$3 DIY Slow Drain Fix (Not for the queasy)

This is one of those DIY fixes that isn’t glamorous, but it works. If your sink is draining slowly and you suspect a hair clog, this simple little tool can save you a plumber call.

What You’ll Need

• Paper towels or another disposable cover for your counter
• Plastic drain snake / hair removal tool (Zip-It style) When I first shared this fix in 2011, the tool cost $3. These days it’s sold in multi-packs, as in the pack at the link below.

What To Do (Not for the queasy)

1. There may be a spray of debris, so cover your counter with something disposable.
2. Remove any visible stopper parts if needed.
3. Slide the drain snake down into the drain until you feel resistance.
4. Twist gently, then pull it back out slowly.
5. Wipe the tool clean and repeat if needed.
6. Run hot water to flush the drain.

If you pull out something like this, you’ll understand immediately why the water wasn’t draining.

More to Explore

Since writing this post, I've found some new favorites that either help prevent clogs or alleviate them quickly. You can read about them on my Benable board, Not Handy, But I Know a Guy (a product actually).

For more simple, practical home fixes? You can browse all of my Nestkeeping posts here .