How to Unclog a Drain: Do-It-Yourself Tips by Plumbline Services

How to Unclog a Drain

We’ve all had it happen before – the infamous clogged drain. Should you try to unclog it yourself, or should you call a professional? Plumbline is here to teach you some tips for trying to unclog the drain yourself. If you experience any difficulty, or cannot get the drain to unclog, feel free to call Plumbline; we’re happy to help.

• First try a liquid drain product. Purchase a drain cleaning product that is compatible with your home plumbing system. For example, some drain cleaners can not be used on PVC pipe, so make sure you read the label before use.
  • Make sure you never unscrew a trap with chemicals present
  • Make sure you never mix multiple chemicals together – many chemicals are not compatible with one another.
     
• If you have lost an item in the drain, such as a ring or valuable item, you will need to remove the trap. The photo at right shows the trap, known as a “P” or “S” trap. This is most likely where the item is sitting, so removing this part of the pipe will be the best way to remove the item (do not run any water down the drain, or any drain cleaner!)
  • Place a bucket beneath the trap, as there will be excess water sitting in the trap. If there are chemicals that have gone down the drain, use a chemical resistant bucket, and make sure to wear gloves and shield your eyes.
  • Loosen the two end nuts of the couplings. Some can be loosened by hand, although others may need a pipe wrench. Loosening these will allow the trap to come free, and you can get the lost item, or remove whatever is clogging the drain.
  • When putting the trap back on, make sure to check the washers for any damage, and replace any damaged washers. By replacing the damaged washers now, you will probably end up saving a leak later down the road.
     
• If you did not loose an item down the drain, and are unable to get the drain unclogged, call a professional. Plumbline’s professional technicians are ready to fix your clogged drain, give us a call at 303-436-2525.
   

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