DIY : How to Unclog Drains in Los Angeles

9/11/2013

A Clogged Drain can happen at any time, sometimes with no warning and especially if you don’t follow a regular Drain Cleaning routine.

Why do Drains get Clogged?

Each Drain in your house is used for different purposes, so why it’s Clogged depends on your use.

For example, Kitchen Sinks and Bathroom Drains usually Clog with soap, hair, grease and/or food. Toilets Clog with waste, toilet paper and/or things that are not supposed to be there (Blue Drop technicians have seen it all from toys to jewelry).

Prevent Bathroom Clogs

It’s important to stay vigilant in keeping hair from going down any Drains; use tweezers and your fingers to remove any visible hair in a Drain. Invest in a Drain screen or strainer; it will collect the hair that is trying to create a Clog in your Drains. Regularly clean the slime and soap scum inside the Drain. First use your fingers (while wearing gloves) or a toothbrush to scrub it away. Next wipe with a rag or sponge and then run HOT Water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Prevent Kitchen Clogs

Just like in the Bathroom, you will need to be vigilant in keeping food or oil from going down this Drain; invest in a strainer. On a regular base do the following: Run HOT Water down the Drain and then immediately add one tablespoon of baking soda and a ¼ cup of vinegar into the Drain. Let this sit for one hour, again run HOT water through the Drain to finish the cleansing; just to be sure you got everything pour some salt water for a finishing cleansing touch.

What should I do if my Drain is Clogged?

Before you reach for those harsh chemicals, try this instead. Mix a solution of ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar and pour into the Clogged Drain, let it stand for a couple hours and then pour HOT Water down the Drain, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tools you need to remove the Clog or Blockage:

Plunger
Channel type Pliers

Bottle Brush
Bucket

Gloves
Drain Auger

Clogged Drain | Bathroom

Remove the screen over the Drain and remove any hair you can see inside the Drain.
Remove the overflow device and cover the hole securely while plunging the Drain (STOP here if it works, if it doesn't continue to step 3)
Run a Drain Snake/Auger * down the overflow until you reach the Clog and can break it up.

Clogged Drain | Kitchen

Cover the hole securely while plunging the Drain (If you have Kitchen Double Sink please cover one side in order to create suction).
Remove the P-Trap below the Sink to check for a Clog and remove contents by placing a bucket underneath. Use a bottle-brush to force any material out of the Trap and clean it well with HOT, soapy water. (STOP here if it works, if the Clog was not in the P-Trap continue to step 3)
Run a Drain Snake/Auger * into the Waste Pipe until you reach the Clog and can break it up.

* Please exercise caution, a Drain Snake/Auger can cause Pipe Cracks or Breaks if not used correctly, unless you are trained in using this Plumbing Tool there is a great chance of damaging your Drain Pipes (those damages will not be discover-able until the Leaking Pipe has damaged your floors, walls, and/or home).

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