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    Renovopedia
    Home » How to Unclog Any Drain

    How to Unclog Any Drain

    December 7, 2022No Comments Bathroom
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    Drains handle all of the water that we send down, plus hair, grease, and other solids, so it’s natural that at some point they will clog. 

    With most clogged drains, there’s no need to pull out your phone to contact a plumber. Several inexpensive, efficient, and fast methods will help you power through smaller clogs in sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. In no time at all, you’ll be up and running.

    Demo

    5 Ways to Unclog Any Drain

    Method Uses Clog Depth, Maximum Cost
    Plunger Toilet, tub, shower, kitchen sink 3 feet $5 to $15
    Hair Remover Tool Bathroom sink, tub, shower 39 inches $2
    Removing and Cleaning Sink Trap Bathroom sink, kitchen sink 3 feet No cost
    Drain Snake Toilet, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, tub, shower 25 feet $25 to $50
    Liquid Opener Toilet, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, tub, shower 18 inches $5 to $15

    Sink or Toilet Plunger

    A plunger is a flexible rubber bell- or cone-shaped tool with an operating handle at the end. A plunger forces water into the drain pipes, pushing the clog onward.

    This time-tested drain-clearing method excels at unclogging toilets and is moderately successful at clearing kitchen sinks, tubs, and showers. Plungers sometimes do not work on bathroom sinks due to the configuration of the sink.

    Hair Clog Remover Tool

    A hair clog remover tool is a thin plastic cord with multiple spikes that is inserted into a drain, then removed. The spikes are designed to snag hair in the sink drain.

    Hair clog removers work moderately well for bathroom sinks, and they do have some limited use for bathtubs and showers. Hair clog removers do not work on toilets or kitchen sinks. 

    Removing and Cleaning Sink Trap

    Cleaning the sink trap involves detaching the plastic or metal P-trap drain from below the sink, removing the clog by hand, then reattaching the cleared trap.

    While messy, removing the sink trap is also the ultimate way to clear bathroom sink drains or kitchen sink drains. As long as the clog is located at some point in the P-trap or in the first few inches of the home’s drainpipe, you should be able to physically remove it.

    Tip

    If you are considering snaking your bath or kitchen drain, the fastest and most effective option is to remove the trap and clean it or insert the snake through the trap instead.

    Drain Snake (Auger)

    A drain snake or drain auger is a manual tool with a flexible metal cable coiled up inside a drum. The user turns the drum to extend the cable up to 25 feet into the drain system. A metal corkscrew-like end snags the clog. The cable is pulled straight out with the clog attached.

    Drain snakes are highly efficient at removing fibrous clogs located deep in the drain system and work on toilets, kitchen and bath sinks, tubs, and showers.

    Liquid Drain Cleaner

    Non-acidic liquid drain opener uses a mixture of bacteria, enzymes, and live culture to liquify organic substances that commonly clog drains like hair, grease, and paper.

    Liquid openers work slowly and only moderately well at opening clogs that aren’t too deep.

    Warning

    Never use a drain cleaning liquid with sulfuric acid (or any type of powerful, highly concentrated acid), as it can cause damage to the plumbing and larger water system.

    Safety Considerations

    All drain clearing methods bring you into contact with bacteria, especially with invasive methods such as removing the sink trap or snaking the drain. Be sure to wear waterproof gloves, a mask, and safety glasses.

    Though hair clog remover tools are plastic, their spikes are still very sharp. Hold these tools only by the handle end. 

    How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

    For unclogging toilets, the best tool to use is a flange plunger. Wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself against splashes.

    1. Check Water Levels

      Make sure that the water in the toilet bowl is high enough to cover the plunger cup. If not, add more water to the bowl.

      The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    2. Lower Plunger Cup

      Lower the cup of the plunger into the water at an angle, filling the cup with water.

      The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

      Tip

      While it may seem better to fill the cup with air and force air into the drainpipe, it’s best to force water into the pipes. Air compresses more than water does, so it provides less force when you ram the plunger down.

    3. Push Plunger Down

      Firmly and rapidly push down on the toilet plunger, then pull up again. Do this several times.

      Reposition and repeat as needed. If the plunger cup breaks its seal with the toilet bowl, reposition the cup and repeat. If successful, the water in the bowl should quickly drain out.

      The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    4. Flush the Toilet

      Remove the tank lid from the toilet, and locate the round rubber trap door (called the flapper) at the center of the tank bottom; this is your emergency water shutoff if the toilet is still clogged.

      Flush the toilet. If it flushes normally, you’re all done, and you can set the lid back on the tank.

      The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    How to Unclog a Sink, Tub, or Shower Drain With a Plunger

    Use a standard bell-shaped plunger for clearing sink, tub, or shower clogs. Wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses.

