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Clogged Drain: How To Remove A Clog

Clogged Sink Drain

There are about as many ways to unclog a drain as there are ways to clog a drain. The best strategy for unclogging the drain will be based on the location (kitchen sink , bathroom sink, tub, shower or toilet), the distance from the inlet to the clog, and the size/components of the blockage. Each location is listed below with a list of options for clearing the clog.

Warning

Do not use off-the-shelf chemical drain cleaners if you have any metal in your drain pipes. The chemical can cause serious damage to your pipes. You can usually look at the p-trap under a sink to find metal. The older the house, the greater the chance that you have some metal pipes. Chemical drain opener can also damage the metal plating on your hardware so use caution.
Chemical drain cleaner are also really bad if they don’t work. At that point you have potentially flesh-eating corrosive in a drain that will now require mechanical removal of the clog and exposure to the person doing the work. (this is one reason plumber get paid a lot).
Some chemical drain openers are not compatible with the PVC pipe that are used in most new homes so read the label carefully
Do not mix chemical drain openers as they could cause a dangerous reaction.

See below for safer options to the nasty off-the-shelf corrosive drain cleaners.

Remote Clogs

Most clog happen in or around the p-trap or area very close to the inlet. If you start putting water down the drain and immediately see a stoppage, then you probably have a clog around the p-trap. If it takes a while for the stoppage (10 seconds or more) , then you have 2 options:

1. The blockage is at a union, elbow or Y deep inside your home. These type clogs must be removed using a mechanical snake. Chemicals or pressure devices (like a plunger are relatively because of dilution of the chemical or pressure before it reaches obstruction.
2. Some remote clogs can be based on build up over long section of the drain pipes. This can be removed by either a mechanical snake or by chemical cleaners. The chemical can soften or break up the build-up so the water pressure can eventually clear it. Chemicals are a good option for slow moving drains that are not totally clogged.

Kitchen Sink Clogs

Kitchen sink clogs are usually a combination of food and grease (or fat) and bathroom clogs are usually soap and hair. Many kitchen clogs can be avoided by occasionally pouring a quart of boiling hot water down the drain on a routine basis. This will liquefy the grease and more it further down the pipes. You can also add vinegar and baking soda to help break down fats and make the drain smell fresher. Here are your options:
1. Use the degreaser drain opener (listed below).
2. If this does not work, remove the P-trap as described below.
3. If the clog is below the P-trap use a mechanical snake to clear the pipe.
4. If this fails to solve your problem, call a plumber.


Bathroom Sink

Bathroom Sink clogs are usually made of hair and soap. The plumbing for bathroom is easy access so here is a list of thing to try:
1. The clog may be removed using the baking soda and vinegar solution.
2. Remove the p-trap and clear the drain
3. If the clog is below the p-trap use a mechanical snake to clear the pipe
4. If this fails to solve your problem, call a plumber.

Bathtub and Shower

Bathtub and Shower clogs are also usually hair and soap. In almost all cases, this plumbing is inaccessible. Here are your options:
1. The clog may be removed using the baking soda and vinegar solution.
2. Remove the filter and use a mechanical snake to clear the pipe
3. Use chemical drain opener per the manufacturer’s recommendation
4. If this fails to solve your problem, call a plumber.

Toilet

We all know what causes these clogs. Most clogs are actually in the base of the toilet or at the joint between the toilet and the plumbing. Many low cost toilet clog due to poor toilet design. Most toilet plumbing is 2-1/2 or 3 inches so chemicals are not a good solution. You need mechanical agitation to move the blockage. Here are your options:
1. Break out the plunger (see below)
2. Use the snake (see below)
3. Final Option, call the plumber.


Removing a P-Trap

If the clog is in a sink, it may be just as easy to remove and clean the p-trap as it would be to remove the drain plug (so you can use a snake). This procedure is usually simple with plastic pipes as they are not very tight.
1. Remove any standing water. If you already added a chemical drain cleaner, then the liquid is hazardous. Use glove and eye protection as chemical drain cleaners are dangerous.
2. Using a plumber wrench, loosen the nut of either side of p-trap
3. Remove and clean the p-trap and down-pipe.
4. Check the washers at either joint for any damage. Replacing the washers if they show any damage.
5. Re-install the p-trap and tighten the nuts as tight as you can get them with your bare hands.
6. Check for leaks and then use the plumbers wrench to tighten the nuts further. (Over-tighten the nuts will cause a leak so don’t over do it.)


Using a Plunger

The key to using a plunger is getting a mostly water tight seal with the rubber. If the plunger is not sealing, it will not put any pressure on the clog. Use a push/pull motion to dislodge the blockage. Usually pulling develops the most force so try a few quick pulls.

Degreaser / Drain Opener

Dissolve 1/4 cup dish washing detergent in 2-3 gal boiling water and pour down drain. To avoid burns from boiling water, hold water container close to drain and pour slowly and directly into drain. Do not use this method in combination with chemical drain openers as there can be a dangerous reaction.

Baking Soda and Vinegar.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain if possible. Let set for a few minutes, then pour a quart of boiling water down the drain to flush it. The combination of baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. Do not use this method in combination with chemical drain openers as there can be a dangerous reaction.

Mechanical Snake

A flexible mechanical snake can be purchased or rented. You can buy one for as little as $8. Wear glove to avoid getting waste on your hands. Insert the snake until it reaches a obstacle. Spin the snake until the snake can progress further. It may stick at several spots along the drain before it reaches the actual clog. The end of the snake will stick on joint in the plumbing but the spinning action should get thing moving again. Once it reaches the clog, spin the snake so that the spring at the end will drill into the clog (this is usually clockwise). Once it has drilled through, pull the obstruction back out.
I once got a wash cloth out that was about 4 feet down the drain. The spring hooked the fabric so it can right out.

Summary

Even the most handy handyman need professional help sometimes so use out find-a-contractor service to get a good local plumber.


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