Clogged Drain

A drain clog can turn a simple flush into an unwanted flood. All homeowners have to deal with clogs of many types. Whether a clog is in the toilet, bathtub, or sink, there are preventive measures for maintenance, and there are many things a homeowner can do to deal with a clog without ever having to call a plumber. The clog isn't the only problem, there's also the mess left behind from the overflow you have to clean up.

TOOLS Plunger, Plumber’s suction cup, or “Plumber’s friend” Augers: small, medium, and large (AKA: snake) High pressure water jet (Alt: drain blaster)

MATERIALS Chemical drain cleaners (liquids and powders)

CLOGGED SINKS

1. For prevention a liquid or powdered drain cleaner is recommended. Follow all instructions and safety precautions on the label.
2. For a slow drain, chemicals will also be useful. Even a slight flow will allow the chemicals to penetrate and dispose of the clog.
3. For a standing clog (No drainage) use a plunger. At least 1 inch of standing water must be present for plunger to work. Any overflow or vent must be covered to allow plunger to work properly.
4. Depress plunger to blow all air out. Air will compress, water will not.
5. Repeatedly drive the plunger up and down a dozen times using forceful thrusts.
6. Check for drainage. If there is no drainage repeat the steps.
7. If there is still no drainage remove the “trap” (U-shaped pipe under sink). Be sure to place a bucket under the trap, as all standing water is likely to drain out.
8. To remove the trap, turn the large slip nuts at each end. A large wrench may be needed to do this.
9. Inspect the trap for blockage and remove any.
10. If the trap is not blocked, it may be necessary to run a snake into the drain line that goes into the wall.
11. Simply feed the snake, constantly turning it to round corners, until the clog is met and dealt with.
12. A high-pressure water jet that can be attached to a garden hose can also be used instead of the snake. Insert the body of the device into the drain line. Turn on the water. There will be a rushing of water once the clogged is removed.

CLOGGED BATHTUBS

1. Preventive maintenance can include chemical drain cleaners. Use as directed on the label.
2. Slow drains can also benefit from the chemical drain cleaners.
3. Standing water can be dealt with by removing the overflow plate and pulling out the mechanism that operates the drain plug. There is usually a brass or plastic cylinder on the end of these. There may be a large build-up of hair and other debris on the cylinder causing the clog.
4. If there is still standing water a plunger, snake or water jet can be used in the same manner as described above.
5. Be sure to seal the overflow (when plunging) or the drain (when using the water jet) to create a seal to allow the needed pressure to build up.

CLOGGED TOILETS

1. Preventive maintenance can be accomplished with drain cleaner chemicals as well as copper sulfate (drain root killer) and rock salt (a more environmentally friendly version of copper sulfate).
2. A plunger will push most clogs through the serpentine toilet “trap”. 15-20 forceful thrust should deal with the problem.
3. A “Closet Auger” (toilet snake) can take care of the more difficult clogs.
4. Be sure to use great care to not scratch the porcelain in the toilet. Such scratches are irreparable.
5. There is almost no clog (within the toilet) that can withstand the closet auger. If no results are achieved, the problem is further down the line.

CLEANOUT

1. The last effort to make is the cleanout. It will be located on the side of the house or in the basement. It is a 3 or 4-inch round pipe-opening, sealed with a screw-in cover.
2. Use a wrench to remove the cover.
3. Insert a large auger (snake), constantly turning it to round any corners. A large snake will reach all the way to your municipal sewer line and will deal with any clog that is the homeowner’s responsibility. If the drains are still clogged consult your neighbors to see if they are experiencing similar difficulties, then call local sewer authorities.