How to Unplug A Drain Using Drain Cleaner

Here's how to unclog a drain using drain cleaner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Maximum strength drain Draino or similar product.

1. If the sink can drain at all, let whatever standing water in the basin drain out. Don't use the sink for several hours so the pipe will slowly drain. This will allow the drain cleaner to be poured directly on the clog. Don't pour drain cleaner into a sink with water in it. Don't let drain cleaner overflow into the basin of the sink.

2. Drain cleaner is dangerous and toxic. It can terribly burn skin. Use rubber gloves and eye protection. Be careful while pouring it, and don't let it splash. Pour it directly down the drain.

3. Pour in the amount recommended on the bottle. Let it sit for 15 minutes to several hours.
   
   If, after several hours, the drain still backs up, let it drain again and repeat the process.

4. If you use a whole bottle and the drain has not cleared, you will need to use a snake to clean the drain. If this is above your skill level, or can't be done by a friend or your partner, you will need to call a plumber.

5. If a plumber or a friend disassembles the sink trap, tell them that you have used Draino in the sink so they can take precautions not to get it on themselves or in their eyes.

6. Discard used bottles safely and immediately. Store Draino and other dangerous chemicals out of the reach of children or teenagers.