    1. Wet a Washcloth

      Thoroughly wet a washcloth and set it aside for now.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    2. Remove Drain Stopper or Cover

      Remove the pop-up drain stopper from the sink basin or bathtub. For showers, remove the drain grate.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    3. Add Water as Needed

      If the sink basin, tub, or shower pan does not already have enough water in it to cover the plunger’s cup, add water with a cup or bucket.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    4. Cover Overflow Hole, If Necessary

      Fold the wet washcloth into a square and cover the sink or tub’s overflow hole with it (showers do not have this). It helps to have an assistant hold the washcloth so that you’ll have both hands available to work the plunger.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    5. Lower Plunger

      Lower the plunger’s cup into the water at an angle to fill the cup.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    6. Push Plunger Down

      Firmly push the plunger down and then up again. Repeat several times.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    7. Run Hot Water

      After the drain is clear, run the hot water for a few minutes.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    How to Unclog a Sink Drain With a Hair Remover Tool

    Sink drain hair removal tools are usually sold in multiples. You may purchase a simple tool that lowers straight into the drain and pulls straight up, clog attached. Or you may choose a tool with a small crank for turning the spiked end once it’s in the drain—much like a true sink auger.

    1. Remove Stopper

      Remove the pop-up drain stopper from the basin.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    2. Insert Tool

      Push the spiked end of the tool into the drain. If the tool hits a block, push it up and down several times.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    3. Remove Tool and Clog

      Slowly remove the tool. The clog should be on the tool. Use the paper towels to remove and dispose of the clog.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    4. Use Handle (Optional)

      If the tool has a rotation feature, push the spiked end of the tool into the drain. Hold the center of the handle with one hand and the crank with the other hand. Turn the crank several times. Pull straight up to remove the tool and the clog.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    How to Unclog a Drain by Cleaning the Trap

    To remove and replace a sink P-trap, you’ll need old rags for better grip, a flashlight, and waterproof gloves. 

    1. Get a Bucket

      Place a bucket under the sink centered directly under the current P-trap. Have rags nearly.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    2. Remove Curved Portion

      Remove the curved bend portion of the P-trap by turning the slip nut on both ends. You may need to use a rag for better grip. Water should pour out of the bend when removed. Set the piping in the bucket.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    3. Remove Trap Arm

      Remove the straight trap arm by unscrewing the slip nut that secures the trap arm to the drainpipe in the wall. Set this in the bucket.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    4. Clean Removed Items

      Clear P-trap by taking the items outside, pouring out the water in the bucket, and hosing out the pieces. If the pieces are overly greasy and dirty, discard them and use a new P-trap.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    5. Replace Parts

      Replace the new P-trap in the opposite order you removed the pieces by first attaching the new trap arm to the wall, then attaching the bend between the trap arm and the sink. Secure all slip nuts.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    6. Test P-Trap

      Test by running water and checking underneath for leaks.

      The Spruce / Sarah Lee

    How to Unclog a Drain by Snaking It

    To unclog a drain by snaking it, you’ll need a sink or toilet snake (or auger), towels, and if possible, a shop vacuum.

    Warning

    Experts recommend inserting a drain snake through the trap, not the drain itself. While accessing the trap (as described above) is manageable enough for most DIYers with sink drains, it can be difficult with shower or bathtub drains and may require a plumber. If you decide to insert the snake in the drain anyway, take care not to damage the drain or plumbing.

    1. Remove Drain Cover or Grate


      Remove the sink pop-up drain stopper or shower/tub drain grate.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    2. Remove Water

      Remove as much water as possible from the basin, tub, or pan with the plunger, shop vacuum, or by soaking up the water with towels. If this is not possible, you can snake the drain through standing water.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    3. Insert Snake

      Insert the corkscrew end of the drain snake into the drain as far as it will go on its own. Tighten the thumbscrew on the drum.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    4. Rotate Snake

      Rotate the drain snake by turning the handle.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    5. Retract Cable

      Slowly retract the cable into the drum to remove the clog at the end of the cable.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    How to Unclog a Drain With Liquid Drain Cleaner

    Watch Now: Safe Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipe

    1. Remove Drain Cover or Grate

      Remove the sink pop-up drain or shower/tub drain grate.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    2. Remove Water

      With the plunger or shop vacuum, remove as much water as possible.

      The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    3. Pour Cleaner

      Pour the liquid drain cleaner into the drain. Consult with the product’s instructions for the amount to use. Wait at least an hour. Many green drain cleaners require 24 hours.

      The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

      Tip

      Toilets often require twice as much cleaner as sinks, tubs, or showers.

    4. Flush Drain

      Flush the opened drain with hot water.

      The Spruce / Lacey Johnson 

    When to Call a Professional

    If the clog is threatening to spill into your home, call an emergency plumber immediately. Removing some hard objects such as rings from drainpipes is difficult for do-it-yourselfers, but a plumber might be able to assist. Most consumer-grade drain snakes reach to 25 feet. For clogs that extend beyond 25 feet, have a plumber clear the drain.

    Best Drain Cleaning Services


    Watch Now: Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

    Source: The Spruce

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