A clogged tub or sink can be a nightmare. If you don’t clear the blockage in time, it can overflow, creating a mess and flooding your bathroom. Fortunately, many blockages are easy to clear and don’t require the help of a plumber and all the expense that comes with it. There are a few different methods for clearing out a clogged sink or tub that will depend on the type of clog that has developed. If you need to clear a clogged tub or sink fast, there are a few DIY methods that you can try before calling in a professional plumbing service. It is important to note that it is never a good idea to attempt to clear a clogged toilet without first removing the trap cover using an approved tool. Doing so could result in the trap being damaged and water leaking into the house.
CHECK THE WATER SUPPLY
Before you proceed any further, make sure that the water supply to your home is still intact. A clogged tub or sink is most likely to occur at the end of a branch line or at a point of connection between the main and branch lines. If the water supply has been turned off, you will have to turn it back on before continuing with these steps. This is important because if the tub or sink receives water during the repair process, it could lead to more clogs and more damage. If the water supply has been shut off, proceed to the next step.
CHECK THE TRAP
Before you attempt to clear your clogged tub or sink, you will need to identify where the blockage is located. The most common place for a clog to develop is in the trap of the tub or sink. The trap is a 3-way valve that controls the flow of water to the tub or sink and can be accessed by removing the trap cover. Once you have identified the trap, you will need to remove the trap cover to access the trap. There are a few ways to remove the trap cover, but the most common methods are by using a pair of pliers or a channel-lock pliers. If you are not sure how to access the trap, check out this guide to identifying the trap in your home.
MIX SOME VINEGAR WITH BAKING SODA
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most common household cleaning products used to clear a clogged sink or tub. The vinegar works to dissolve the organic matter that has collected in the trap, while the baking soda provides an alkaline solution that attracts the calcium and other minerals that are responsible for the clog. Mix the vinegar and baking soda together and then slowly and steadily feed them into the trap with a small plastic or wooden shovel. You will likely need to do this a few times before the clog will break free and allow water to once again flow freely through the tub or sink.Once the clog is gone, you can flush out the trap again with baking soda to remove any remaining residue. This can be done by mixing baking soda with boiling water and then slowly and steadily feeding it into the trap with a shovel.
USE A PLUMBING SNAKE
A plumbing snake is a device that is designed to clear a clogged drain by sliding down inside the pipe and breaking through any blockages. They are often used for clearing drains that have been clogged for several days or weeks because they can often break through even the most stubborn blockages. If you are using a plumbing snake to clear your tub or sink, make sure to open the main water supply before doing so to avoid flooding your house. You can purchase a plumbing snake from most hardware stores or online retailers. Be sure to follow the instructions provided to avoid damaging the plumbing in your house.
REPROCESS THE WATER IN THE TUB OR SINK
This method is best used when the clogged tub or sink is a new build-up, or when the clog is so severe that a plumbing snake cannot break through. This method is most effective with a tub or a sink that has been recently used, as it will help to loosen up any build-up in the trap. If you have a tub or sink that has a built-in reprocessing feature, you can also use this feature to break through the clog. Many modern tubs and sinks now feature a reprocessing feature that mixes in a cleaning agent and then runs the water through a built-in reprocessing feature. This will likely require a plumber to install, as it is not a DIY repair. If you do not have a reprocessing feature, you can add baking soda or another cleaner to the water supply and then run the water through the tub or sink. This will help to loosen up any build-up in the trap and is a good option for tubs and sinks that do not have a reprocessing feature.
CONCLUSION
Clogged tub and sink drains are common and frustrating problems that can be difficult to resolve without the help of a professional plumber. Using a plumbing snake or reprocessing the water in the tub or sink can often solve a clogged drain problem, but it is important to check the water supply before attempting any repairs. If your tub or sink is truly clogged, these methods can be used to clear the blockage, but a clogged toilet should always be left to a professional repairman as they are much more complicated and require specialized training.