yeah – they said that they will call in the snake guy only after they use draino

Have you tried baking soda and vinegar?

You don’t need a “snake guy”. You need a hardware store that sells snakes for 15 bucks and two hands.

The best alternative to draino is Kleen Drain Instant Drain Opener available at your local Home Depot. It utilizes compressed air to remove your clog and its safe on all pipes.It took me about two or three tries to bust through a massive clog in my shower and it works. So buy some extra cartridges.

Good Luck!
R

a few weeks ago, we used a snake in our shower after using chemicals since the chemicals didn’t really work. after several tries, we pulled out a small detailing paintbrush. we moved into the house last summer and have had on and off problems with the shower clogging up…I would have never thought I would find a paintbrush in the drain. now there are no problems with the shower draining. in fact, it makes some annoying sounds as it gurgles down the drain.

So, try a snake. Also, I hear that using a plunger works, too. If you do a google for “fix a slow shower drain”, you’ll find tons of stuff. Some of the articles even talk about alternatives to the harsh chemicals.

I have used plungers and augers; but the BEST and easiest, by far, was a gadget- long, (20”?)thin and flexible piece of white plastic with serrated edges. Maybe cost 4.00

I pulled up enough soap-clogged ropes of hair to rig Lord Nelson’s flagship. I’ll try to find it.

Oh, and dont forget the bent wire coathanger. Straighten it out but leave a small hook at the end. Very effective for hair (not food or grease however.)

@nom: here is the magic gadget, sold everywhere for $2.50

Zip -It

I keep a plunger and snake on hand, mostly for seriously clogged toilets.

i got the zip it and it did nothing. then i resorted to chemicals. not sure what to do next.

Bite the bullet and call the plumber. (Did you try the wire coat hanger?)

Sorry about the zip-it.

Defecating in a stream.

I just did this…remove the drain plug and clean it out. I used a screw driver to get anything stuck to the sides…then, I used a coat hanger to get all of the hair out. Quite a bit, actually…but, nearly 10 years worth. Now it drains before I start the water! (kidding, of course)

There are enzymes that really help if you have a septic system. Have to flush them down the toilet. DO NOT USE harsh chemicals like Drano. They can ruin your pipes even when used as directed. Good luck.