# Slow draining bathtub: what should I try first?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 10, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617 "2010-06-10T03:59:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 3

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2010, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617/41 "2010-06-23T02:14:28Z")

</div>

> [@Max\_Torque](#):
>
> I had great success recently with an enzymatic drain cleaner that I bought at a hardware store (Lowe’s). It’s a yeasty-smelling powder. You start by running warm water down the drain to warm things up a bit; the enzymes are more active in warmth. Mix a couple of scoops in a pint of warm (not hot, the heat will kill 'em) water, and pour it down the drain. Then, let it sit for at least 8 hours, while you go to work or to bed… But they don’t react with anything inorganic, so they won’t hurt pipes or burn you. …

Yes, these work very well on slow drains. On a really plugged drain- _not so much._

And as you noted, _comparatively_ safe. Not that I’d encourage a toddler to eat a spoonful, mind you.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2010, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617/42 "2010-06-23T02:47:52Z")

</div>

> [@salinqmind](#):
>
> It’s a scam, whether it’s tested or not, sold to the lazy and/or hopeful. It might dissolve something minor that’s making the drain a little slow. A rock hard hunk of compacted hair, coffee grounds, grease, toothpaste - what do you think a bottle of lye is going to do with THAT?

So, off-the-shelf products specifically designed to remove drain clogs are a scam?

Like fuck: I’ve used them for years and they work EXACTLY as advertised.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2010, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617/43 "2010-06-23T05:16:57Z")

</div>

> [@Leaffan](#):
>
> So, off-the-shelf products specifically designed to remove drain clogs are a scam?
> 
> Like fuck: I’ve used them for years and they work EXACTLY as advertised.

Not a scam, per se. But they \*are \*very dangerous, and if used improperly (and most dudes won’t use them properly) they can actually damage the plumbing. And, if they don’t work, then you’re extra fucked. The “scam” here is in selling these as cure-alls, when in fact they are only good for certain problems, only when used as directed, and only when you take proper precautions.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-draining-bathtub-what-should-i-try-first/542617.md?page=2)