How to Open Clogged Drains

Soap scum, hair and grease are the leading causes of clogged drains. Everyone will encounter a clogged drain at some point in their life. Follow these easy steps to open your clogged drain easily.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• drain cleaner
• plunger
• bucket
• wrench
• drain auger or snake

1. Run hot water. For a drain not completely clogged this is the best method to use. Let the hot water run in the drain for about five to ten minutes. This should loosen anything that is clogging your drain.
2. Pour a chemical into your drain. If running the hot water does not open your clog try a drain cleaner. Read and follow the directions on the bottle of the drain cleaner to optimize its effects.
3. Use a plunger. If hot water and a drain cleaner do not work use a plunger to open your drain. Put the plunger on the drain and slowly pump it. The suction from the plunger should open your drain.
4. Clean out the drain trap. If the steps above do not work you may need to drop and clean the drain trap. Place a bucket under the drain trap to catch any water or debris. This is the U or J-shaped pipe under your sink. Clean anything that is clogging the drain.
5. Open the pipe with a drain auger or snake. After you have cleaned the drain trap and the pipe is still clogged use a drain auger or snake to open the drain. Turn the auger or snake until the pipe is free of any debris.

Tips & Warnings

• You may not be able to open all of your clogged drains. Therefore, if all else fails make a call to your local plumber.
• Many drain cleaners contain hazardous chemicals and need to be kept in a safe place away from children and pets.

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