How do plumbers fix clogged drains?

You never know what might cause a clog in your home’s drains, but it’s almost certain that it will happen at some point. No matter how careful you are about what you flush down the toilet, how often you run the dishwasher, or how much you clean the kitchen floor, a clogged sink or clogged shower can really ruin your day. Luckily, there are a few things most people can do to prevent and fix small clogged drains before calling in the pros. When your drains get clogged, the first thing you should do is try a plunger to remove any excess debris. If that doesn’t work, then you might have to call on the help of a professional plumbing contractor. Here’s what you need to know about clogged drains and how to fix them yourself if a plunger isn’t enough to do the job.

Step 1: Look for the source of the clog

The first thing to do when you find that your drains are clogged is to look for the source of the problem. If you have a clog in your kitchen sink, it’s likely that something you’ve eaten is causing the problem. Be sure to pay attention to what you eat and drink, because certain foods and drinks are more likely to clog your drains than others. For example, corn, rice, and beans are all common culprits in clogged drains. Foods like pasta, bread, and other baked goods are also likely to cause problems. If a food isn't what's clogging your drains, it's a different kind of food that's the culprit. Here are some common sources of clogged drains:

Kitchen sinks: Food scraps and oil are the most common culprits in kitchen sinks. Food scraps can get caught in the pipes and cause a clog, and oil will attract bugs (which can then grow and multiply) and grow roots that will block the pipes. Dishwashers: If your dishwasher doesn’t get enough water during the wash cycle, it can cause a clog in the pipes that lead to the sink. Toilets: If your toilet is running slow, it’s likely because an item is stuck in the trap or the toilet tank, and it will need to be removed and flushed down the toilet again.
Shower heads: Hair, soap scum, and even leaves and twigs can get trapped in the shower head and cause a clog.
Bathroom drains: Drain pipes in bathrooms are often made of cast iron, which are notorious for getting clogged.

Step 2: Clear the clog with a plunger

If your clogged drains have been cleared out with a plunging and you still can’t get the water to flow, you may need to call a plumber. Most clogged drains can be cleared out with a simple plunger. Simply locate your clogged drains, fill a bucket with warm water, and plunge the water down the clogged pipes. The water and debris will rise to the top of the bucket and you can then pull it out. If you can’t remove the clog with a plunger, you may need to call a plumber to come and dig out the pipes.

Step 3: Use a snake to clear out larger clogs

If you need to unclog a large clog, you may need to enlist the help of a plumbing professional. The best way to do this is to use a snake. This tool will basically snake around inside of your pipes, pulling out any debris that has caused the clog. If a plunger and a snake fail to clear out your clogged drains, it’s likely that you will need to call a plumber.

Step 4: Attach a plumbing auger to the clog

If the clog is really deep inside of the pipes, you may need to attach a plumbing auger to the clog and then pull out the auger. This tool will actually reach the clog and break it up so that it can be removed. Attaching an auger to a clog requires a lot of experience and special tools, and it is best to enlist the help of a professional plumbing contractor.

Step 5: Drain cleaning chemicals

If you have tried the above methods without success and need to get to the root of the problem, you can try using a drain cleaning chemical. These chemicals are designed to dissolve and loosen up debris in your pipes so that they can flow out. If you have a large clog that you can’t clear out with a plunger or snake, these chemicals can often get to the problem and clear out your clogged drains.

If all else fails...