Clogged drains are a common household problem that can happen in any sink or tub. Food, hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up over time and block water from flowing properly. Instead of using harsh chemical drain cleaners, a Zip it drain cleaning tool offers a simple solution without toxins. The plastic zip stick is inserted into the drain and grabs onto built-up gunk and hair to remove clogs. Using a Zip it is an easy and affordable way to clear drains and keep water flowing freely.
Page Contents
What is a Zip It Drain Cleaner?
A Zip it drain cleaner is a flexible plastic stick with hooks that grab onto debris and hair inside pipes and drains. The hooks snag onto the clog which allows you to pull out the material that is blocking the drain.
Zip it drain cleaners are inexpensive, reusable tools that provide an effective and environmentally safe alternative to liquid chemical drain cleaners. The plastic sticks are safe for all types of household drains and plumbing.
Benefits of Using a Zip It
– Chemical-free solution for clearing clogged drains
– Reusable for multiple uses
– Safe for all drain materials and pipes
– Works on hair, soap scum, grease, food, and other debris
– Affordable and easy to find
– Compact size for storage and portability
Unlike drain snakes that force debris further down the pipes, a Zip it pulls out clogs so they can be disposed of. The hooks along the stick dislodge blockages and grab onto the material so it can be removed.
Using a manually operated Zip it is safe for the environment and avoids the high cost of calling a plumber for drain issues. It also helps prevent damage that chemical drain cleaners containing lye or acids can cause to pipes.
When Should You Use a Zip It?
A Zip it can be used to clear the following household drains:
– Bathroom sink drains
– Bathtub drains
– Shower drains
– Bathroom tub and sink overflow holes
– Kitchen sink drains
– Utility sink drains
– Shower and tub pop-up stoppers
The zip stick drain cleaner works best for clearing buildups like:
– Hair and hair products
– Soap scum
– Food grease and cooking oils
– Toothpaste and skincare product residue
– Pet fur
– Razors and hygiene products
– Pipe scale
– Small toys or household items accidentally dropped down drains
You can use a Zip it for maintenance any time your drains seem sluggish. It’s also great for preventative drain cleaning to keep pipes clear. The zip stick reaches into drain openings to grab and remove buildups before they turn into full clogs.
How to Use a Zip It Tool
Using a Zip it to unclog drains is a simple process that takes just a few minutes. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Materials Needed
– Zip it stick
– Cloth or paper towels
– Bucket
– Rubber gloves (optional)
Instructions
1. Start by placing a cloth or towels underneath the drain opening to catch any drips. You may also want to put a bucket underneath. Wearing gloves can help keep your hands clean.
2. Insert the Zip it down into the drain opening as far as it will go. Angle and twist the stick around to navigate it down the drain curves.
3. Once fully inserted, pull the stick back out in an upward motion to dislodge the clog. Run it up and down a few times using the hooks to grab debris.
4. As you pull out the Zip it, wipe off any material into the bucket or trash. Rinse debris from the tool into the bucket between uses.
5. Repeat steps 2-4, running the Zip it down the drain and pulling up clogs up until the drain is clear. Flush with hot water.
6. After use, rinse the tool and store it for the next time you need it. Discard any debris that was cleared from the pipes.
Tips for Unclogging Drains
– Start with hot water first. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain before using the Zip it. The heat can help loosen clogs.
– Position a bucket or towels. Catching debris will minimize mess during the process.
– Work the zip stick slowly and gently. Move it up and down, twisting to hook onto clogs. Don’t force it.
– Use an in-and-out motion. Push the stick down into the drain curve, then lift upwards as you retrieve it.
– Repeat until water flows freely. It may take several passes to remove a tough clog.
– Work from different angles. Try inserting the Zip it facing different directions to unclog.
– Clean the tool after each use. Rinse debris from the hooks to keep them working effectively.
Unclogging a Bathroom Sink
Bathroom sinks are prone to clogs from hair, toothpaste, soap scum, and other grimy buildup. Here are the steps for using a Zip it in a clogged bathroom sink drain:
1. Remove the sink stopper if there is one. This allows full access to the drain.
2. Position a small bucket or towel below the sink to catch drips.
3. Insert the Zip it down into the drain opening and plunge it downwards and sideways to navigate the bend.
4. Slowly pull the Zip it upwards, allowing the hooks to grab onto hair and debris clogging the drain.
5. As you extract the Zip it, use a paper towel or glove to wipe off collected gunk.
6. Repeat running the zip stick down and pulling up until the blockage is cleared.
7. Run hot water down the drain to rinse away any remaining particles.
8. Dump any debris removed into the trash. Rinse the Zip it tool.
9. Consider using a stopper catch to collect stray hairs after shaving or brushing hair to prevent future clogs.
Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
Bathtub drains can become slowed by soap scum, hair, and other buildup. Follow these tips for unclogging with a Zip it:
