How to de-clog a blocked plumbing drain - clogged drain troubleshooting & step by step methods to un-block a slow or clogged building drain.

Tthis article explains and illustrates in detail several simple methods used to un-block a clogged drain.

We explain how to remove and clean a plumbing fixture drain trap, how to use drain cleaner, how to use a toilet plunger, how to use a plumbing snake, and how to use a pneumatic drain cleaner such as the kinetic water ram to open blocked drains.

Guide to Easy Step by Step Methods to Clear a Clogged Building Drain

These questions and answers about procedures to de-clog a sink, tub, shower, toilet, etc. were posted originally

at BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS - be sure to review the choices for drain or sewer line or septic line that are described there.

On 2018-06-11 by (mod) - what are some of the better drain cleaners to use...

I prefer to start with a lengthy trial of a toilet plunger or drain plunger. That approach to drain has the advantage of avoiding any environmental contamination.

On 2018-06-10 by Judy

what are some of the better drain cleaners to use...

On 2017-07-19 by (mod) - start by trying to clear the drain line using a plunger

Angel

I would start by trying to clear the drain line using a plunger, then a plumbing snake, then a professional plumber if you still need help.

On 2017-07-19 by Angel

When I flush the toilet the water backs back up so pulled the toilet out and found water in the stack what should I do

On 2017-02-09 by anonymous

Anonymous said:
Very nice guide, now my shower drain system works.

On 2016-12-21 by (mod) -

Thanks for the compliment, Plumber. We welcome content questions, critique, suggestions, and are happy to credit such contributors.

However you cannot copy InspectApedia.com material to another online website or to other electronic form. That'd be a copyright violation, a taking of our traffic that in turn by its pathetic ad income supports our ability to keep the website operating.

Please see CONTENT USE POLICY at https://inspectapedia.com/Admin/Content_Use_Policy.php

By the way, I tried to look at the link that you tried to post (our security system blocks links in comments by readers) - but it returned a 404 not found page error.

Daniel

On 2016-12-21 by Plumber [from Canterbury PlumbingServices in Australia]

Plumber [from Canterbury PlumbingServices in Australia] said:

Cheers for the detailed methods mate! Will definitely soak in the information for my current site

On 2016-10-28 by (mod) - put a plastic bucket or trash can under the trap

Anonymous said:
I appreciate this information about what one should know concerning blocked drains.

It is a good idea to put a plastic bucket or trash can under the trap to catch whatever comes out when it is unblocked. Something else to consider would be to seek professional help to ensure that the job is done efficiently and correctly.

On 2016-05-23 by (mod) -

Commenting on a disallowed post: sorry Drainfx but our system doesn't allow simple posting of advertisements or testimonials. But for other readers we note that there are some plumbing drain clog repair chemicals that are promoted as environmentally friendly and absent of "damaging chemicals".

Keep in mind that while some drain clogs such as from hair or organic debris may respond very well to drain cleaner products, drains clogged due to root invasion, broken pipes, septic system failures, etc. will not be repaired by a drain cleaning chemical. - Editor.

On 2016-04-06 by (mod) -

RE-posting

(Feb 2, 2016) Alicia Parker said:
Superb Post.We can unclog the Blocked Drain very easily by following all these steps.Thank you for the post....

On 2016-04-06 by (mod) - water is coming up in the laundry room sink or washer

If you mean the water is coming up in the laundry room sink or washer, that suggests that the blockage is downstream from that point.

If you can't get things working by plunging or an auger, it may be time to call a professional who's better at snaking out a drain.

Keep in mind that you want to know the type of blockage; if an outdoor pipe is collapsing or tree-root invaded additional repairs will be needed.

On 2016-04-06 by Diana

My husband had used an electric auger that we had purchased years back to unclog the drain on the outside.When we let the water out of the sink it comes out into the laundry room we can't seem to get it unclogged my husband put the auger in through the floor piping it will not turn and go farther in

On 2015-12-25 by (mod) - constant toilet blocks, leaks, odors

I'd remove the toilet, remove the old wax ring, install a new wax ring seal, bolt the toilet to the floor, and check the bowl and tank fill levels after a flush.

On 2015-12-19 by Tori

I had an old toilet that had problems constantly. A friend came over with a fairly new toilet.

Since I know nothing about plumbing, my friend took out the old toilet and put in the new one.

He pretty much just put the lower bowl
over the drain in the floor and attached the tank. The first time i used it and went to stand up, the entire toilet moved. The major problem i have is that it will drain liquid slowly when flushed but will not drain any solid waste.....period!

I plunged it but nothing! I read up on the basics and saw i need a rubber ring and 2 screws or bolts for the side.

If i am able to put these on, will it help the solid waste to drain. Im sorry to ask such a stupid question, i just need to know what im in store for. Thank you very much

On 2015-08-04 by (mod) - use a shop vacuum to clear a drain

Thanks for the suggestion, Leslie, we'll keep it in the act.

I pose that your shop vac drain sucker works best for local clogs such as at a sink or tub or shower trap.

On 2015-08-04 14:05:07.297128 by leslie Satenstein

There is a superb low cost easy way to clear a blocked sink or drain. I have used a Shopmate (or other brand) of garage vacuum that can handle water. I blocked the sink vent holes with tape. I filled the basin with water to just above the stopper level, with suction, I pulled out hair and other debris. Much better way than with chemicals or the snake (I could not get the snake to go through a 90degree bend.

I do not like plungers. If you apply force in the direction of flow, you are compacting the blockage, making it harder to unblock. By using suction
you are pulling apart the blockage. Once flow is mostly returned, one can finish up with the plunger or with chemicals.

