Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [drains]

54 questions
13
votes
9 answers

How can I prevent or remedy "bio slime" accumulation in a sink drain?

The drain in the sink which we use for mouthwash consistently gets clogged by a very repugnant slime. I've tried all the common drain unclogging products (Drano, Liquid Plumber) as well as some non-standard remedies (e.g., boiling water, vinegar +…
kmote
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10
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10 answers

How can I stop my washing machine drain from overflowing?

When my washing machine drains it sometimes comes up and out of the open pvc pipe in the service closet where the water heater would drain. I've found lots of posts where people speak of the washer standpipe overflowing, but can't find any info on…
Carey
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5
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8 answers

How do I remove a brass pipe that has been jammed into a larger iron pipe?

I was replacing the sink this afternoon when I noticed that the p-trap would not reach the drain pipe. No biggie, right? I'll just buy some extensions from the local big box and be on my way. I attempt to take off the drain pipe so I can fit an…
Peter Grace
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5
votes
3 answers

Do I need a separate vent stack for my kitchen sink?

The drain line from my kitchen sink drops down through the basement, into the basement floor (Concrete), and I assume under the floor to the main sewer line. The sink tends to drain slowly. Should I have a separate vent at the sink, or is it OK if…
Tester101
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5
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3 answers

What can (and cannot) be put down drains that are connected to septic systems?

This might be more appropriate as a community wiki... We have a septic system and I'm extremely paranoid about what can (and cannot) be put down our sink drains. I know the general answer is "nothing but water" but I'm particularly curious about:…
Mike B
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5
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3 answers

How do I replace a bathtub drain trip lever?

The trip lever for the drain in my bath tub is very old (I'm guessing 30+ years) and has begun corroding and rusting. It's definitely time to replace it. I plan to replace the entire trip lever along with the trim plate, linkage, and drain plug. Any…
Dan Moulding
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5
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1 answer

How can I remove this dried drain cleaner from a kitchen sideboard?

I recently spent a week or so trying to unclog a seriously blocked kitchen sink drain. I tried various things, including One Shot Instant Drain Cleaner (a hardware-store 91% sulphuric acid drain cleaner). My attempts all failed and eventually a…
Lightness Races in Orbit
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5
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1 answer

How do I decide between a “Power Drain Snake” and a drain cleaning jet kit?

I have some slow flowing drains that back up when it rains that I need to clear out. As there are no manholes or rodding points, I can only access them via the P-trap connected to an outside hopper. I have a basic Karcher power washer that I can get…
Walker
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votes
3 answers

What is the correct way to install a washing machine drain pan?

I've got a laundry room on the second floor, and when it was remodeled the contractor put in a drain pipe, but no drain pan. At the moment, I have the washing machine hooked up, but it's away from the wall and the drain pipe. I picked up a drain…
Dave
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3
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2 answers

Disposal operation forces drain water into second sink

I have a double kitchen sink that the contractors installed several years back. See picture. The main sink is on right side and smaller sink is to left. They installed the disposal to the main sink because space was tight and we have pull out…
Eliza
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3
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3 answers

Why are there sewer odors coming from my shower drain?

I have random sewer odors coming from my tub and shower drains. They are separate in my bathroom. I have had plumbers come and clean the drain, but that is not fixing the problem.
helen
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3
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2 answers

Can I merge two drains with traps into one pipe?

Can I put a Y fitting into the wall to accept two p-trap drain assemblies? I need one for the Reverse Osmosis system and the other for the double sink with disposal.
sjbekwils
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3
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5 answers

How do I clear a drain pipe clogged with dried soap?

I think we have a clog of dried soap in our pipes, past the U-bend and down the pipes from upstairs to the drain at ground level. How do I clear them?
Nikki myers
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2 answers

Is there any filter or material that let only water through not dirt

I need a filter or some kind of cloth material which only lets water through and not the dirt this way I can get filtered water and I can soak it through french drain or dry well. I just couldn't find anything that I can be rest assured on. Please…
CuriousMan
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3
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2 answers

How to drain grey water in clay ground in safe and secured manner

I have a building which sits on top of clay ground so I couldn't soak away the grey water. I explored solutions like leechfield,soakaway,cement ring well but all fails in clay ground. I'd like some insights on how to handle the grey water coming…
CuriousMan
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