At DH Plumbing, we’ve seen our fair share of gnarly drain clogs—from the slow-swirling bathroom sink to the bathtub that refuses to let go of yesterday’s shower water. Today, we’re out in Lake Elsinore showing a quick and effective method that you can try at home before reaching for harsh chemicals or calling in a full snaking job.
It’s called the Zip-It—a simple plastic tool with sharp little barbs that can save your day (and your wallet) if used correctly.
What Is a Zip-It Tool?
The Zip-It is a long, flexible strip of plastic, usually about 18–24 inches, with tiny barbs designed to hook onto hair, gunk, and other grime that builds up in sink and tub drains. It’s disposable, cheap, and surprisingly effective.
You can grab one at most hardware stores for under $5. Trust us, it’s one of the best impulse buys for homeowners who don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty.
How We Use It in the Field
Here’s a real-world breakdown of how we use the Zip-It tool during service calls. In this case, we’re on-site in Lake Elsinore tackling a slow-draining bathroom sink and a tub with a classic pop-up assembly:
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Start with Hot Water
Run the hot water first. This helps loosen up any buildup in the drain and makes it easier to fish out the clogs. Don’t skip this—warm pipes work better with the tool. -
Work the Zip-It In
Gently slide the Zip-It down the drain. You may feel resistance as it hits the clog. Wiggle it back and forth, carefully working it around the pop-up assembly or stopper. If you feel it catching—good. That means it’s grabbing the junk. -
Pull and Repeat
Slowly pull it out and get ready—what comes out might make your stomach turn. Hairballs, toothpaste buildup, soap scum… all of it goes into a nearby bucket. (Pro tip: Don’t do this right before dinner.) -
Watch the Barbs
The Zip-It works well because of its sharp barbs—but those same barbs will gladly poke you if you’re not paying attention. Handle with care. -
Rinse and Celebrate
Once you’ve done a few passes, run the hot water again. You should see a clear stream going down with no backup or gurgling. That’s a job well done.
When to DIY and When to Call a Pro
The Zip-It is great for minor clogs in sinks and tubs. If your drains still aren’t moving, or if the clog seems deeper in the line, that’s where a licensed plumber (like us at DH Plumbing) comes in.
Here’s what a Zip-It won’t fix:
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Clogs beyond the trap or several feet down the line
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Blockages caused by grease or mineral buildup
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Sewer line backups
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Tree root invasions (yes, that’s a real thing)
Final Thoughts from the Field
Yes—it’s messy. Yes—it can be gross. But using a Zip-It can be a surprisingly satisfying fix for those annoying slow drains. It’s an easy, affordable tool that can give you a temporary (or even permanent) solution without breaking out the snake or calling for backup.
But if you’ve Zip-It-ed and still can’t get things moving, don’t wait. Give DH Plumbing a call. We’ll bring the tools, the know-how, and the gloves.
Need help with a stubborn clog in Lake Elsinore or surrounding areas?
Let DH Plumbing handle it. We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty—so you don’t have to.