How to Clear Drain Pipes

Over the course of time, there will come a point where a pipe in your home will need to be unclogged. Usually this is from a backup of anything because of use, such as hair in a shower drain, food debris in the sink, or tissue in the toilet. Whether it be the toilet, sink, or shower, it is important to know how to unclog the drain safely and effectively. By attempting to clear the clog yourself, you will save money by not calling out a plumber for what is usually a simple operation.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Drain-cleaning detergent
• Plumbing snake

Instructions

1. Fill the clogged area with about an inch of water. Take your plunger and affix it to the drain. Push down, then pull up forcefully, taking care not to pull the plunger off the drain. Repeat this pumping action a few times, then remove the plunger to see if the clog has gone down. If it has, flush the drain with hot water and put your plunger away. If not, continue with the next step.

2. Take your drain-cleaning solution, such as Draino or Liquid Plumr, and pour half the bottle down the drain. Let the solution sit for about fifteen minutes. After the time is up, flush the drain with hot water for a minute. If the clog is not cleared by this, pour the rest of the solution into the drain, wait another fifteen minutes, then flush the drain with hot water again.

3. Rent or buy a plumbing snake from a hardware store, if the above methods didn't work. Snake a few feet of the cable into the drain. Once you feel some pressure, keep pushing until the clog is free. Pull the cable out again, then rinse the drain with hot water.

Tips & Warnings

• When dealing with a clogged toilet, you will need a specially designed snake called a closet auger, available at hardware stores.

References

• Clearing Clogged Drains