How to Unclog a Kitchen or Bathroom Drain

Clogged drains are a common household issue that could have a number of different causes. They’re always frustrating and inconvenient, but with the right tools and techniques, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. However, not every clogged drain is a simple fix, so if you’d rather trust a plumber in the Atlanta area to quickly and safely diagnose and unclog your drain, we’re only a call away! Otherwise, we’ll walk you through the steps of a DIY drain unclogging.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before continuing, it's essential to determine the severity of your clog. If multiple drains in your home are clogged or draining slowly, there is likely a significant issue in your plumbing system requiring professional care. The same goes for repetitive clogging, as this could be a sign that you require a replacement of piping or parts. If the clog is rare and isolated to a single fixture like the bathtub or kitchen sink, the solution may be well within your reach. 

Step 2: Try Hot Water and Soap

For partial clogs where water is simply draining slowly, a flush with hot water and soap can provide enough dissolving power to unclog the drain. This depends on the type of clog, but a quick attempt before proceeding can be all that’s needed to clear a minor blockage.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

For minor clogs in sinks or toilets, a plunger can often solve the problem. Create a tight seal by holding the plunger rim flush against the space surrounding the drain opening before vigorously pushing and pulling to dislodge the blockage. If you hear or see that air is escaping from under the plunger, reposition and repeat as needed until the drain flows freely.

Step 4: Use a Drain Snake or Auger

If the plunger fails to clear the clog, it's time to bring out the drain snake or auger. The purpose of the snake is to physically dislodge and twist at the blockage to break it up so that flowing water can flush the debris. There are a variety of different snakes or augers, but they’re functionally the same. Simply feed yours down the drain until you feel resistance, then twist at it before retracting and flushing the drain with hot water to clear any remaining debris.

Step 5: Professional Help

If the above steps do not solve the draining issue, don't hesitate to seek our help. Our team of licensed plumbers are available 24/7 to handle your plumbing emergencies and provide fast, expert care to your home. We’ll diagnose and clear even the most stubborn blockage with our safe and effective professional equipment.

Step 6: Preventative Care

Once you’ve cleared your drains, prevent future clogs by adopting simple preventative measures like the use of drain strainers for catching hair and debris, avoiding dumping grease or food scraps down the kitchen sink, and regularly flushing your drains with hot water and soap to keep them clear.