Diy: Ways to Clear Out Blocked Drains

Clearing up Strainers and Stoppers 

A lot of clogs compile 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 plugged drain, you should remove any screws keeping the strainer in place and then pry the strainer out with the tip of a regular screwdriver. When the strainer is loose, remove and clean away anything that has collected around the strainer. Stoppers need to be cleaned on a consistent basis since hair is likely to twist around their base. First remove the sink stopper. A few stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others require that you remove a pivot rod that is attached to the opener. This rod should be placed below the base of the sink. If you have to use pliers to take out the stopper, make sure to pad them so you won't scratch the chrome finish. Once the stopper is removed, clean it and wipe out the base of the drain opening. 

Utilizing the Plunger 
One of the most relied on instruments for unclogging drains is the plunger. It can normally clear the congestion if it's not too far inside the main drain. Block the overflow holes, other drains in adjacent sinks, or any other openings by stuffing 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 obstructions out of the way and lets you know when you are successful in pushing the obstruction out. Apply a solid coating of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The petroleum jelly helps to make 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 sluggish. When clear, run hot water to clear away away any leftover pieces from the clog. 

Cleaning the Trap 
If a plunger doesn'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, 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 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 push 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, you many need to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.

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