Diy: Ways to Clear Out Plugged Drains

Clearing up Strainers and Stoppers 

Many clogs collect all around the strainer or stopper in the sink or bathtub. To unclog the drain, all you may need to do is take out the strainer and clear it. If there is a strainer over the clogged drain, you should take out any screws keeping the strainer in position and then pry the strainer up with the tip of a standard screwdriver. When the strainer is free, remove and wash away anything that has collected around the strainer. Stoppers have to be cleaned on a frequent basis since hair tends to twist around their base. First take off the sink stopper. A number of stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others require that you remove a pivot rod that is connected to the opener. This rod should be placed below the base of the sink. If you need to use pliers to remove the stopper, make sure to pad them so you won't nick 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 trustworthy instruments for unclogging drains is the plunger. It can normally clear the congestion if it's not too far into 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 found in the basin, run two to three inches of water over the drain hole. The water helps to force the blockage out of the way and lets you know when you are successful in pushing the blockage out. Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The petroleum jelly helps to create a tighter seal, thereby producing greater suction. Force the plunger handle down powerfully numerous 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 bad. When clear, run hot water to get rid of away any remaining pieces from the clog. 

Cleaning the Trap 
If a plunger won't clear the clog, you'll need to clean the trap under the sink. Be sure you have a bucket in place to catch waste water. Check to see if there is a clean-out plug in the trap; it will be a square or hexagonal plug in the base of the bend. If so, take off 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, remove the trap by loosening two couplings that hold the trap in place. If you have chrome pipe fittings, you'll need to pad the water pump pliers to safeguard the finish. Penetrating oil may help to loosen up 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. Clean the trap with hot, soapy water. Before reconnecting, check the trap for wear or corrosion. The metal or plastic material may begin to thin and start to leak. If you notice 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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