For slow drains in old houses, pour a bottle of bleach down the tub drain once a month in the evening (every 5 weeks for the bathroom sink). In the morning, heat up a tea kettle and pour one gallon of water down the drain. Aim for the drain (or use a funnel), so as not to crack porcelain. This works only on slow drains.
Source: Frugal Village
By Monica from Cortez, CO
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I don't see any reason for using the bleach, that would not unclog the drain. It is the hot water that is doing the work. Soda and vinegar would work and would be better for the environment than bleach.
The only down side to this tip is for people who has septic tank instead of public sewage, the bleach can kill the good bacteria. :-(
Do not put bleach down your drain or toilet even if it is only once a month. where I work we clean with bleach and would put bleach in toilet and the sanitation person came to do their inspection and told me that we should not do this.
I agree with other posters. Bleach is a terrible idea, very toxic to the water system. And a whole bottle! A better way is 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar or 1 cup boiling water. To get all the baking soda down the drain, push it along with a bit extra vinegar or water.
So sorry but, besides what's already been mentioned about environmental issues, bleach is a highly corrosive chemical and sitting/standing in older plumbing pipes will greatly shorten the life of those pipes and the fumes emitting from it is horrible for the lungs and eyes. :-(
Bleach and your septic system is a delicate balance. The good bacteria break down the "sludge" and make your system work properly. I don't know the science et, but do know what my septic cleaner guy told me.
If you can, prevent rather than fix.
I had clogged tub drains until I realized the tub stopper does nothing to prevent hair from entering the drain. I removed the stopper (normally, a twist and lift is all you need), and inserted a mesh basket. I've never had a clogged or slow drain since. Now, I only use the stopper if I'm going to fill the tub for a sit down tub bath.
No chemicals, no plumber, no slow drain. Wait til you see what this basket catches. And best of all, you can get the baskets @ 2 for a dollar at most dollar stores.
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