Slow Drain And A New Task

We may be living in a motorhome, but we still have issues that crop up that we’d have even in a sitx-n-brix, but have to be solved differently.

Our bathroom sink had become a slow draining nightmare, a common problem.  Since the plumbing under the sink is all plastic, I was very hesitant to try and disconnect the sink trap and try to clean it out.  My worry was that I’d end up with a leak.

In a house, you wouldn’t have that issue, those parts are almost always made of metal and would come apart and go back together tightly.

The next thought was to use a drain cleaner, like Draino.  In a house, a no brainer, but in an RV?  Along with the plastic pipes, another issue popped up in my mind:  What about the rubber seals on the gray tank valve?  Would the drain cleaner damage those and create another problem? 

I decided not to chance that and resigned myself to take the sink trap apart and hope (really hope) for the best since the nearest Lowe’s is about a 40 mile round trip.  With my usual repair projects I need at least two or three visits to Lowe’s before I finish.

Then, low and behold, my bonnie bride came up with a great solution!

Marti found via a link on Facebook, a number of uses for baking soda.  One was to use one half cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar to unclog drains.

I liked that idea, because neither of the items would damage any plastic parts or rubber seals.  Since we already had those items in the Journey, we went ahead and tried it.

I’m pleased to report it worked amazingly well.  First we dumped in the baking soda, and then the vinegar.  A rapid foaming ensued.  After the foaming stopped, we simply turned on the water and the sink drained just like new.  A cheap and easy fix, with no nasty chemicals!  Happy, happy…well you know how that goes.

On the work front, we’ve be given a new task. We are part of a group of volunteers putting together a water safety program to present to the 38 elementary and middle schools that surround Thurmond Lake this spring. 

Sadly, Thurmond Lake experiences an average of three drowning's every year, even though the COE provides free loaner life jackets at many of the swimming areas.

  The rangers have to deal with these tragedies and are hoping this new program will be successful.  We are, too and are giving it our best effort.

We sure are enjoying our workamping time here at J. Strom Thurmond COE, lots to do and lots of variety.  :c)

Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.