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How to Unclog a Drain in 5 Simple Steps

Clogged drains are annoying, to say the least. Regardless, it’s good to know how drains get clogged in the first place. Once you know what to look for, it’s easier to implement small changes. Unclog a clogged kitchen or shower drain by following our °µÍø½âÃÜ-certified 5-step process. 

At °µÍø½âÃÜ, we simplify drain repair. With our easy-to-follow process, learn how to unclog a drain so that your kitchen or bathroom sink will be as good as new.

What Causes Drain Clogs?

We’ve all tried washing coffee grounds or leftovers down the drain. The thing is, these almost always cause a clog. If you have a gnarly clogged drain on your hands, we recommend calling a local plumbing expert to inspect your drain. If possible, you can try dislodging the clog yourself. 

In the Bathroom

Bathrooms usually clog due to hair and soap buildup. Hair can stick to soap scum and wrap around itself, causing a dense clog. You can use a drain snake to unclog the blockage yourself, but we recommend calling a professional if it isn’t resolved using this method. Plumbing experts will be able to loosen the clog with ease. 

Whatever you do, don’t use chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes, especially if you have an older plumbing system. Call a local plumbing expert from °µÍø½âÃÜ instead.

In the Kitchen

Most kitchen clogs are due to unfit foods being washed down the drain. Oil, grease, and other liquified materials can solidify and stick to pipes, which can block any chance of water flow. 

Other common foods contributing to clogged drains include eggshells, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps. Make sure to watch what you place down the drain and remember to compost food scraps.

If your kitchen drain does end up hopelessly clogged, don’t worry. Just give °µÍø½âÃÜ Plumbing a call and we’ll get your sink functioning in no time.

Tools You Will Need

Good to have on hand, here are a few household tools you can use to unclog any drain:

• Plunger
• Snake
• Bucket 
• Towels
• Rubber gloves
• Flashlight
• Adjustable wrench

5 Steps to Clearing a Clogged Drain

For most, knowing how to clear a pipe blockage doesn’t come naturally. Luckily, you can lean on our plumbing expertise to learn a simplified 5-step unclogging process that can help you unclog pesky blockages fast. Once you have the right tools on hand, you can begin.

1. Clear Out Standing Water

If your drain is clogged, your sink will likely have a lot of water in it. To successfully flush out the clog, start by removing all standing water in your sink. You can also unfasten the P-trap and let any remaining water drain out. Just remember to place your bucket under the sink, otherwise you’ll have another mess to clean.

2. Remove Visible Blockages

Even though it’s messy, get in there and remove any immediate blockages. This requires protective gloves and a keen eye. If the water drains after you’ve removed the visible blockage, congrats your drain is fixed. If not, continue to step three.

3. Use Boiling Water and Salt or Vinegar and Baking Soda

A mixture of boiling water, baking soda, and salt or vinegar might do the trick. All of these need boiling water to activate their loosening strength, so don’t forget to add it. But sometimes, even organic solutions are not enough. Call a local professional if the clog refuses to dislodge.

4. Use a Plunger

If the clog isn’t budging, try using a plunger. Add three inches of water back into the sink and push down. Plunge for about 20 seconds, as this allows the plunger to gain a strong grip around the drain. When you pull up, the clog should dislodge. If water easily drains after this, the blockage has been removed.

5. Snake the Drain

Lastly, you can try snaking the drain. Similarly to earlier steps, you’ll want to remove excess water. Then, insert the snake down the drain. Turn and manipulate the snake as you hit roadblocks. This spins the cable around to break down materials. Then, pull the snake back up. It’s gross, but it gets the job done.

Drain Still Clogged? Give Our Expert Plumbers a Call

If you’ve followed these steps and still have a clogged drain, it’s time to call the professionals for our quick and easy drain cleaning services. Dauenahauer is a certified local service provider specializing in plumbing repair. Our technicians have years of experience, expert service, and craftsmanship. If you’re experiencing a tough clog, don’t hesitate to call us today.