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Dulley's Money-Saving Tip #1029

Clean out traps so that water drains faster
(related column topic links - 312, 921, 463)

Make sure to clean out the traps in all your sink drains so they drain quickly. The warm water in a sink from hand washing, dishwashing, etc. quickly evaporates into the room air in a dehumidified air-conditioned house. This unwanted humidity makes your air conditioner run longer to remove the extra moisture. The longer the water stays in the sink and the sink remains wet, the more the humidity inside your house is increased.

Bathtubs and showers are the worst culprits because of the length of time the warm water is exposed to the air and large warm water surface area for evaporation. Although you cannot get to the bathtub trap, use drain cleaner in it regularly to keep it running fast. Close the bathroom door tightly when showering or bathing in the summer and run the bathroom vent fan. Continue to run the vent fan about five minutes after the tub is empty. Do not run it too long or you will suck excessive cooled air out of your house.

Natural Drain Cleaners -

Regular Maintenance - Pour 4 tablespoons of borax down drain. Slowly pour boiling water down drain once every two weeks. Drain Cleaner - Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down the drain; let sit for 10 minutes then flush the drain with 1/2 gallon of boiling water. Pour slowly so the water does not splash. Continue to flush with hot tap water until the clog breaks. OR A pot of boiling water can often clean up a minor blockage. It has to be boiling to dissolve grease.

Extra-Strength Drain Cleaner - Pour 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt and 3/4 cup white vinegar into clogged drain. Let stand for 20 minutes then flush with 1 gallon boiling water. Pour slowly so the water does not splash. Continue to flush with hot tap water until the clog breaks.