It’s a simple fact of homeownership: At some point, you will deal with a drain that is either completely clogged or not draining well. There are many things that can plug up a drain, from hair in the shower to a buildup of various products you use to the unfortunate instances where someone “accidentally” puts something in a drain that they shouldn’t. While it can be frustrating to deal with a clogged drain, it doesn’t have to be an expensive repair with a plumber. Save for really large clogs, you should be able to unplug a drain relatively easily. Of course, you can always go to a home improvement store and purchase a drain cleaner, like Drano, to take care of the clog, but there are other ways to do the job that may not require a trip to the store or the use of chemicals. Here are a few other options to try before using chemicals or calling a plumber.

Plunging

One of the easiest ways to unclog a drain is with a plunger. This may seem obvious, but make sure the plunger you use is not the one you use for the toilet or, if it is, that you have cleaned it thoroughly first. Also, if you have a double sink, you’ll need to plug the other side in order to get enough pressure to clear the clogged drain.

To unclog the drain with a plunger follow these steps:

  1. Remove any plug, strainer, stopper, or cover from the drain.
  2. Run water until you have at least one inch of water in the sink or tub.
  3. Place the plunger over the drain so that it covers it entirely and creates a complete seal.
  4. Start pumping the plunger up and down vigorously for up to 30 seconds.
  5. Remove the plunger and watch the water. If it drains, you have unclogged the drain. If it stays in the sink, repeat the steps and try plunging again.

Baking Soda/Vinegar/Boiling Water

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that can chew through grit and grime, and combined with vinegar and boiling water, it becomes a powerful unclogging compound.

To unclog a drain using a baking soda/vinegar/boiling water combination, follow these steps:

  1. If there is any standing water in your sink/tub, remove as much as possible using a cup or bowl.
  2. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar.
  3. Let the baking soda and vinegar fizz away for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Pour a kettle of boiling water directly down the drain. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar should loosen the clog enough to allow the boiling water to flush it from the pipe.

Dish Soap (Grease Clogs Only)

If you suspect the clog has been caused by grease that has congealed in the pipes, a great option is dish soap. To unclog a drain clogged by grease, follow these steps:

  1. Fill a kettle with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Remove any standing water from the sink and drain.
  3. Squirt a liberal amount of dish soap down the drain. Let the soap drip for a few minutes so it can fully reach the grease clog.
  4. Pour the hot water from the kettle down the drain to flush it.

Note: It may take more than one cycle to fully break down a grease clog. However, if you have tried this method multiple times, and the clog remains, it’s likely the clog is not due to grease, and you need to try a different method.

Drain Snake

If you don’t want to use chemicals and the other methods we’ve listed here don’t quite work, try using a drain snake, a metal wire that goes down the drain and grabs or dislodges whatever is blocking the drain. Please note, to ensure there is no damage to pipes, make sure you know how to use a drain snake before trying and be careful while using it, especially on older pipes.

To unclog a drain with a drain snake, follow these steps:

  1. Place the end of the drain snake into the drain.
  2. Turn the handle on the end of the drain snake, which will push the tip of the snake down into the drain.
  3. Keep cranking the snake into the drain until you feel resistance.
  4. Rotate the drain snake and continue cranking until you feel the snake break through the clog.
  5. Once you break through the clog, crank the drain snake the opposite way to pull it out of the drain.
  6. Run hot water into the drain for a few minutes to flush the clog.

Take Pipes Apart

This should be a last resort and only done by someone comfortable with doing a basic level of plumbing. This method is just what it sounds like: You will remove pipes under the sink and clean any obstructions out.

To unclog a drain by taking pipes apart, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the shutoff valves located under the sink.
  2. Look underneath the sink for the pipe that goes from the sink to the wall. Take a picture of it, so you have a record of where everything goes when it comes time to reassemble it all.
  3. Place a bucket underneath the P-trap (the curved pipe).
  4. Unscrew the pipes, turning counterclockwise. If needed use an adjustable wrench, but be careful not to put too much pressure on the pipe, which could damage it. Consider putting a towel between the wrench and pipe to prevent scratching.
  5. Clean out the pipe.
  6. Reinstall the pipe.
  7. Turn the shutoff valves back on.
  8. Run the water to make sure the pipes are tight and not leaking.

If all of these methods fail and a drain cleaner won’t work, it may be time to call a plumber.

Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County, single-family homes in Heber City, and 55-plus single-family homes in West Jordan. Contact us today to find your dream home.


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