Are you tired of dealing with a clogged drain that just won’t budge?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Clogs can be a frustrating and messy problem to deal with, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily unclog your drain and get back to your daily routine.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how to unclog a drain past the P-trap, using common household items and simple DIY methods.
So, whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sink or a backed-up shower, read on to learn how to tackle those pesky clogs once and for all.
How To Unclog A Drain Past The P-trap
When dealing with a clogged drain, the first step is to try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour one cup of each down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to move on to other methods.
One effective method is to use a plunger. Cover the sink’s drain with the plunger’s head and push it in and out up to ten times. You should feel it being sucked in, and you’ll hear the water flushing down. If it doesn’t work, try it again, and repeat it until the sink is free of clogs. If you have a double sink, make sure to close one of the openings with a wet rag.
If you suspect a hair clog, but there is nothing on the drain mechanism, you may have to check the “P” trap for the clog. Before starting, place a drip pan under the “P” trap big enough to catch any water in the piping and sink. On newer PVC drain piping it usually only requires loosening a couple of drain piping nuts and the “P” trap will slide out fairly easily. Most of the time this can be done by hand. PVC drain fittings do not have to be extremely tight. On some older metal pipes, you may need to use a pipe wrench or pliers, but they can be taken apart fairly easily. Once apart you should be able to clear the clog.
If these methods don’t work, it’s time to move on to more advanced techniques. For larger drain pipes, there should be a clean-out fitting installed at every change of direction. Simply remove the cap with a pair of pliers or a wrench, and use this access for clearing the clog.
One way to unclog a pipe is to use a larger wire snake. These snakes are more powerful, longer, and often feature more aggressive tips for breaking the clog up or hooking it for removal. Simply feed the wire snake through the drain, and continue advancing it until the clog is clear.
Another option is to use drain-cleaning bladders that utilize hydraulic force to clean clogs. These rubberized bladders hook to the end of a hose and fit inside a cleanout. As the hose fills the bladder, it expands to seal off the pipe. At the tip of the bladder is a hole that shoots water into the drain pipe, pressurizing it until the clog has nowhere to go but forward and through the system.
Understanding The P-trap And Its Function
The P-trap is an essential component of any plumbing system that uses a drain and accepts sanitary waste from tubs, showers, and sinks. It is a specialized fitting that creates a barrier to prevent sewer gas and odor from entering your home. The trap is located in the drain pipe under your sink and is shaped like a “U” or a “P.” It contains a pocket of water that blocks toxic, foul-smelling sewer gases like methane from traveling through the pipe into your home.
In addition to blocking sewer gases, the P-trap also serves another important purpose by trapping solids that can clog the drain or sewer line. Any food or other solid particles you wash down the drain usually stay inside the bend in the P-trap. If your sink is clogged and won’t drain, the clog is usually located inside the P-trap itself. This is actually not a bad thing as unclogging the P-trap is generally far easier than removing an obstruction further down inside the drainage system.
To clean out the P-trap by hand, you should always put a bucket under the trap before removing it to catch any waste and water that is inside the trap or the drain line. On newer PVC drain piping, it usually only requires loosening a couple of drain piping nuts, and the P-trap will slide out fairly easily. Most of the time this can be done by hand. PVC drain fittings do not have to be extremely tight. On some older metal pipes, you may need to use a pipe wrench or pliers, but they can be taken apart fairly easily. Once apart, you should be able to clear the clog.
Identifying The Location Of The Clog
Before attempting to unclog a drain, it’s important to identify the location of the clog. If the clog is located in the garbage disposal, turning it on may break up the blockage. If you hear a low humming sound, the unit could be jammed or broken. In this case, it’s important to disconnect the power to the unit and never stick your hand in the disposal. You can try to manually break up the clog by turning the blades with an Allen wrench inserted into the hole on the bottom of the disposal.
If the clog is not in the garbage disposal, it may be located in larger drain pipes. Code dictates that there be a clean-out fitting installed at every change of direction, so look for these fittings to access the clog. Simply remove the cap with a pair of pliers or a wrench, and use this access for clearing the clog.
Another way to identify the location of the clog is to unscrew the “P” trap and check for any blockages. Place a drip pan under the “P” trap big enough to catch any water in the piping and sink before starting. On newer PVC drain piping, it usually only requires loosening a couple of drain piping nuts and the “P” trap will slide out fairly easily. On some older metal pipes, you may need to use a pipe wrench or pliers, but they can be taken apart fairly easily.
Once you have identified the location of the clog, you can use a wire snake or a drain-cleaning bladder to clear it. Remember to run water through the pipes while snaking to allow freshly loosened build-up to flush through the system rather than settling back in place. And always be careful when using any tools or attempting to manually clear a clog.
