How to Fix a Clogged Drain

A clogged drain requires immediate attention. There are several methods you can try when learning how to fix a clogged drain. Which one works for you will depend on the nature of the clog. Clogs vary among bathtubs, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and toilets due to different materials which go down the drains.

Tools and Materials

You may not need everything on this list. If one approach does not work, then escalate your clog fixing method with additional tools as needed.

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Kitchen pot or kettle
• Plunger
• Commercial liquid drain cleaner
• Drain snake

How to Fix a Clogged Drain

Below, the expert plumbers at Oliver Heating & Cooling walk you through how to fix various types of clogged drains.

For Clogged Bathroom Sinks and Bathtub Drains:

1. Soap scum and hair are the typical culprits in these drains, and baking soda and vinegar could dissolve the clog.
2. Bail out trapped water with a cup or bowl.
3. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a small amount of water to create slurry.
4. Pour slurry down the drain.
5. Pour vinegar into the drain where it will react with baking soda to dissolve soap scum.
6. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then run hot water to clear drain.
7. If baking soda and vinegar fail, try plunging the drain with a sink-sized plunger.
   1. Block the sink overflow hole while plunging.
8. If plunging fails, then select a commercial liquid drain cleaner.
   1. Pour it into the drain and follow manufacturer’s directions.

For Clogged Kitchen Sinks:

1. In the kitchen, grease and food particles can obstruct the drain, and boiling water is the first thing to try.
2. Start by bailing out any trapped water.
3. Pour boiling water carefully into the drain several times and check to see if clog is gone.
4. If boiling water fails, you can try a commercial liquid drain cleaner.
5. Alternatively, a drain snake is also appropriate tactic to fix a clogged drain in the kitchen.
   1. If you have a garbage disposal, turn off its power supply before inserting the snake.
   2. Work snake through P-trap and beyond until you break through the clog.

For Clogged Toilets:

1. Position a toilet plunger tightly over the drain hole.
2. Move it up and down while maintaining contact with the drain hole to create suction action.
3. If plunging dislodges obstruction, then flush toilet several times to clear the sewer line.
4. If plunging fails, then step up your efforts with a drain snake tool available from any hardware store.
5. Unwind a portion of the metal snake coil and insert it into the toilet drain.
6. Keep extending the snake until you reach the obstruction.
7. Turn the snake handle to work the tool against the clog until you dislodge it.
8. Flush toilet multiple times.

Clog Prevention Tips:

1. Clean bathroom sink and tub drains with baking soda and vinegar once a month.
2. Always run water when using the garbage disposal.
3. Put drain covers in the bathroom sink and tub to catch hair.
4. Run hot water for 1 minute after dumping grease in a kitchen drain.

Call Oliver Heating & Cooling for Stubborn Clogged Drains

At times, this advice for how to fix a clogged drain might not succeed against significant obstructions. When that happens, call the expert plumbers at Oliver Heating & Cooling. We can tackle tough clogs and fix problematic sewer lines. Contact us for help today.