DIY Q&A

McCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

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Q: My bathroom sink drains very slowly. I tried using a plunger, but it wasn't much help, and I don't want to use chemicals. I can't figure out how to remove the stopper, which has a mechanism to open and close it. Can you help?

A: Typical sink stoppers are held in place by a horizontal rod at their bottoms — part of the open-close mechanism. Try giving the stopper a counterclockwise twist while the stopper is in open position. It might lift out. A stopper removed this way is replaced by giving it a clockwise twist.

If this doesn't work, look under the rear of the sink for the horizontal rod I described. This usually attaches to a vertical rod, which is pushed to open the sink stopper and pulled to close it. Loosen the nut where the horizontal rod enters the sink drain and pull the rod slightly away from the sink. This should release the stopper so you can remove it. Reverse these steps when replacing the stopper.

The plunger will work a lot better with the stopper out. When plunging, use duct tape or a wet rag to block the sink's overflow hole.

You can also reach down the drain opening with an inexpensive plastic tool, called a Zip-It, available at some home centers and online. For online sources, use a search engine and the words Zip-It drain opener.

With this tool, you can remove hair or other debris that might be blocking the trap.

If the drain is still sluggish, I recommend using a Drain King water-pressure device to open it. This is an expanding rubber nozzle that is attached to a hose and to the bathroom faucet. Insert the nozzle into the drain (with the plug out, of course) and turn on the water full force in short spurts. The tool will work better if the drain trap is removed and the nozzle inserted directly into the pipes beyond the trap. I have used this tool to open many plugged drains. You can buy Drain Kings at some hardware stores and home centers. A kit including a nozzle that fits one-inch to two-inch drain openings costs about $13.

If the trap is removed, use new washers when replacing it.

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Q: My smooth concrete garage floor becomes slippery when wet. Can this be fixed?

A: Yes. You can simply lay down rubber-backed indoor/outdoor carpet or mat runners, self-adhesive anti-slip strips or grit-faced squares like those used in bathtubs or shower stalls. You could also try paint or coatings that contain a fine grit.

Changing the surface also works. That includes surface grinding, acid etching, thin surface applications of grit compound and bonded concrete surface toppings. All of these options would typically treat the full garage surface area and involve hiring a specialty concrete contractor.

Questions and comments should be e-mailed to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com.