1. Start by running hot water into the clogged tub to help loosen the blockage.
2. Insert the Zip it down through the drain opening, angling it in different directions to slide around the curve.
3. Slowly draw the Zip it upwards, twisting it around to allow the hooks to grab onto debris.
4. Wipe away any grime from the Zip it as you extract it.
5. Repeat plunging the stick down and pulling up to remove stubborn clogs.
6. If the tub has a pop-up drain cover, remove it to get full access.
7. For deeper access, unzip the overflow plate if there is one to clean built up gunk.
8. Once the drain is cleared, run fresh hot water down to rinse.
9. Consider using a tub shroom to catch hair in the drain between uses.
Unclogging a Kitchen Sink
Grease, food scraps, soap buildup, and other debris can clog a kitchen sink. Use these steps for clearing it with a Zip it:
1. Start by boiling water and pouring it down the clogged kitchen sink drain.
2. Wedge the Zip it down into the drain opening and slide it down carefully. Twist it around.
3. Slowly draw the Zip it up to pull out food, grease, and grime from the pipes.
4. Wipe off the end of the Zip it with a paper towel and deposit any debris into the trash.
5. Repeat running the stick down and pulling it up until the drain runs freely.
6. Pour a kettle of hot water down the drain to rinse it out after unclogging.
7. Use a drain protector or screens to catch food scraps when washing dishes.
8. Schedule monthly drain cleaning maintenance to prevent future clogs.
Unclogging Shower Drains
Shower drains easily clog with hair, soap, shampoos, and conditioners. Here are tips for using a Zip it in a slow shower drain:
1. Remove the drain cover plate if there is one to access the pipe opening.
2. Run hot water into the shower drain before starting to help loosen debris.
3. Insert the Zip it down into the drain, twisting and angling it around the pipe bend.
4. Slowly pull up on the Zip it, dragging out hair and gunk from the clogged drain.
5. Wipe off any collected debris from the end of the tool.
6. Repeat running the Zip it down and pulling up until the drain flows freely.
7. Flush with hot water to rinse away any remaining particles
8. Consider installing a hair catcher drain cover to prevent future clogs.
9. Perform maintenance every few months to keep shower drains clear.
Unclogging Utility Sink Drains
Utility sinks in basements and garages can become clogged with dirt, grime, sediment, and other debris. To clear it with a Zip it:
1. Remove any drain baskets or strainers to get full access.
2. Boil a pot of water and pour down the drain. This helps loosen the clog initially.
3. Insert the Zip it down into the drain opening, moving it side to side around the bend.
4. Slowly draw the Zip it upward, allowing the hooks to grab onto the blockage.
5. Wipe gunk off the end into a bucket and repeat plunging and pulling up.
6. Flush the clear drain with more hot water to rinse away sediment.
7. Use a drain screen to prevent debris buildup between uses.
8. Perform periodic drain maintenance to keep utility sinks flowing.
Drain Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps prevent severe clogs that require a Zip it or plumber. Here are some tips for keeping drains clear:
– Pour boiling water weekly down seldom-used drains to keep them open.
– Use drain baskets and catchers to collect hair and food scraps.
– Install tub shroom or sink shroom collectors to grab stray hair.
– Limit grease poured down kitchen sinks. Wipe with paper towels first.
– Use a Zip it monthly to remove accumulating grime and buildup.
– Use enzyme drain cleaner monthly to dissolve organic matter.
– Pour baking soda and vinegar down drains weekly to bubble away residue.
– Consider low-chemical enzyme drain cleaners instead of caustic chemicals.
– Hire a plumber periodically for professional drain inspection and hydrojetting.
When to Call a Plumber
While a Zip it can remove many household clogs, sometimes a drain issue requires a professional plumber. Contact a plumber for the following:
| Plumber Needed If | Why |
|---|---|
| Multiple Zip it tries don’t unclog the drain | Serious clogs require hydrojetting tools |
| Drain exhibits very slow flow even after using Zip it | Partial blockage may require snaking |
| Drainage backup occurs, overflowing sinks or tubs | Backup indicates sewer line blockage |
| Strange gurgling sounds from drain | Potential partial block or venting issue |
| Sewage smell coming from drain | Sewage backing up needs professional attention |
| Sink or tub will not hold water at all | Full clog requires expert hydrojetting |
| Water pools near cleanout access | Underground drainage problem |
| Drain leaks, drips slowly | Damaged or misaligned tailpiece/piping |
For serious drain problems, call a professional plumber for assessment and repair. Symptoms above indicate complex issues beyond a basic clog.
Conclusion
A Zip it is an extremely useful tool for clearing minor household clog issues. The plastic stick device manually removes built up gunk, hair, and other debris when inserted in the drain opening. It provides a simple, affordable, eco-friendly solution before turning to harsh chemical drain cleaners or plumbers.
With basic operation, a Zip it can pull out blockages and keep bathroom and kitchen sinks, tubs, and showers draining freely. Remember to use slowly with a gentle twisting motion. Have towels or a bucket ready to catch any dripping debris. Regular drain maintenance and hair catchers can help prevent severe clogs from forming. But when serious backups occur, call a professional plumber right away.