Plumbers Methods To Unclogging The Kitchen Sink, Tub Or Shower Drain

There are a few alternative methods to unclog the kitchen sink, tub or shower drain. If you know these methods, you can save yourself from the costly visit to your local plumber. The methods are not very complicated as people think. You can conveniently use them at your home. You just need to follow the simple steps as mentioned below.

- There are many reasons that can lead to clog in your kitchen sink, tub, or shower drain. Some of the major reasons include food, hair, or even jewelry. The best and most convenient solution for this problem is to use an environmentally safe chemical drain unclogger. You just have to pour the product down the drain, and when it is dissolved in a few minutes, flush the drain with running water.

- Check if there is any problem with the drain pop-up stopper. Sometimes it is clogged with hair and debris. Therefore, see if it is opening fully.

- If the drain pop-up stopper is clear, there might be a problem with the drainpipe. You can use a plumber's snake to clear the clog in the drainpipe. Stick it down the drain and try to dislodge the blockage by pushing it down. If it does not work, turn the snake clockwise, and once it grabs onto the clump, pull the snake up and dispose the clump.

- You can also use a wet or dry vacuum to unclog the drain. Its sucking power can be very effective for the purpose.

- Another alternative way is to use a plunger. Pull the sink strainer or pop-up stopper straight up in order to take it out. Now, run a good flow of water into it and put the plunger cup over the drain. Push it down, then pull up sharply; do it several times. Gradually, the clog will come loose and you will be able to dislodge the same. You can increase the plunger suction by stuffing a rag into the overflow drain of the kitchen sink.

- After using a plunger or a vacuum, you should run a good flow of water into the drainpipe so that the clog could be washed completely out of the pipe.

- In case of a clogged tub, there might be a problem with the trip. The trip normally collects hair that causes clogging. In order to pull out the trip and remove the hair, first remove the assembly plate by unscrewing the screws that hold it. After you have cleared the trip, put it back down and screw the screws of the assembly plate.

Some Handy Tips

- When you use a chemical to unclog the drain, do not forget to use eye protection and gloves for safety.

- Make sure whatever chemical product you use will not damage the plastic or rubber pieces in the pipes or the garbage disposal.

- When you are using a plunger, and you are unable to pull out the sink strainer or pop-up blocker, just make sure that it is open wide enough to use a plunger.

Hence, if you follow the above steps and the precious handy tips, you will find it very easy for you to unclog the kitchen sink, tub or the shower drain.

Owen Walcher writes for the Best Plumber Resource which provides plumbing tips to consumer and helps people find quality plumbers in Illinois