Do it yourself: Tips about how to Clear Out Congested Drains

Clearing up Strainers and Stoppers 

Quite a few clogs compile all around the strainer or stopper in the sink or bathtub. To unblock the drain, all you may need to do is take off the strainer and clean it. If there is a strainer over the blocked drain, you should take out any screws holding the strainer in place and then pry the strainer out with the tip of a regular screwdriver. When the strainer is unfastened, take out and clean away anything that has accumulated around the strainer. Stoppers have to be cleaned on a consistent basis since hair has a tendency to twist around their base. First take off the sink stopper. Various stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others require that you unscrew a pivot rod that is connected to the opener. This rod should be located under the base of the sink. If you have to use pliers to remove the stopper, make sure to pad them so you won't chip the chrome finish. Once the stopper is removed, clear it and wipe out the base of the drain opening. 

Utilizing the Plunger 
One of the most dependable tools for unclogging drains is the plunger. It can typically clear the obstruction if it's not too far inside the main drain. Block the overflow holes, other drains in adjacent sinks, or any other openings by cramming wet rags into the holes. If water is not currently present in the basin, run two to three inches of water over the drain hole. The water will help to force the obstructions out of the way and lets you know when you are successful in pushing the blockage out. Apply a solid coating of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The petroleum jelly will help to create a tighter seal, thereby producing greater suction. Push the plunger handle down forcefully several times. After plunging for a minute or two, stop to test whether water will drain from the sink. Try plunging again if the drain is still slow. When clear, run hot water to flush away any leftover debris from the clog. 

Cleaning the Trap 
If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, you'll have to clean the trap under the sink. Make sure you have a bucket in place to catch waste water. Check to see if there is a clean-out stopper in the trap; it will be a square or hexagonal plug in the base of the bend. If so, remove the plug and push a straightened coat hanger or bottle brush around the bends of the trap to remove debris. If the trap does not have a clean-out stopper, take out the trap by loosening two couplings that keep the trap in place. If you have chrome pipe fittings, you'll need to pad the water pump pliers to shield the finish. Penetrating oil may help to weaken a stubborn trap joint. Hold the trap over the bucket and insert a straightened coat hanger or bottle brush into the trap. Force the hanger or bottle brush around the curves and force out debris. Wash the trap with hot, soapy water. Before reconnecting, take a look at the trap for wear or corrosion. The metal or plastic material may begin to thin and start to leak. If you see wear, replace the trap. When you reassemble the trap after cleaning up, you many need to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.

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3529 Kimberly Rd
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