How do you unclog a drain?

A clogged drain or toilet can be messy, embarrassing and sometimes expensive to clear. Blockages can slow down water flow in pipes and sinks.

When this occurs, water will back up and pool in the tub, shower, laundry or kitchen. Stagnant drain water can create drain flies and odors from accumulating bacteria.

 

Manual Clearing

Cleaning your drain by hand is a first option to keep them clean. Unscrew the U-trap connection underneath the pipe. Place a container under the tap to catch any water or gunk in the pipeline.

Remove the tap from the connection and loosen any material you notice in the pipe. Hold the trap and turn it over to empty any material into the container.

Feel around inside the pipe for any debris. Pull it out, or use an old toothbrush to force it out of the pipe.

Rinse away any remaining gunk with water. Re-connect the pipes when you are finished.

Drain Snakes

A drain snake comes in three primary forms; cable, closet, and electric.  A drain snake or auger is a long, slender tool, about 1.4 inches thick.

It’s a spiral, coil-shaped tool that reaches way down into the drain to help remove blockages.

Drain snakes work to dislodge and remove debris and to break up gunk so you can flush them down the drain.

Grip the snake handle and insert the other end into the drain. Rotate the handle to help the coil to make its way into the pipe.

Continue to push the snake until it stops within the drain. Keep turning the tool until it starts to break up and dislodge any debris.

As the material begins to free up, you can pull it out of the drain. Afterward, pour some boiling water or let the hot water run for a few minutes to help flush away any remaining matter.

 

Electric Snake/Auger

Electric snakes are larger tools that can power through tough clogs in floor drains, garages, and basements. When other options fail, the electric snake may get the job done in record time.

Closet Snakes

Closet snakes work to unclog toilets.  They come with a hand crank inside a tight shaft.

The end is bent at an angle to help fit into the curve of the toilet trap.  Use the closet snake in the same way as the regular snake. It helps dislodge and draw gunk out of the toilet.

 

Plungers

Plungers are common household tools that help clear drains in the sink, laundry, bathroom, and toilet.

Place the plunger over the drain opening. Push the handle down to exert pressure on the suction cup.

The action will begin to pull any material up and out of the pipelines.  You can follow up with a drain cleaner or hot water to wash away any debris.

 

Wet/dry vacuums

For some clogs, you may try using a wet-dry vacuum to help suck gun out of your drains.

First, adjust the setting on the vacuum to liquid mode. Next, put a cloth or rag over the vent to reduce any spills.

Use a plunger head or other container to form a tight seal over the drain.

Switch the machine to the highest setting and let it draw any debris out of the drain into the bag.

Wire Hangers

A wire hanger can also help clear clogged drains.  Unscrew it at the neck and pull it straight. Next, bend one end of the hanger to form a hook. Insert the hooked end into the drain as far as it can go.

Turn the hook to help dislodge any debris or hair in the drain. Pull any material up out of the pipeline.

After clearing the drain, pour some boiling water or let the hot water run for a while to clear away any residues.

 

Lye

Lye is also called sodium hydroxide. Although it can cause burns, it unclogs drains quickly and efficiently.

In a bucket, add about 48 ounces of cold water and up to 3 cups of lye. Stir to combine and let it fizz for a few minutes.

Pour the mixture into the drain and allow it to work for up to half an hour to break up clogs.

Flush the drain clear with boiling water. For tougher blockages, repeat the application until the clog dissolves.

Cleaning tub clogs

Tub drains can clog from soap scum and hair build-up. You will need a plunger, cable auger or bent wire.

First, unscrew the tub drain screen and insert a bent wire to pull out any soap or gunk.

For pop up drains, lift the handle to the opening position. Hold the drain stopper and separate it from the drain opening. Clear away any hair or soap scum that may be present.

It this method fails, use a cloth or rag to block the holes underneath the overflow plate. Work the plunger a few times to help dislodge any debris.

Follow up with a cable snake if this does not work.

Clearing sink drains

First, fill the sink part way with some water. Use a plunger and pump up and down a few times. Pull plunger off with a swift tug to bring up any matter in the sink.

 

Bath sinks:

Block the opening with a cloth to help create some pressure in the drain.  Use a plunger to help draw out any gunk. If this fails, use a cable snake to help break up the debris.

Use a wrench to take out the sink trap. Unscrew the PVC connection by hand and catch any water in the pipe into a bucket. Clear the trap and replace the fixtures.

 

Another way to unclog the sink is to:

1. Unscrew the trap arm from the wall. Insert a cable auger into the socket up to about 3 feet long.
2. Keep turning the cable, rotating it a few times in either direction to help pull any debris out of the drain.
3. Remove the tool and re-connect the trap arm. Flush the sink with hot water and plunge a few times to clear away any remaining gunk.

 

Conclusion

While there are many cleaners available, it’s really tough to choose the best drain cleaners according to your need. Shower Redefined team did a great job by reviewing a few to start with which will definitely give you an outstanding result.