How to Open a Clogged Drain Pipe

Learning how to unclog a drain pipe can save you hundreds of dollars. The inevitable drain clog will happen. But with the right tools, proven techniques and a little perseverance, your clog can be removed. These steps will guide you through fixing anything from a slow drain to a stopped-up bathtub.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plunger
• Plumber's snake (cable auger)
• Closet auger
• Pipe wrench

1. Use a plunger. For slow drains the first and easiest method is to grab a plunger. Fill the sink with water, place the plunger over the drain and pump up and down. This will clear minor clogs. However, if this doesn't work, you will need to consider other troubleshooting techniques.

2. Use a cable auger. For more stubborn clogs, a cable auger is an effective tool. Remove the U-shaped pipe, called a trap, under the sink. Depending on the trap, you may be able to remove it by hand or with a pipe wrench. Clear the trap of water and debris. Remove the horizontal trap arm, which was attached to the trap connected into the wall. Insert the cable into the wall pipe, called the stub out. In a clockwise direction, feed more cable into the wall pipe. When it feels like the cable has found debris, push harder while turning clockwise. Pull and turn the cable counter-clockwise once it penetrates through the clog. Rewind the cable and repeat the process (inserting the cable back into the stub out, pushing clockwise and pulling counterclockwise). Replace the trap, run hot water, and plunge to remove excess waste.

3. Apply a plumber's snake for a tub drain. Clear the drain of any hair or soap particles with your hands or wire. Cover any overflow holes with a rag. Like a sink, first use a plunger, then proceed, if necessary, with a cable auger. Place the plumber's snake (cable auger) into the overflow tube (not the drain). Repeat step 2, pushing and pulling the cable while turning the crank clockwise and counterclockwise. Run several gallons of hot water after snaking the tub drain. Replace any removed parts.

4. Unclog the toilet. As described in addressing other clogs, the plunging method, in most cases, is the first action. If that doesn't work, the next option is a closet auger. Instructions for the closet auger are similar to using the plumber's snake (cable auger). Place the coil auger end into the bowl while pushing clockwise and pulling counterclockwise. Repeat process, feeding the cable into the left and right side of the trap. Flush toilet to clear the drain pipe of leftover waste.

5. Follow these proven methods. Both professional plumbers and "do it yourself" homeowners successfully use these popular methods. However, after trying different strategies and several attempts, consider using a licensed plumber or drain-cleaning service.

Tips & Warnings

• Use hot boiling water (not cold or warm water) when clearing pipes. Another tool option is to rent an electric power auger from a home improvement center.
• Read the instructions carefully before applying chemical drain cleaners. When using a cable or closet auger, don't apply too much force. You can damage pipes or fixtures.

References

• Clear Any Drain
• How to Unstop Clogged Drains, Toilets and Sewers
• Unclogging a Drain