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The air admittance valve, or AAV, is a spring-loaded mini-vent that sits right next to your washer. It acts in place of a standard vent stack connection, opening to let air into the drain whenever pressure builds up. It otherwise stays closed to prevent sewer gas from escaping into your home. This gives the washer’s plumbing system the air it needs when water enters or drains.

In the best-case scenario, the pipe size is written on the side of the pipe. You’ll often find this with different types of plastic piping like PVC, PEX, or CPVC. For other types of pipes, you’ll have to measure. You can measure the outside circumference with a soft tape measure, then divide your measurement by pi. From there, you’ll have to use a conversion chart to get the nominal pipe size (the size you’d buy in the store).

Liquid drain cleaners are harsh chemicals that can erode your pipes. To treat a slow drain or for preventative maintenance, pour hot water down the drain to break up gunk and help move it along. Make sure the water isn’t boiling hot (keep it under 140 degrees Fahrenheit) if you have plastic pipes. However, you’ll need to pull the clog out for bigger backups. 

While some chemical drain cleaners with hydrochloric acid can dissolve hair, this method is not recommended as it can also destroy your plumbing pipes. A common DIY alternative is using baking soda and vinegar, which can help break down the clog but will not actually dissolve the hair. The best and safest method for clearing a hair clog is to remove it manually. You can use a drain snake, a straightened wire hanger with pliers to fish out the clog, or have a plumber use a professional auger for more severe blockages.