We've all been there -- finishing a nice soak in the tub and ready to pull the plug when we realize . . . the plug's already pulled, and the water's still there, and nothing can coax it out of the tub and down the drain. So what's to be done with that plugged tub or sink?
Before you delve into the plumbing, it's important locate the clog, which shouldn't be hard if it's only one drain that won't, well, drain. Then, before you call the plumber try these suggestions for getting rid of the clog on your own before paying by the minute for a man in saggy pants to poke around in those pipes.
Dealing with the Problem
Remove the drain stopper or strain entirely to access and clean away any clinging build-up, including hair, food, sediment and grime. If not done regularly, a drain stopper can accumulate enough debris to completely clog a drain.
Create a simple cleaning solution with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. If your drain isn't completely backed up, pour 1 cup of <a href="http://www.natures-treatments.com/baking-soda.htm">Baking Soda</a>, followed by water and 1 cup of vineger, down the drain to dissolve at the clogging substance.
Use a drain snake to find and break up the clog. Remove the drain stopper or strain and use the snake (or plumber's auger) to explore the drain until you find the clog, at which point you can hook, loosen, and break up the clog.
Apply force to the offending clog with a plunger. By stopping other drains to the same pipe, and applying petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger, you can apply the maximum suctional force to loosen whatever substance is clogging your pipes. You can test the results by running hot water down the drain.
Tough chemical solutions can dissolve tough clogs. Products such as Drano or Liquid-Plumr are specifically designed to clear up clogged drains, just be sure to try other options first, since the chemicals involved can be less than healthy for the environment.
Professional Plumbing Solutions
Unless you're confident in your abilities to dismantle and succesfully re-mantle the plumbing system attached to your sink or bath, avoid tinkering with the pipes and possibly making the problem worse. If you've tried the home remedies and the drain is still clogged, then it's time to call in the man in the saggy...er, the plumber.
Do your research first, though, and be sure to find a plumber with a good reputation who won't overcharge you. Then, by all means allow them to plumb away until your drains are clean and clear. It might be a good idea to ask for a few tips from the professionals, too -- just to be even more prepared to prevent and clear out another clogged drain.
