Using Drain Opener

I am used to Draino and the like, unfamiliar with the types out here.  I purchased a drain opener that is like a contained explosion.  You put the nozzle into the drain but the sink has to be filled with water to avoid any airholes.  Then you have to plug any openings with a damp cloth but I struggle with just two hands to plug and launch the opener.

Has anyone used this type?  Is it really dangerous?

Thanks.

I used it and it was groovy and worked fine.  Just follow the instructions to the letter.

Are garbage disposals not really used here? Just piggy-backing onto your drain question because it reminded me of something I always mean to ask about. Garbage disposals and screens/screen doors. Do they exist over here anywhere at all, and on the subject of screen doors, what's with the curtains in the doorway, do they serve any purpose at all?

Great question Stella about the garbage disposals.  I so miss my garbage disposal!  And I have curtains in my front doorway as well.  I despise them with a passion.  However, they do keep the foyer warmer at night when they are closed.  At least I think they do.   

If you throw away your solid food waste, you don't need a garbage disposal.

Better yet if  you live where you have a graden compost some of it.

Never had a garbage disposal in the US either aside from once for a few years... we had a septic system so could not have one.

Most people on my street have solid or partially glazed front doors so no curtians in sight.  Can't you just take them down if you don't like them?

Better yet if  you live where you have a graden compost some of it.

Never had a garbage disposal in the US either aside from once for a few years... we had a septic system so could not have one.

Most people on my street have solid or partially glazed front doors so no curtians in sight.  Can't you just take them down if you don't like them?

That is exactly what I do with my solid food waste, which is better for my garden and the environment as well.  I was just curious as to why they were not more common over here.

As far as the curtain issue is concerned, they are functional in that they keep the foyer warm.  We do have double glazed windows on our front door and entry, in fact throughout the entire house.  But, our house where we live (rent) is not adequately insulated and I nearly froze last winter.  I am working around the house right now trying to find ways to maximixe heat and reduce heat loss. 

Rosie have you seen the thermal curtain liners?

And you can put tin foil behind your radiator to reflect the heat out.     And we have these insulating things you buy at B&Q around the door and over the mail slot. 

That is exactly what I do with my solid food waste, which is better for my garden and the environment as well.  I was just curious as to why they were not more common over here.

Same with me. I was not looking for alternative to garbage disposals, just wondering why they aren't  here, same as my curiosity over screens and screen doors.

Yes, I've seen virtually no screens.  On windows, doors... hence my aversion to flying creatures has been further enhanced since moving here.

And when I ask where I can find a water filter that goes on the actual faucet, I am met with blank stares, then sometimes 'now that's a very good idea.'

So I take it they're not easy to come by here either.

we have a garbage disposal. 

Rosie have you seen the thermal curtain liners?

No, I have not seen those as yet?  Where abouts would you find them? 

And you can put tin foil behind your radiator to reflect the heat out. And we have these insulating things you buy at B&Q around the door and over the mail slot.

Mindy:  You can actually buy a roll of radiator reflector at B&Q and we have done that    But, I will check out the insulating things for the door and the mail slot. 

Thanks for the ideas guys, I so do appreciate it.  Sorry, I did not mean to hijack the drain opener thread.  Oppss. 

 

All the mail-order catalogues, like Marshall Ward & Additions & Fashion World carry the thermal curtains.

We have a garbage disposal too.  Question: since the word 'garbage' doesn't seem to be the norm here, I wonder what the British term is for garbage disposal.