by Francis Jock

Created on: November 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 01, 2012

Clogged sinks or bathtub drains are one of most common home plumbing repair problems. Clogged drains are unsightly and unsanitary problems that have to be repaired quickly. The most likely culprit clogging the drain is hair and soap, although toothpaste caps are also notorious for causing drain clogs.

There are different solutions that work, ranging from using plungers to  the chemical solution. One natural solution calls for pouring cup of salt down the drain and then flushing it with lots of boiling water. . Unless the drain is plugged with something plastic or metal, this method usually works. The next solution is to use a toilet plunger.

Toilet plungers work for most ordinary clogs, must you must remember to plug the sink overflow in order to generate enough push to force the clog down the drain. For a plunger to work on a clogged bathtub drain, first remove the two screws that attach the overflow plate and then remove the components, including the stopper. Clean these items up using soap and water, being careful to remove any hair, grease, or anything else lodged on them. Next, plug the hole with a rag or something, and quickly push the plunger down and up to force water down the drain.

If the plunger fails to unclog the drain, try to clear the clog by inserting a flexible wire, usually an unwound coat hanger, into the tub's drain. Coat hanger wire is flexible enough to work through the bends in the drain pipes, and it is stiff enough to dislodge the material causing the clog. For safety, wrap one end of the hanger wire with a cloth or wear a glove for a better grip on the wire. Push the coat hanger wire down through the drain as far as you can while working it back and forth. You can also insert the wire through the bathtub's overflow opening.

More often, it's best to have a plumber's snake handy for any type of drain clog. Plumber's snakes are an inexpensive tool you can find on-line or at your favorite hardware store. To use a plumber's snake properly,  push the wire wound tip into the drain as far as it will go. Then tighten down the screw that grips the wire cable and turn the housing using the handle.. The tip will turn inside the drain, working its way through the drain pipes, grabbing  whatever is causing the clog. Most clogs occur at a bend in the pipe, so how far you go depends on the layout of your pipes. If you have gone more than a yard , the clog must be farther down.

Drain cleaners take time to work, and are effective for dissolving organic materials. Drain cleaners are safe for septic systems, but are caustic and dangerous when mixed with water. Never use drain cleaners with any other chemicals, as the mixture could be very dangerous. Before using them, don both safety glasses and protective gloves. Pay attention to the manufacturer's warnings on the label.

If these solutions fail to work, the clog is located deeper into the pipes than you can safely reach. The final solution is to call your local plumber, or if you are so moved, to rent a powered drain auger to get job done.

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