How to Troubleshoot a Clogged Drain Line

Clearing clogged drains is not exactly high on the list of fun things to, but it certainly demands immediate attention. So, if you see flotsam in the bathtub while doing laundry, or if the shower backs up when the dishwasher is running, it is time for drain cleaning.

Start near and work outward

If your sink backs up, do not automatically assume that clogged drains are calling for a sewer snake. The clog may be as near as the P-trap underneath the fixture. Maybe the sink fails to drain because debris has finally built up to such an extent that water flow has come to a halt?

Spread an old, thick towel underneath the sink, place a trash can with a plastic liner under the trap and disconnect it from the plumbing line. You might need a wrench, although a lot of PVC joints simply unscrew. Be prepared for the gush of water, debris, hair, and who knows what! Clean out the trap, reconnect it, and run water to ensure proper sealing. Is it fixed? No? Read on.

Make Chemistry and Physics work for you

Clogs are not just due to hair and soap scum, but frequently also grease and lukewarm water. If you have metal pipes, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Set a funnel into the sink -- especially if you have porcelain -- and pour the boiling water down the drain. If your plumbing setup is a jumble of PVC and metal, get to the beginning of the metal portion -- via crawlspace or basement access -- and unhook the PVC. Pour the boiling water into the metal opening.

If you have only access to PVC, skip the boiling water and head for the baking soda. Close off the overflow and pour a generous helping of baking soda into the drain opening. Add a cup of vinegar and cover the drain with an old towel. The chemical reaction is sufficiently powerful to dislodge even stubborn clogs. When the reaction slows down, follow up with a cup plunger fro extra agitation. Run hot water from the tap. Usually this will fix a clogged drain. Not yours? Read on.

Hardware to the Rescue

You could call out the professionals at this point. On the other hand, clearing clogged drains with a plumbing snake is not all that difficult, if your plumbing system is in good shape. A homeowner who has never had a professional run a camera down the plumbing lines, who does not know if the plumbing is PVC or metal -- or one who does not feel comfortable poking and prodding in the plumbing system with a metal device -- will do well to make the call.

All others should slowly feed the snake down the drain until they feel the resistance from the clog. Crank the plumbing snake slowly, carefully and in keeping with the resistance of the clog.

Warnings:

1. Clearing clogged drains with commercial liquids that use lye or other caustic agents is not a good idea. If you find that you must get into the plumbing system after all, you now have to deal with the removal of the acid prior to unhooking plumbing lines. The hot water, on the other hand, you can let cool off. In the same vein, the baking soda and vinegar will neutralize quickly.

2. It is possible to damage your drains with a snake. You have a higher risk of doing so if the clogged drains are due to root balls, shoddy building practices that led to improper plumbing connections and -- of course -- line breakage. Another reason for snake damage is drain cleaning with more brawn than brain. Poking hard and quick can easily damage any lines.