Repair Tips
Plumbing: tips for unclogging drains
Sink and tub drains can be an easy location to find clogs. Many things can get into a drain and cause it to clog. In this article we'll identify the common causes of a clog and how to get rid of them.
Bathroom and tub clogs are usually one or the most common areas of clogging. What needs to be done is simple and I'll explain how to remove the clog. Underneath the sink there will be an attachment that looks like a lever on the backside of the drain. All you have to do is s unscrew it and slide it out. Once you have gotten the lever out you can pull out the "pop-up" in the sink. You should now have a clear view of inside the drain. Do not turn on the water and grab a small flashlight so you can see what or if anything is blocking the drain. After that you can get an old wire hanger from you closet and form the hook into a smaller hook and stick it into the drain and see if anything comes out. If the clog is mainly hair then most likely the hair will come out with the pop-up.
Kitchen sink clogs can be a little more difficult. If you have a disposal, clogs can still occur if the disposal gets jammed. When the disposal is installed, it comes with a wrench specifically designed to move the blades and free the blades loose. There will be a slot on the underside of the disposal which you can use this wrench. Just turn it both ways a couple of times and you can feel it come loose. Uncooked foods such as rice or pasta will later expand inside the drain and cause a nice clog. The easiest way to clear this out is to take off the P trap and clean it out. If the clog is too tough, it’s better to call a professional plumber to help you get your sink unclogged.