On 2015-07-29 22:39:07.380950 by (mod) -

Re posting without Eric's advertisement

Eric Blaise said:
Just read in a different article that baking soda and vinegar could be used in certain cases, by pour half a cup of baking soda, and then vinegar down the drain, you soften any fats that might be down there. To finish it off, you should pour down hot water which will act as a facilitator for the process.

On 2015-06-21 15:55:35.433010 by (mod) -

Abhi said:
Hi, your article is highly instructive. Sure would be helpful for me to review this article, I’ve only had a little problem to unclog my kitchen sink, But it’s definitely the best tips for unclog a kitchen sink for your methods and demeanor are valued as an informative instructor for us, Excellent article

On 2014-11-29 17:40:53.697810 by (mod) -

Thanks Richard. Our system does not allow readers to post ads or links to themselves or others but we can and do enjoy adding to or editing InspectApedia content based on critique or suggestions and we do cite, credit, and link to such contributors.

On 2014-11-29 17:39:53.115140 by (mod) -

Re-posting without disallowed link

) Richard Curtis said:

Its very informative. The common problem with our sanitary system is blocked drain and every house owner faces this problem which causes a headache. Plumbing professional generally uses a metal rod to clear incase the drain is not too long. This process clears the litter and debris that causes blocking. To hire a plumber ...

On 2014-10-16 14:39:44.509350 by casey

my mom lives in a very old house, the floor and around the toliet was wet! the sink and tub still drain fine, should i remove the toliet or try to snake the toliet, im the only daughter she has that can help, i dont mind getting my hands dirty if i can fix this myself!!

On 2014-10-06 21:28:49.711460 by (mod) -

Roy I suspect (can't know from just your note) that you have galvanized iron drain pipes that are clogged from corrosion or mineral deposits.

Don't make the mistake I did. I paid Plass the Plumber in Poughkeepsie to "run a wire through the pipes to open them" - it was expensive and did not help one iota. ULtimately I opened the necessary wall and replaced the piping. We found that not all of the pipe was uniformly clogged - the worst areas were low slope runs in walls and under floors and at elbows.

On 2014-10-06 15:49:58.918840 by roy

Hi..my house is 60 years old, and I'm on a concrete slab. I have a tub and bathroon sink (both in the same bathroom)that have been clogged for years. The kitchen sink (located behind the bathroom) drains into the same main pipe from the opposite side but drains normally.

I have tried all known liquid and crystal methods with no success. I'm sure I have cast iron as the main pipe. I'm trying of course to avoid digging up my floor and slab. Any suggestions?

On 2014-06-06 09:02:05.060950 by orumor Bendel

i've gone through your page and is quite very interesting. i will apply the method immediately tnks.

On 2014-05-21 21:25:41.047650 by (mod) -

THanks for the nice comment, Liz. The intent is "yes" but I note that there could be causes of clogs and thus means of discovery and repair that we haven't yet heard about. If you have specific questions, just ask.

Daniel

On 2014-05-20 22:21:55.393310 by Liz Ellsworth

These are all great tips that I haven't thought of. Do these also apply to all types of plumbing clogs?

--
Thanks,
Liz Ellsworth | http://www.mainbreakplumbing.com.au/drainage

On 2013-02-20 01:58:46.720524 by tracey

i have a slow, but not toally clogged shower drain. My concern is what to use as we have a water ejector pump and tank below the shower. the toilet and sink are fine. they all drain to the same tank so it must be hair in the shower trap. what should i try? thanks!

On 2013-01-22 20:31:14.557812 by angela m valentine

could it be the vent on roof full of snow?

On 2012-12-01 01:11:57.266105 by katie

we'll try the plunger.

On 2012-04-22 12:17:36.757633 by Joe

Where can I get a plunger that is in the photjo

On 2012-04-03 by (mod) - nothing worked to unclog the drain

Jill, I hate when that happens. Are you on sewer or private septic. If the former, surely it's a blockage in your piping, or rust clogged drain lines if your piping is old galvanized iron or perhaps even cast iron. If you're on a septic system the problem could be a failed field or clogged up tank or tank baffles -

A more thorough orderly diagnostic approach begins at CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - live link given below

Keep me posted.

On 2012-04-01 by Jill

I have a kitchen sink that was backing up so I used a plunger, didn't work.

Chemicals, didn't work, and I put the auger all 20 ft down and now it is draining slower that before. My kitchen sink runs into drain lines and not the septic tank. What now? Is it possiblily the drain line clogged?
Thanks, I sure would appreciate some help.

On 2011-07-18 14:15:23.389435 by Ellen

Thanks for all of your excellent tips for home owners which was great no one has this just ell us to call fancy plumber who chargs arm n leg for 5 min. of work.

appreciate information wil see if it works.

...

Continue reading  at CLOGGED DRAIN vs SEPTIC PROBLEM or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see

CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home

Or see these

Plumbing Drain Articles

• CLEANOUTS, PLUMBING DRAIN
• CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
  • BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
  • CLOGGED DRAIN vs SEPTIC PROBLEM
  • CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSTIC CHART
  • FIXTURE vs SYSTEM DRAIN BLOCKAGE
  • KINETIC WATER RAM
  • POWER SNAKE DRAIN MACHINES
  • ROOT KILLERS in DRAIN LINES
  • SEWER / SEPTIC PIPE CAMERAS
• CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, DIAGNOSIS
• CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
• DRAIN & SEWER PIPING - home
• SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION
• SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR - home
• SEWER GAS ODORS
• SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT

Suggested citation for this web page

BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to PLUMBING SYSTEMS

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