One of the most common plumbing emergencies homeowners come across is a clogged drain. Simple maintenance like cleaning stoppers and strainers can help, but every so often something develops necessitating further action.
Most homeowners don’t own a snake, and calling a plumber for every clogged drain is obviously not necessary if it’s something minor. Luckily, learning how to fix things is one of the joys of home ownership, let’s get to work!
First Step: Hot Water
When you first notice a slowing drain, run scalding hot water down it.
Hot water can break down grease and grime, but it won’t work for larger obstructions. In the case of something more stubborn, try one of the following solutions:
Second Step: Chemical Drain Cleaner
If going with a chemical solution you must BE CAREFUL. These drain cleaners are calibrated to dissolve obstructions, so as you might imagine, they are not intended to contact human skin. Wear gloves, and don’t look into the drain while pouring, nor immediately thereafter. Follow the directions on the bottle exactly as written, and be sure to wait the entire recommended amount of time before attempting to use the unclogged drain. Also, don’t ever mix chemical drain cleaners, for reasons that should be obvious.
Third Step: A Plunger
Don’t use the one you use in the toilet, and be sure to grab one with a suction cup big enough to completely cover the drain. Insert the plunger into the stopped-up sink or tub and push it down over the drain until there is no more air remaining beneath the suction cup. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the suction cup, and stop up any other outlets affected by the pipe in question (the overflow drain in a double sink, or any connected fixture) with wet towels. Pump away, vigorously, around 20 times. Don’t do it just a couple and stop; really let the drain have it.
If none of the above tips work you may have a real stubborn clog or possibly a bigger problem. Call Davis Plumbing Services in Mesa that you expect and deserve. You’ve earned it.