Using A Plunger To Clear The Blockage
If you’ve tried the baking soda and vinegar method and the clog still persists, it’s time to try using a plunger. However, not all plungers are created equal. Sink plungers are specifically designed for clearing sink drains, with a wider mouth and no flange on the end.
To use the plunger, cover the sink’s drain with the plunger’s head and push it in and out up to ten times. You should feel it being sucked in, and you’ll hear the water flushing down. If it doesn’t work, try it again, and repeat it until the sink is free of clogs.
It’s important to note that if you have a double sink, you need to close one of the openings with a wet rag. This is because air will escape from the open sink, rendering the plunger ineffective.
If using a plunger doesn’t work, then it’s time to move on to other methods such as removing the “P” trap or using a wire snake or drain-cleaning bladder. But before trying those methods, be sure to give the plunger a fair chance to clear the blockage.
Creating A Homemade Drain Cleaner
If you prefer to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, there are several homemade drain cleaners that you can try. One of the most effective is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. To create your own homemade drain cleaner, start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow this with one cup of heated vinegar, and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. After this time, flush the drain with hot water.
Another homemade drain cleaner that you can try is a mixture of salt, Borax, and vinegar. Begin by combining 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of Borax with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour the solution down the drain, followed by a pot of hot water. Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour before rinsing the drain with hot tap water.
For a more gentle approach, you can try using distilled white vinegar alone. Simply warm up a cup of vinegar and slowly pour it down the drain. You may hear some fizzing sounds as the vinegar interacts with any clogs in the pipe. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes before flushing with hot water.
If you’re dealing with a grease clog, a mixture of dish soap and hot water can be very effective. Combine 3-5 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with two liters of boiling water. Gently pour the mixture down the sink, being careful to avoid any splashes. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may need to repeat this process a few times.
Finally, for those who prefer all-natural solutions, you can also use white vinegar and baking soda to clean and unclog your drains. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. Next, pour 3/4-1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed immediately by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain to keep everything inside, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the cover and let hot water run through the pipes for 2-3 minutes.
By using one or more of these homemade drain cleaners, you can effectively clear clogs without resorting to harsh chemicals or calling in a professional plumber.
Using A Plumbing Snake To Remove Deeper Clogs
If the clog is particularly stubborn and located deeper in the drain pipe, a plumbing snake can be a useful tool. To use a plumbing snake, start by loosening the setscrew at the tip of the snake and pulling out 6 to 10 inches of cable. Then tighten the setscrew and spin the drain snake down into the drain line.
Initially, you may feel an obstruction, but it’s likely that the tip of the snake is just turning a corner. Loosen the setscrew, pull out another 6 to 10 inches of cable and continue to feed the snake into the line. Thread the tip of the drain snake into the drain stub-out. Tighten the setscrew and turn the crank clockwise to feed it into the drainpipe.
As you feed the snake into the drain pipe, you may feel resistance or hear a scraping noise. This is a sign that you have reached the clog. Push and pull the snake back and forth to break up or hook onto the clog. Once you feel that you have dislodged it, slowly pull out the snake while continuing to turn the crank.
It’s important to note that using a plumbing snake can potentially damage older pipes, so use caution and only attempt this method if other techniques have failed. Additionally, be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling plumbing tools.
After using a plumbing snake to remove a deep clog, it’s important to reassemble any parts of the drain piping that were removed and run hot water down the drain to help melt and rinse away any remaining debris. With these tips in mind, you should be able to successfully clear even stubborn clogs from your drains.
Preventing Future Drain Clogs
Preventing future drain clogs is crucial to avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with clogs in the future. Here are some tips to help you prevent future drain clogs:
1. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain. These substances can solidify and cause clogs in your pipes. Instead, pour them into a separate container and throw them away in the trash.
2. Use a kitchen drain screen to filter out large particles that could cause clogs in your pipes. These screens are inexpensive and easy to use.
3. Run water after food or other debris goes down the drain. If you shut off water as soon as food goes down the drain, it can cause the debris to get lodged in the pipe, increasing the risk of a future blockage.
4. Reduce the amount of food debris disposed of through the kitchen sink drain. Compost bins and the trash are better options to dispose of food scraps. Use your garbage disposal only as an option to clear out buildup, not as a waste disposal tool.
5. Remove and clean sink stoppers every few months. Regular maintenance can prevent normal build-up from becoming a serious problem.
6. Every couple of weeks, fill each tub in your sink as full as it will allow and then allow it to drain. The volume and weight of the water will do a good job of flushing the drain line.
7. Pour boiling water down the drain if it is running slowly. This will help clear any potential problem clogs, especially in the kitchen where oils and grease can solidify.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent future drain clogs and save yourself time and money in the long run. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to keeping your drains flowing smoothly!