Q: I'm constantly fighting clogs in the bathroom. Can you show me what tools and techniques I should use to clear clogs in my sink, toilet and bathtub?A: The first thing you should try with a clogged sink is a half-cup plunger. This plunger also works on the toilet, but be sure to keep the two separate. Buy one for the toilet and another just to use on sinks. You can write on the handle which one is which.
The first thing you have to do is remove the drain stopper. Some stoppers lift out directly; others must be turned counterclockwise. On some of the older types, the pivot rod must be removed from underneath the sink.
Under the Sink
1. Lift the stopper lever to the closed position.
2. Unscrew the retaining nut that holds the pivot rod in position.
3. Pull the pivot rod out of the drainpipe to release the stopper.
Above the Sink
1. In and around the stopper could be where you find a lot of debris. Clean with a small wire brush.
2. If the clog is still there, try using a half-cup plunger. To use it, first you need to stuff a wet rag in the overflow opening. This is an important step that many people forget to do. The rag prevents air from breaking the suction of the plunger.
3. Press the cup over the drain and run water over the cap to cover. Turn off the water.
4. Move the plunger in a quick up-and-down motion to break up the clog.
Tip: You can also use a probing tool (also known as a grabbing tool) to stick down the drain to remove clog.
Under the Sink
If the clog still isn't cleared, it's time to go under the sink and remove and clean the sink drain trap. For this you'll need a bucket, a small wire brush and channel-type pliers.
Tip: To protect pipes from scrapes, place duct tape on the end of wrench before using it on pipes.
1. Place the bucket under the trap to catch water and debris.
2. Loosen the slip nuts on the trap bend with channel-type pliers.
3. Unscrew the nuts by hand and slide them away from the connectors.
4. Remove the pipe and clean out any of the debris with a small wire brush; rinse with water.
4. Reinstall the trap bend and tighten the slip nuts with the channel-type pliers. Make sure all the pieces form a tight joint. If you force a crooked joint, it could start leaking.
If you try one or all three of these methods, you'll clear that clog from your sink in no time. Now let's turn to the tub.
Bathtub
Bathtub clogs are so common because the tub gets used so often.
Plunger-Type Drain
1. Remove screws on cover plate.
2. Carefully remove the cover plate and all the mechanisms from the overflow drain opening.
3. With a small wire brush clean any debris from the links and the plunger pieces of hardware.
4. After cleaning, lubricate the pieces with heatproof grease.
Pop-Up Tub Drain
1. For this type of drain, you need to raise the trip lever to the full open position. Carefully pull the stopper and rocker arm assembly from the drain opening.
2. Clean hair or debris from rocker arm with small wire brush.
3. Remove screws from cover plate.
4. Pull cover plate, trip lever and linkage from overflow drain.
5. Remove hair and debris.
6. Remove corrosion with a small wire brush dipped in vinegar.
7. Reinstall.
Tip: You may want to invest in a hand auger tool, which is great for clearing out clogged drains. You simply push the auger cable into the opening until you feel resistance; that indicates a clog. Some clogs, such as a sponge or hair, can be snagged and retrieved. Pull an obstruction out by releasing the auger lock and cranking the handle clockwise.
Toilet
Most toilet clogs are the result of curious kids who stick anything from toys to toilet paper down the toilet to see if it will flush. If that's the kind of problem you have to tackle, here's what you need to get the job done.
Plunger
What do you do when water starts to rise in bowl?
1. First, remove excess water with a bucket.
2. Using a flanged plunger, place the cup over the drain outlet opening in the toilet. Plunge up and down rapidly.
3. Slowly pour a bucket of water in bowl to flush debris through drain.
4. If toilet doesn't drain, repeat plunging or try a closet or toilet auger.
Toilet Auger
This tool has a long handle with a crank, and a plastic sleeve at the bend so the cable won't scratch the toilet. Here's how to use it.
1. Loosen the setscrew on the auger and push the cable into the drain until it stops.
2. Tighten the setscrew so that you have about six inches of cable between the auger and the pipe (if you have too much cable, it will kink).
3. Crank clockwise and push forward. The auger may push the obstruction through.
4. If you feel the auger grab something, pull it out, but test the toilet to determine whether you've unclogged it. You may need to repeat this process.
5. If the toilet continues to flush sluggishly or overflow after plunging and augering, you will have to remove the toilet to reach the object. That's when it's time to call in the professionals.
So when it comes to cleaning the clogs, use the three tools professional plumbers call their best friends: the plunger for the sink and toilet and the two different augers for the tub and toilet. They're easy to use, and they're a lot safer on your pipes than those chemicals.
