Are you wondering how to fix a clogged drain? Maybe your sink or shower drain doesn’t seem to be working properly and you’re getting pools of water in the kitchen or bathroom. Clogs are a common plumbing problem that can be very annoying. Continue reading to learn how to fix them.
Click on each link to jump ahead:
1. Wire hanger
2. Drain snake
You can trust WaterSmart to help you with any plumbing-related issues. We’ve been proudly serving the Waterloo Region for close to 30 years. Let us put our expertise to work for you.
How to Fix a Clogged Drain: 6 Common Methods
1. Wire hanger
This is a classic method for unclogging a sink.
Grab an old metal wire hanger and straighten it out. Be careful, though, as the end can jab you and cause injury.
Then, create a small hook with one end and insert it into the drain.
Start searching for gunk and try to pull it out or break it up so it can be flushed away.
Here’s a quick video that shows you how to fix a clogged drain with a wire hanger:
2. Drain snake
A drain snake - or auger - is a coiled steel wire usually about 1/4-inch thick with a handle on one end.
You push the snake into the clog and crank it to drive the snake farther into the obstruction.
According to dummies.com, “While parts of the clog break up and flush through the drain, the snake helps you gain access to the clog so that you can pull it out.”
Some snakes can fit as an attachment on an electric drill, giving it more power to force it through the clog.
This tool is especially handy because they're long enough to reach clogs that are deep within a drainpipe.
Here’s how to fix a clogged drain with a drain snake:
3. Boiling water
One of the easiest ways to unclog your sink is both simple and budget-friendly.
All you will need is a kettle or a pot to boil some water.
Once the water is boiled, pour it into the sink and wait.
It should help clear a clogged sink that does not have a lot of hard objects in the drain.
You may need to repeat this step 1-5 times.
Sometimes fixing a clogged drain is as simple as boiling some water.
4. Clean the Pipe
This method for how to fix a clogged drain is a little bit trickier than the others. You will need to open the P-trap and clean out the debris.
P-traps, named after their shape, contain a U-shaped bend that filters wastewater as it enters a plumbing system.
You should have a bucket under the P-trap so that any water or debris exiting the pipe will be collected.
Also, make sure when you remove the P-trap, you clean it well. This is pretty easy to do. Start by manually pulling out any visible debris and dump it into a trash bin. Then get a flexible wire brush, wet it, and push the brush through the pipe to remove anything that may be stuck inside.
After you are done cleaning it, put it back on and make sure it is tight.
Run the water and make sure everything is operating smoothly.
The P-trap is the curve of the drain pipe under the sink
5. Vinegar and baking soda
For this “how to fix a clogged drain” solution, you’ll need some baking soda and vinegar.
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar in a bowl or old water bottle. Make sure it is shaken and mixed well.
Then pour it down the drain. The mixture of these two chemicals will help remove all the gunk, hair, and buildup in your clogged sink.
Let it sit for at least one hour or as long as possible.
When you are finished, make sure to flush your drain out with hot water. This should really help unclog your sink in a safe and effective way.
Make sure to follow the instructions when trying to fix a clogged drain.
6. Call a plumber
The methods listed above for how to fix a clogged drain are all classic home remedies and they should get the job done.
However, if none of these tricks work, you probably have a more serious issue.
If this is the case, make sure you contact us right away.
No matter what your plumbing needs, the experts at WaterSmart can help. There is no job too big or too small for WaterSmart.
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
When you work with WaterSmart, you are working with individuals who live, work and support your local community in Waterloo and surrounding areas.
AFFORDABLE
Not only will we provide you with the best high-quality plumbing services, but we will do it at a reasonable rate. We will fix your plumbing fast and at a price you can afford.
EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
You and all of our other customers are important to us. We will treat you with respect and do our best to provide you with the best customer service experience you've ever had.
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331
Fax: 519.886.8021
Email: info@watersmartsystems.com
Mon-Wed: 8:30am-5pm
Thu: 8:30am - 7pm
Fri: 8:30am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Please note: Store will be closed on all long weekends, both the Saturday and scheduled holiday Monday
“Been dealing with this company for 20 years, would recommend their products and services without hesitation.”
