How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long, flexible tool with an auger head at the end of the cable and a handle for cranking the cable. If you have this tool at home and the plunger won’t do the trick, try using it to dislodge the clog. Here are the steps to follow to clear a clogged drain in Monongalia County using a drain snake.

• Step 1: Insert the coiled end of the snake into the drain and crank the handle to feed the cable into the drainpipe.
• Step 2: Continue to crank the handle until you encounter a bit of resistance. If the cable won’t go any further, you’ve likely reached whatever is clogging the drain.
• Step 3: Rotate the snake against the blockage to break it apart, or the tip of the snake will attach to the clog. If the blockage is a buildup of food waste and soap scum, the auger head will mash it all up so that it can be washed down the drain. And even if it’s a solid object that accidentally dropped in the kitchen sink drain, the auger head may entangle the object.
• Step 4: If it feels like you’ve cleared the clog, flush hot water down the drain to wash away any remaining debris in the drain pipes. If the problem persists, you may have to call a plumbing repair service for help.

Clean Out the P-Trap

The P-trap is a u-shaped fixture connected to a sink, bathtub, shower, and floor drains. If you’ve tried plunging and snaking a clogged drain with no success, there’s a good chance the clog is lodged in the P-trap. All you have to do is remove the trap, clean it with a brush, and put it back together. Here’s how to clean out a sink P-trap:

• Step 1: Place a bucket underneath the sink trap to catch any water and debris that may come loose when you start to loosen the nuts.
• Step 2: Use a plumber’s wrench to loosen the slip joint nuts on each side of the P-trap.
• Step 3: Remove the trap and clean out any debris from the fitting—use a small bottle brush or an old toothbrush.
• Step 4: Reassemble the P-trap and tighten the slip nuts.
• Step 5: Run water down the sink to make sure there are no leaks or slow drainage.

If you’re not comfortable with removing the P-trap yourself, call a nearby plumbing service to help you out.

Call a Professional Drain Cleaning Service

If the DIY methods we’ve highlighted above don’t do the trick, call in a professional plumbing company for clogged drain line repair. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we use environmentally friendly techniques to unclog your drains. From hydro-jetting to video line inspections, we’ll clear even the most stubborn blockages caused by tree roots.