Request: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Archived on 05/08/2009
How do I clear a clogged drain? The pipe is very old and Liquid Plumber does not work at all.
Elaine from Taylorsville, UT
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RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
What kind of drain is it, what kind of plumbing do you have, and what do you suspect the clog is constituted of?
Iron drain plumbing can get blocked with corrosion and/or scale from hard water. The rough surface will then gather hair, bits of paper, and other gunk. The only permanent cure for that is to replace the pipe (using plastic if the local plumbing code allows).
If the problem is a sink or basin and you can easily disassemble the drain pop-up and trap and check for blockage, do so. Hair and dental floss can get hung up on pop-up drain mechanisms. Dig it out with a long screwdriver, table knife, etc.
When using a plunger on a sink or tub drain, the most clog busting power is obtained not by pushing but by pulling. Don't use a plunger if there are still drain chemicals in the drain -- it could splash back into your face and eyes. Block any other air entrance into the plumbing (e.g. drain overflow, or the other side of a dual sink) while using the plunger.
Toilets don't lend themselves to "pull" plunging, but you can get snouted plungers that will facilitate significant water force into the toilet. Again don't plunge if there are still drain chemicals in the drain. (03/19/2009)
By Red Neck
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Request: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Archived on 03/17/2009
How do you unstop a drain?
Vivian from Atlanta, GA
Answers:
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Using dish washing soap, as suggested by Harper, also works in a stopped up toilet. I didn't use the hot water. Was concerned about cracking the toilet and there are wax seals to consider. I let it set for a couple of hours and it unplugged it. (11/12/2008)
By k zorman
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
I use bleach for keeping the drains from clogging. I've never had one clog up. (11/15/2008)
By Ernie H.
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Request: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Archived on 11/12/2008
How do I clear a stopped up drain?
Harper
Answers:
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
My mother just told me a great tip she got from her plumber who was retiring. Pour about a half cup of dish washing detergent (he recommended Dawn, but I used another brand) down your drain, then run very hot water for a few minutes. I was amazed, I live in an apt. where drains regularly plug up, it unplugged them all, amazing. So simple and inexpensive compared to Drano type products that never worked. I used this on slow draining sinks, not sure it would work on completely plugged drains. Plumber said it is grease and hair that plugs drains and this cleans it out! (10/29/2008)
By sharpy
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Request: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Archived on 10/29/2008
Does anyone know how to clean up the clogged drain in the kitchen and laundry room without calling Roto Rooters?
Yuliya from Minneapolis, MN
Answers:
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
Prevention is the number one thing that I use for keeping my drains clear. If someone in my house manages to get a drain stopped up, then I use a plunger first. If that doesn't work, then I dump some baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. This creates a wonderful fizzing reaction, that usually does the trick. Flush with clear water afterward.
If you STILL have a problem, you could try a snake, or disconnect the pipes, and see if you can find the clog. Good luck. (09/22/2008)
By heaven4441
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
I've just recently tried the vinegar & baking soda method and had much success. Give it a try. (09/23/2008)
By Alexander D
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
If it is a slow drain, not one that's completely clogged, my plumber told me to try plain old bleach. It worked like magic in my bathtub! He told me he uses the lemon-scented kind in his own house because of the smell and it will not hurt your pipes, regardless of whether you have an older or newer home. He even dumps it down all the drains every other month or so as preventive maintenance. He said it's cheaper and works just as good as the name-brand stuff. (09/24/2008)
By youngster8
RE: Tips For Unclogging Drains
I received a DrainStick (www.drainstick.com) as a gift last year. I haven't had a clogged or slow drain since.
Hope this helps!
-Matt (09/30/2008)
By Matt
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