but not by using Mr Muscle
by Michael Smith
For those of us who wish to live a green lifestyle using caustic chemicals to do this job is not the way we want to go.
The good old way of using the plunger is still the best way if we do not want to burden the environment with this or that chemical concoction. The problem only if that with the old style plunger – though there is nothing really wrong with it and it is a time-honored product – it can take quite a time and effort. But there are new variations on the old theme available now in different kinds of sizes and types, one of which can even do lavatories. So, no more need for caustic substances. All that is needed is an old kind of grease, namely that of the elbow, aka elbow grease. Well, and a decent powerful plunger, of course.
While, as I have said, the old style plunger does do its job, and a lot friendlier to the environment than chemicals, it required a lot of elbow grease at times. The new accordion type from Monument Tools are a different kettle of fish here. They have much more air in the bellows and hence much more power. There is even one designed specifically for use with lavatories.
Why use harmful chemicals, harmful to you and your family and to the environment, when there is a clean green option and one that does not cost a fortune either.
Most of the drain cleaners of the chemical arsenal are caustic soda and similar which are harmful to the environment and harmful to you and yours and not only while they are being used. Children have a habit of getting into even childproof caps and such and and chemicals like that can kill. The same is true for chlorine bleach though, I have to admit, I am one who tends to use it as well. While chlorine is dangerous it is, as a cleaner and disinfectant fine when used on its own and no other chemicals are (accidentally) mixed with it.
However, most drain cleaning, especially in the sink and even lavatory bowl department do not require the measure of strong and dangerous chemicals. I even remember the days of “spirit of salt” and what stuff that was. It did the job but it should, ideally, also never come to the state that such caustic stuff would be needed.
I am sure that many of those of us old enough to remember those chemicals having been put to use will also not only remember the smells associated with such cleaning operations but the very fact that drains and pipes would be very hot to the touch from the actions of the chemicals in them. Thinking back on it now with what we know now I can but shudder at what we used to do.
Much of the problems in drains can be avoided, for instance, with hair traps in drains from baths and sinks and also by not pouring grease, as in cooking facts, down the kitchen sink or other outlets, in the first place.
In most cases of blockages then can be removed by the use of a plunger and elbow grease. And this will work a lot better and faster with the new kind of plungers from Monument Tools.
Monument Tools also, if you would so desire, still has the old style plunger with the wooden handle available but that kind just does not have the same kind of power as the new accordion kind. No harsh chemicals, no corrosive substances, no health hazards. Only requirements; a little physical action.
The latest addition to the range of plungers is the little baby of plungers, namely the cute little Micro Sink & Drain Plunger in a nice yellow and black color combination with a handle that reminds me so much of a gear stick in a sports car. Have one of those around under the sink you can't lose it simply because the color calls too you as soon as you are looking for it.
© M Smith (Veshengro), February 2009
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Clearing the drains with muscle power
