For some reason, it seems that drains always clog at the most inconvenient times. Granted, there’s never really a convenient time for a drain to get stopped up. But by knowing what to do about a blocked drain in your home, you can be more prepared the next time it happens to you.
It’s also worth pointing out that not all drains are created equally. You may have to use different methods to unclog a bathtub drain, toilet, and kitchen sink drain. However, after reading this article, you should have the knowledge to unclog the most common blockages and get your pipes running properly again.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Tools to Unclog a Drain
The first tool that you’re going to need when there’s a clog is a plunger. This simple item can clear the clogs of most fixtures, including toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. Every homeowner should have one ready to go.
In order to dislodge a clog that’s located further down the pipe, you’ll want to use a plumber’s snake. This is a flexible, long steel cable that’s wound around a spool. It also comes with a hand crank.
For snaking toilets specifically, you may want to get a closet auger. This device comes with a hand crank, but the cable is encased in a shaft instead of winding around a spool. It’s specifically designed to fit the pipe of a toilet.
How to Unclog a Sink
If it’s a minor sink clog, you’ll probably just need a plunger.
Fill the sink partially with water and then begin to plunge. Work the plunger down and up vigorously. Then, quickly pull it off of the drain opening.
If the plunging didn’t work, then use a cable auger and go under the sink. Take off the sink trap with a pipe wrench. Empty the water from the trap into a buck and check to make sure the trap isn’t blocked up.
Take off the horizontal trap arm and push the cable into the stub-out until you get resistance. Crank the handle and push it forward at the same time. Keep going until you break through the clog.
If you feel the cable catch on something, start turning the crank clockwise and pull it back. Replace the trap and trap arm and turn on the hot water.
If the water drains properly, then you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, then it’s recommended that you contact a professional.
How to Unclog a Tub Drain
When you’re dealing with a bathtub, it’s unlike that it will suddenly become clogged. Usually, a blockage in a tub is something that builds up over several weeks. And the tub drain will be draining water more and more slowly each day.
Like with a sink drain, you want to start with a plunger. You also want to use a bent wire to scrape out any soap scum and hair.
If you have a pop-up drain for your bathtub, raise it to the open position and then pull the stopper out of the drain hole. Clean the stopper to get any soap and hair off of it.
If this and plunging don’t work, then you’ll want to get your cable auger. Feed the cable down the overflow tube and push forward while turning the hand crank. Pass the cable all the way through the P-trap that’s positioned underneath the bathtub.
Then, pull the cable back out and run several liters of hot water down the drain.
How to Unclog a Toilet
A toilet clog pretty much always takes place at the top of the tight, curving trap that’s a part of the fixture. You should always first attempt to solve the clog with a plunger. It can many times be powerful enough to clear the way.
If it isn’t, then you’ll want to go with a closet auger. Put the auger into the bowl and make sure that the bent tip is pointing up.
As you push down and crank on the handle, hold the tool shaft steady. You will have to feed the cable all the way through the trap.
Continue to crank until you’ve gone through the whole cable. Then, pull the cable back out by pulling up and cranking at the same time.
Finally, flush the toilet in order to clear the drain. If it’s still flushing slowly, then run the auger through the trap two more times. Do it once up the right side of the trap, and once up the left side.
The three-pronged approach will clear any gunk that’s sticking to the sides of the trap.
The Importance of Knowing What to Do About a Blocked Drain
When you’re dealing with a blocked drain, you want to make sure that you take care of it as soon as possible. You never want to let water sit, especially when you’re drain is filled with materials that could decompose, rot, and give off foul odors.
Of course, not every clog can be solved with simple items that can be found in the home. Professional plumbers have the expertise and the tools to solve any drain issue. And if you’re ever uncomfortable about unclogging a drain, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional instead of trying to fix it yourself.
Are you experiencing plumbing issues? If so, contact us today and see what we can do for you!
