A clogged drain may start with something minor. Perhaps water is not draining from your sink as quickly. If left long enough, that slow drainage may turn into:
- Standing water
- Foul odors
- A backup.
You can often solve the problem at home. Here is how:
Start with the plunger
The first thing to try for a simple clog on the drain is a plunger. Fill the plunger with water until it touches the bottom of the drain opening, press firmly over the drain opening, and press several times, carefully building up pressure.
Most sinks have an overflow opening. Place a moist cloth over the overflow for better sealing. Once the water runs normally, pour warm water down the drain. This will dislodge any other buildup.
Remove visible debris
Some clogs might be near the drain hole. Things like:
- Hair
- Food particles
- Soap residue
- Other debris.
You can remove them without dismantling the system.
If possible, lift or unscrew the drain cover. Take out any visible material. Do not push debris further down the pipe as this will make it harder to remove.
Do not repeat chemical treatments
Chemical cleaners for clogged drains may seem like a quick answer. But they are not effective for all clogged drains. They can be ineffective at eliminating deeper blockages, such as those that involve:
- Grease
- Compacted debris
- Mineral deposits
- Other substances.
Repeated application of chemicals at a blocked drain will not solve the problem if a basic method is not working. It can even pose extra security issues to anybody who is required to work with the plumbing system later on.
Use a drain snake for a stubborn clog
A plunger may not reach the blockage of a clog. But a manual drain snake can. Gently insert the cable into the drain until it meets resistance. Then, twist the cable. This will dislodge or trap the blockage.
But do not use the wrong tool or apply too much force. It could cause damage to plumbing parts.
Also, do not push the equipment any further if:
- You are unable to clear the blockage
- The drain is still clogged.
Beware of recurring clogs
Is your drain continually clogging? It is telling you something.
The blockage might have been cleared. But there may still be other substances further down the pipe. It could be:
- Grease
- Hair
- Scale.
This is where professional drain cleaning services can help. A plumber can use equipment like a powered auger to reach deeper into the drainage line and loosen stubborn clogs.
Consider professional augering
Drain augering involves using a mechanical cable to bore holes through and dislodge blockages in the pipe. It can be very helpful if plunging hasn’t worked or if a clog occurred in a space that isn’t easily accessed with household tools.
For more complex blockages, other methods such as hydro-jetting or video inspection may be appropriate depending on the condition of the pipe.
Final thoughts
It’s not always necessary to seek professional assistance for a slight obstruction. Start with easy techniques like plunging. But a more complete diagnosis is necessary if the clog is:
- Persistent
- Keeps coming back
- Affects several drains
- Causes sewage to back up.
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