How to Clear Bathroom PVC Pipes

A plunger clears most bathroom clogs.

Many modern bathroom sinks and tubs use PVC pipes instead of galvanized piping. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of durable plastic that resists rusting, corrosion and breakage. Blockages in the bathroom drains from hair, soap residue and other buildup clog the PVC pipes so the water no longer drains from the sink and tub basins. You usually can clear out these clogs yourself, so there is no need to call a plumber.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Plunger
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Bucket
• Wrench
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Sink Pipes

1. Plug the overflow opening in the sink bowl with a rag. This opening typically is placed near the rim of the sink, opposite the faucet.

2. Place the plunger over the drain, covering it completely. Plunge up and down multiple times until the pipes clear and the water drains.

3. Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Leave the mixture in the drain for 10 minutes. The resulting bubbling action clears out the clog.

4. Pour hot water down the drain after the baking soda stops bubbling. The water will dislodge any remaining debris.

5. Clean out the trap in the pipes if the clog persists. Place a bucket under the U-shaped pipe, called a P-trap, that is located beneath the sink.

6. Unscrew the clamp holding the PVC P-trap in place with a wrench. Scoop out the debris inside the trap. Screw the trap back in place tightly before using the sink.

Tub and Shower Drains

1. Plug the overflow opening with a rag. In some tubs, the overflow has a screen screwed over it. Remove the screws holding the screen in place with a screwdriver and remove the screen. Pull the coil out of the overflow and set it aside so you can plug the hole.

2. Remove the drain cover from the drain. Removal depends on your bathtub. Some require unscrewing the holding screws while others are unsecured and you can just lift them out.

3. Fill the bathtub with 2 inches of water. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge 20 or more times, or until the clog is cleared.

4. Pour the baking soda and vinegar down the drain, using the same method as that used for a sink drain. Flush with hot water.

5. Clean the overflow coil, if applicable. Remove any hair and debris from the coil with a rag. Place the coil back into the overflow hole and replace the screen. Reattach the drain cover, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pipe snake to clear clogs caught deep in the bathtub drain or past the P-trap in a sink drain. These long metal coils whip around when you turn the handle, breaking through and scraping away debris without damaging the PVC pipes.

• Commercial drain cleaners may dislodge blockages that other methods don't remove. Only use these after plunging. Plunging a drain filled with chemical cleaners can result in a back splash of the cleaner into your face.

References

• University of Florida Extension: Making Simple Repairs: Clogged Drains
• Michigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners