DIY Guide: How to Clear Clogged Drain Pipes

Clear Your Sink, Tub, or Toilet Pipes Quickly

Use a Bent Hanger to Snake the Pipes Clear nearby clogs by straightening a wire coat hanger, bending the tip to 90 degrees, and pushing it down the drain. Twist and pull upward until you dislodge the obstruction. Repeat if necessary. Remove the basket strainer for better access or consider using a plumbing snake for tougher clogs.

Try a Baking Soda, Salt, and Hot Water Mixture

Mix equal parts of baking soda and salt, pour down the drain, and let it sit. Then flush with hot water to clear the clog.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda Pour boiling water down the drain, then follow with a mixture of vinegar and boiling water. Add baking soda and let it sit before rinsing with hot water to clear the clog.

Clear the Clog with a Wet/Dry Vacuum Turn the vacuum to the wet setting, cover the drain, and use the highest suction to remove the clog. Ensure proper filtration to catch any debris. If needed, press the nozzle deep into the drain for better suction.

Locating the Clog in Your Pipes Determine the location of the clog by process of elimination. If a single fixture is clogged and its trap is clear, the clog likely lies in the drain line from that fixture. For instance, if your sink trap is clear but the sink is still clogged, the drainpipe downstream from the sink may be blocked. If there are multiple clogs, the blocked pipe is likely downstream from their connection point.

Renting a Drain-Cleaning Machine Rent a drain-cleaning machine with a cable long enough to reach the clog. Estimate the clog's location and measure the distance from it to the cleanout plug. Select a cable length that matches or exceeds this measurement. Choose a cable diameter suitable for your pipe size.

Removing the Cleanout Plug Use an adjustable wrench to remove the cleanout plug, ensuring to have a bucket ready for draining water. Turn the square notch counterclockwise, or use a cold chisel and hammer if necessary. Never remove a cleanout plug from a pipe containing chemical drain cleaner, and wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses.

Setting Up the Machine Position the machine a few feet from the cleanout opening, ensuring it's connected to a grounded outlet or extension cord. Keep the motor switch in the 'Forward' position and wear appropriate safety gear. Place the foot-operated switch nearby for easy access and practice using it before starting.

Slowly Insert the Cable to Locate the Blockage Begin by gently feeding the cable into the pipe while the machine is off. Securely grip the cable with both hands and activate the motor using the foot switch. Gradually advance the cable into the pipe, intermittently starting and stopping the motor. Be alert for any changes in motor sound or cable tension, halting immediately if detected.

Release Cable Tension by Reversing the Motor Switch the motor to 'Reverse' mode to release tension from the cable. Depress the foot switch and observe the cable cage for several revolutions. This action reduces tension accumulated during contact with the blockage. Then, switch back to 'Forward' to resume clearing the obstruction.

Clear the Blockage Methodically Once reaching the blockage, secure the cable by tightening the lock bolt near where it exits the machine. With the motor running in the forward direction and the foot switch engaged, loosen the lock bolt. Allow the cable to rotate 2 to 3 times before re-securing the bolt. Repeat this process until the blockage is dislodged.