11.03.2025

Experienced housewives know this trick. I always put a rubber band in the drain and it has saved me many times.

By Lesia

This is a clever little trick! Here’s why experienced housewives might use a rubber band in the drain and how it can save the day:

The Purpose of the Rubber Band:

  • Hair and Debris Catcher:
    • The rubber band acts as a makeshift filter or sieve.
    • It catches hair, small food particles, and other debris that would otherwise go down the drain and potentially cause a clog.
  • Preventing Clogs:
    • By trapping these items, the rubber band helps prevent them from accumulating in the drainpipe, which is the primary cause of clogs.
  • Easy Removal:
    • When the rubber band has collected debris, it can be easily removed and cleaned, preventing the need for more drastic drain-clearing measures.

How It’s Typically Done:

  • Placement:
    • The rubber band is usually placed around the drain plug or across the drain opening.
    • It’s positioned so that water can still flow through, but debris is caught.
  • Types of Drains:
    • This trick works well in bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs, where hair is a common problem.
    • It can also be useful in kitchen sinks for catching small food scraps.

Why It’s Effective:

  • Simple and Inexpensive:
    • Rubber bands are readily available and cost-effective.
  • Prevents Major Problems:
    • It’s a proactive measure that can save you from dealing with messy and time-consuming clogs.
  • Reduces the Need for Harsh Chemicals:
    • By preventing clogs, you can reduce the need for using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can be harmful to your pipes and the environment.

Important Notes:

  • Regular Cleaning:
    • It’s essential to clean the rubber band regularly to prevent the collected debris from decomposing and causing odors.
  • Drain Strainers:
    • While the rubber band trick is helpful, a dedicated drain strainer is often a more effective and hygienic solution.
  • Type of rubber band:
    • It is best to use thicker rubber bands that will not break down as fast.

This simple trick can indeed save you from many plumbing headaches!