Clogged Sink Drains and Clogged Toilets

How to Clear Clogged Drains

Introduction: There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with clogged sink drains or clogged toilets. This problem often happens at the most inopportune moment such as when you are preparing for a holiday dinner, dinner party, or when you have overnight guests. The problem appears when water collects around the sink drain or the toilet overflows on the floor. As frustrating as these problems are they can be remedied quite easily.

The immediate reaction by most people is to grab a bottle of chemicals to unclog the drain. Although this maybe a good option in some cases there are times when chemicals are not the right solution. If you have a clogged sink drain, clogged shower, or clogged toilet, the drain cleaner will work sometimes but not always. If the clog is a mechanical problem caused by an obstruction it will not do the job. Always be cautious about pouring chemicals into your drains. Always read the directions carefully before using any chemicals in your household drain system. If you have anything but metal piping, the chemicals could seriously harm them, creating a much bigger problem.

When a drain becomes clogged, attempt to determine the location of the clog. Is it in the kitchen sink or do you also see backup water in the bathtub and toilet too. Usually backed up water in one drain will with show up in other drains. If the backup is in several locations such as the kitchen sink and bathroom drains, you probably have a clog in the main drain line.

A good first technique to unclogging the drain is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed with a cup of vinegar immediately after. Place something over the drain to cover it and allow this mixture to stand for about 15minutes. Then pour boiling hot water down the drain to see if the clog clears. This baking soda and vinegar mixture does a good job at dissolving fatty acids that are often the cause of clogged kitchen drains. If the drain is clogged around the sink strainer or stopper, you can remove the screws holding it in place and then remove any debris. To avoid a reoccurrence clean your strainer and stopper on a regular basis.

If the soda and vinegar does not resolve the problem the best tool is an old-fashioned plunger. Place the plunger over the hole and be sure you block off any second drain that might be in an adjoining sink. If the sink is clogged but does not have standing water, run the water until there is about three inches of water in the sink. Place a layer of Vaseline over the rim of the plunger to create a tight seal. Forcefully push the plunger up and down over the hole several times.

The water should be pushing out from the plunger action. You might need to repeat this process several times depending on the type of debris that is clogging the drain. When the drain becomes unclogged run hot water for about five minutes to flush out any remaining particles.