Lesser-Known Tips for Unclogging a Drain
A clogged drain can happen any time, whether it results from a gradual buildup of hair in a shower drain or a sudden quantity of food and grease that quickly chokes a kitchen sink drain. Either way, you should know how to unclog a drain. We recommend attacking drain clogs in the following order.
Plunger
If you want to know how to unclog a drain without a snake, start with a plunger.
Most households have at least one kind of plunger, but every house and apartment should have both types of plungers on hand: a sink plunger and a toilet plunger.
Sink plungers aren’t very effective on toilet clogs, and it isn’t a good idea to use a toilet plunger in a sink because you could transfer dangerous bacteria into the sink bowl.
Here’s the best way to use a plunger to unclog a toilet or sink:
- Form a good seal over the drain and maintain that seal while plunging.
- If plunging a sink, cover the overflow drain hole with tape or a rag to ensure all the plunger’s energy is directed at the clog instead of escaping through the overflow drain.
- Pump for several sections, try a flush or rinse, and repeat if necessary.
Auger
An auger, or drain snake, is basically a stiff cable with a cutting blade or wire coil (called a boring gimlet) on its tip. These tools come in all sizes ranging from a small plastic “zip-stick” drain cleaning tool to the classic hand-crank auger to powerful, motorized drain cleaning machines like the Roto-Rooter sewer and drain cleaning machines used by the professionals.
The same principle is involved with each type of auger, which is to break up the clog or capture it and pull it out of the drainpipe.
Wet/Dry Vacuum (Shop-Vac)
Wet/dry vacuums are powerful appliances with lots of suction, and they’re essential if you want to learn how to unclog a tub drain without a snake. Here’s how to suction gunk out of your drains:
- Set the vacuum to wet or suck mode and take out the filter.
- Place the hose over the drain, and cover the overflow drain with a finger, rag, or a piece of tape.
- Let the vacuum work its magic for a minute, then check to see if the drain is unclogged.
You can also recover jewelry from a drain with a wet/dry vacuum. Just cover the end of the vacuum tube with a stocking that can capture the jewelry and prevent it from going into the vacuum itself.
Home Remedies
For simple bathroom sink clogs caused by toothpaste and soap scum, home remedies can be quite effective. They are also environmentally safer than their more powerful chemical counterparts sold in stores. Here is how to unclog a shower drain without tools:
- Baking soda and vinegar: Try pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. This combination creates a sizzling scrubbing action that melts away gunk. However, it is ineffective against hair clogs.
- Salt, baking soda, and hot water: This is similarly effective. But be careful, because boiling water may crack or damage porcelain, acrylic, or natural stone sinks or scald skin.
- Lemon juice and baking soda: A combination of half a cup of lemon juice plus half a cup of baking soda is also remarkably effective against simple clogs.
Chemical Drain Openers
There are several brands of chemical drain cleaners, including liquid, crystal, and gel products, on the market today. Most are lye-based caustic cleaners that will burn through the clog. They are effective on common types of clogs, even grease and hair, but they have a few downsides:
- The vapors can irritate eyes and skin.
- Direct contact with either is even more dangerous.
- They can damage some pipe materials.
If you end up calling a plumber, be sure to warn them that you put chemicals into the drain. They will want to take precautions to protect themselves from chemical exposure, too.
Hand Augers And Drain Cables
If you don’t want to use chemicals, here is how to unclog a drain without Drano. There are light-duty hand augers available for do-it-yourselfers. They’re designed for reaching clogs that are beyond the drain’s P-trap. They are usually equipped with a few feet of lightweight flexible cable, and they often have a spiral tip designed to capture and retrieve whatever is clogging the pipe.
These tools can be useful when all else fails, but they are not as robust or capable as the tools used by professionals.
Professional Mechanical Cleaning
Sometimes, you just need to call in a professional. A Roto-Rooter plumber or sewer and drain technician has heavy-duty equipment and the training required to operate it effectively.
Professional-grade sewer and drain cleaning machines are far more powerful and capable than anything available to do-it-yourselfers. They can reach deep into pipelines to eliminate clogs that are out of reach for DIY tools and methods.
Even if you do find a place that rents out professional equipment, you could easily injure yourself learning to operate it.
Hydro-Jetting (High-Pressure Water Jetting)
Hydro-jetting is the “nuclear option” of sewer and drain cleaning services. If hydro-jetting can’t clear your clog, the pipes will probably need to be repaired or replaced.
Hydro-jetters work by blasting water through the heaviest clogs, especially sludge, grease, mud, and even grout and concrete. Hydro-jetter operators have several different jetter heads that can be screwed onto the end of a high-pressure water hose. Each head is designed to defeat specific types of clogs and may include an array of directional jets that aim water sideways, forward, or backward at up to 4,000 pounds per square inch.
How to Unclog a Drain at the Office – Commercial Drains
The truth is that while commercial drains found in businesses of all types and sizes don’t clog as frequently as residential drains, commercial clogs are often more difficult to remedy. Roto-Rooter commercial plumbing service professionals have the equipment and training to tackle any commercial or industrial-sized sewer or drain clog. We can also handle any commercial-grade plumbing repairs or installations your business requires. Contact us for fast help and a free estimate from our local plumbing experts.
FAQs on How to Unclog a Drain
What’s the best way to clear a seriously clogged drain?
Try removing visible debris first, then use a plunger or drain snake. If that doesn’t work, move to a safe drain cleaner or natural remedy. If you still can’t clear the clog, you’ll likely need professional help.
What can break down hair stuck in a drain?
Enzyme-based drain cleaners can help dissolve hair, or you might be able to pull out the hairball with an auger.
How can you tell when a drain is starting to clog?
When water drains slowly, gurgling sounds happen, or bad smells come up, it usually means a clog is forming.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use around the house?
They can be if you follow the instructions and avoid getting them on your skin. Still, use them sparingly, as sometimes, they do more harm than good.
How often is it a good idea to clean drains to avoid blockages?
A quick flush or cleaning every few months helps keep things flowing, especially in kitchens and showers.
Does the baking soda and vinegar trick actually work to clear drains?
It can help with mild buildup, but it probably won’t fix tough clogs on its own.
Is plunging a good fix for clogged kitchen sinks?
Yes, plungers work well for most kitchen sink clogs. Just make sure to seal the overflow and use steady pressure.
What’s the best approach if hair is blocking the shower drain?
Remove any visible hair by hand or with a tool, then try flushing with hot water or an enzyme cleaner to get things flowing again.
How can you protect your pipes when trying DIY drain fixes?
Avoid harsh chemicals and don’t force tools down the pipe. Use gentle methods first to prevent damage.
When’s the right time to quit and call a plumber?
If water still won’t drain after trying basic fixes, or if leaks or bad smells persist, it’s time to bring in a Roto-Rooter pro.
Are there environmentally friendly ways to keep drains flowing smoothly?
Yes! Regularly flushing with hot water, using enzyme-based cleaners, and avoiding grease or hair down the drain all help.