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Clogged Drains

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 May 2010 08:10 Friday, 07 May 2010 17:00

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Articles - Traps Drains Vents

DrainClogged sinks and lavatory drains are the most common plumbing problems for homeowners. Most clogged drains occur in two areas: the traps and the waste drain pipes to which traps are connected. Both are designed to handle liquids not solids. Drains can clog from grease, hairs, bits of soap, and food scraps. More common backups in your fixtures are due to blockage in the trap. If the blockage is in the drain pipe, there are several methods to clear the clog. If the blockage has not compacted in the pipe and the close enough to the trap, a plunger or plumbers auger can be used. If the blockage is close to a cleanout plug or a capped opening, you can use a plumber’s hand auger.

Chemical drain cleaners are not always recommended for blockages. The simplest method is using a plunger. Air pressure created from a plunger can help remove the blockages. If this doesn’t work, use a plumber’s auger. If you choose to use any type of chemical drain cleaner, please follow the instructions on the product. Some cleanser will relieve the clog but need a small flow of water for it to be effective. The chemicals used in some cleaners can destroy the bacterial action in a septic system. If your home has a septic system, make sure to purchase a product that states it is safe for it. Plumbers are apprehensive to put their equipment into a drain that has had chemicals used in it since it can be harmful to the plumber as well as the equipment.

Can I help prevent my pipes from clogs or blockages? YES! For the kitchen drain, avoid allowing grease to pour into your kitchen drain. Use a tin can to put grease in and dispose of the can in the trash. Food such as pasta and rice will expand in the drain lines. You can run hot water in your kitchen sink daily for one to two minutes and to help clear the drain pipe and trap. For lavatory sinks you can install filtered screens to catch soap pieces and hair.

If you want to save money and you are ready to tackle the clogged drain before calling a plumber, complete the following steps:

  1. Using boiling water, measure and add together one quart of water and one cup of ammonia into drain and let sit for 30 minutes. Pour them into the drain one at a time (do not boil the ammonia).
  2. Cover any openings that are part of the sink by stuffing wet rags in any overflow holes in the drain of the adjacent sink of a double sink.
  3. Apply a single layer of petroleum jelly on the base of the plunger to help tighten the seal between the plunger and the drain.
  4. With several inches of water in the sink, place the plunger over the drain. Push downward with forceful strokes up to 30 times. If clog clears, run hot water to flush leftover debris or residue.
  5. If using the plunger doesn’t work, you will need to remove the trap under the sink. Put a bucket under the sink to catch any water in the drain line. Clean out the trap thoroughly.
  6. Once reinstalled, if the clog still exists, use a plumber’s auger. There are several sizes you can purchase.
  7. After using the hand auger and the clog still exist, it’s time to call a plumber

We hope this helps you with your plumbing issue. If you are still having problems, read the full article for more information on what you can do.

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