Do it yourself: Ways to Clear out Out Plugged Drains

Cleaning Strainers and Stoppers 

Plenty of clogs accumulate 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 wash it. If there is a strainer over the obstructed 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 loose, remove and clean away anything that has built-up around the strainer. Stoppers need to be cleaned on a consistent basis since hair tends to twist around their base. First take out the sink stopper. Various stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others require that you unscrew a pivot rod that is attached to the opener. This rod should be located below the base of the sink. If you need to use pliers to take out the stopper, make sure to pad them so you won't nick the chrome finish. Once the stopper is removed, wash it and wipe out the base of the drain opening. 

Utilizing the Plunger 
One of the most trustworthy tools for unclogging drains is the plunger. It can usually clear the blockage 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 already found in the basin, run two to three inches of water over the drain hole. The water will help to force the blockage out of the way and lets you know when you are successful in pushing the clog out. Apply a solid layer of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The petroleum jelly will help to make a tighter seal, thereby producing better suction. Force the plunger handle down forcefully 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 sluggish. When clear, run hot water to flush 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. 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, take out 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 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. Rinse 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 detect wear, replace the trap. When you reassemble the trap after cleanup, you many need to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.

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