How to Unclog a Branch Drain

Clogged kitchen drains, a shower or tub that won't drain or an overflowing toilet is no fun. These problems can often be a simple fix. A branch drain can be a bit trickier, but you can sometimes unclog it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine exactly where your plumbing problem is coming from before you start to work on anything. If the problem is just in one place (the kitchen sink, for example), then you can just unclog the drain there and the problem is fixed. But when your kitchen sink won't drain, make sure that it is the only problem by checking the rest of the house first. Go into the bathrooms and run water in the tub and shower to make sure they are draining properly. Flush toilets and make sure they are fine, too. If you discover that you have a problem in more than one area of the house, then you probably have a branch drain problem.

2. Try using a liquid drain opener to unclog a branch drain. You can try one of the major brands on the market or you can mix up a homemade recipe that often works just as well. Mix baking soda and boiling water together and pour it down the drain where the clog is. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar will sometimes work well. Whatever kind you choose to try, be sure that you don't mix different brands of drain opener together and pour them down the drain at the same time. This can cause a chemical reaction that could damage your drain pipes and even your whole septic system.

3. Find the branch drain if the liquid drain openers don't work. The branch drain is located between the fixture (tub, toilet or kitchen sink, for example) and the main line. You can use a hand auger or a plunger to try and dislodge the clog at the branch drain.

4. Call a professional plumber if you can't dislodge the clog yourself. Sometimes tree roots have grown into the pipes and drain. In this case, professional help is your best route.