Clogged Sink Drains and Clogged Toilets

There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with clogged sink drains or clogged toilets. This problem often happens at the most inopportune moment such as when you are preparing for a holiday dinner, dinner party, or when you have overnight guests. The problem appears when water collects around the sink drain or the toilet overflows on the floor. As frustrating as these problems are they can be remedied quite easily.

The immediate reaction by most people is to grab a bottle of chemicals to unclog the drain. Although this maybe a good option in some cases there are times when chemicals are not the right solution. If you have a clogged sink drain, clogged shower, or clogged toilet, the drain cleaner will work sometimes but not always. If the clog is a mechanical problem caused by an obstruction it will not do the job. Always be cautious about pouring chemicals into your drains. Always read the directions carefully before using any chemicals in your household drain system. If you have anything but metal piping, the chemicals could seriously harm them, creating a much bigger problem.

When a drain becomes clogged, attempt to determine the location of the clog. Is it in the kitchen sink or do you also see backup water in the bathtub and toilet too. Usually backed up water in one drain will with show up in other drains. If the backup is in several locations such as the kitchen sink and bathroom drains, you probably have a clog in the main drain line.

A good first technique to unclogging the drain is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed with a cup of vinegar immediately after. Place something over the drain to cover it and allow this mixture to stand for about 15minutes. Then pour boiling hot water down the drain to see if the clog clears. This baking soda and vinegar mixture does a good job at dissolving fatty acids that are often the cause of clogged kitchen drains. If the drain is clogged around the sink strainer or stopper, you can remove the screws holding it in place and then remove any debris. To avoid a reoccurrence clean your strainer and stopper on a regular basis.

If the soda and vinegar does not resolve the problem the best tool is an old-fashioned plunger. Place the plunger over the hole and be sure you block off any second drain that might be in an adjoining sink. If the sink is clogged but does not have standing water, run the water until there is about three inches of water in the sink. Place a layer of Vaseline over the rim of the plunger to create a tight seal. Forcefully push the plunger up and down over the hole several times. The water should be pushing out from the plunger action. You might need to repeat this process several times depending on the type of debris that is clogging the drain. When the drain becomes unclogged run hot water for about five minutes to flush out any remaining particles.

A clogged drain can be unclogged in the same manner as a clogged sink drain; however a clogged toilet is another matter. They are usually more difficult to clear because the obstruction is usually larger than what clogs sink and shower drains and may be the result of clogged plumbing. First use the same technique you used on the sink or shower drain. If the obstruction does not clear it may be caused by a clogged pipe. Most house drain systems have numerous drain pipes in the basement that eventually run together at the house outlet to the septic system. There is always a cleanout port in the drain line, usually more than one, just for such occasions. Remove the cleanout port plug in that part of the system where the clog is located. Run a plumber’s snake into the line to dislodge the clog. A water hose will suffice if a plumbers snake is not available. This can be messy so be prepared with bucket to catch the material. After unclogging the plumbing drain pipe reinstall the cleanout port plug and flush the toilet several times to clean any debris.

Always be prepared for clogged sink drains and clogged toilets by having a plunger readily available. Most clogged toilets are caused by physical obstructions that are placed in the toilet. If you have small children instruct them to not place objects in toilets before there is a problem rather than after.