PLUMBING : Plunge Right In to Problem of Clogged Drain

For some plumbing problems, you’ll want to call in a licensed plumber or a drain and sewer cleaning service. For example, unless you’re skilled at pipe fitting, you’ll probably want to have a plumber replace leaking or damaged pipes, or add runs to new fixtures.

Likewise, when it comes to drain problems, it’s a good idea to try to remedy only those clogs that are close to fixtures. For blockages farther down the line, resort to a professional drain and sewer cleaner, who will bring in heavy-duty power equipment.

Drain and sewer cleaning does not require a plumbing license, so these services are generally less expensive than calling in a plumber. Some licensed plumbers do clean drains, but you could end up paying for expertise you may not need.

To help you decide whether to reach for the telephone or the toolbox, you’ll need to first locate the trouble. Turn on a faucet at each sink, tub or other fixture, but don’t flush any toilets. If only one fixture is clogged, the problem is in or near that fixture’s drain and is most likely a routine do-it-yourself project.

If two or more fixtures are stopped up, however, something is probably blocking a main drain, which connects to the main waste pipe. If none of the drains work, the obstruction is either near the point where a main drain connects to the sewer drain or in the sewer itself and should be fixed by a professional.

If you decide to fix a clogged drain yourself, you’ll find repairs will go more smoothly if you have the right tools and supplies on hand. Before problems occur, assemble a basic kit of the following items:

* A rubber plunger or force cup for dislodging blockages in drains and toilets. A plunger with a rubber projection in the center works best on sinks with curved bottoms and on toilets. For flat-bottom sinks, buy a plunger with a plain cup.

* A plumber’s snake or auger for blockages that won’t yield to plunging. These devices have a flexible metal cable that you fish into traps and drain lines to dislodge obstructions. A closet auger has a specially bent head designed for clearing blocked toilet traps.

When a sink drains sluggishly or clogs, debris is trapped somewhere in the drainage system. Start from the top by examining the stopper. Bathroom stoppers usually lift straight out or require a twist before lifting.

Once the stopper is free, clean away debris. If the stopper isn’t the culprit, use a plunger. Plungers work by building up water pressure inside a drain, so if the sink you’re working on has an overflow, block it with rags. Remove the stopper and be sure water covers the plunger cup. Place the cup over the drain opening (petroleum jelly on the rim improves the seal). After a forceful downstroke, pull the plunger up as hard as you can. Repeat until the fixture unclogs.

If plunging for at least five minutes fails to remedy the problem, move from the sink to the pipes below it. At this stage, what you do depends on the tools you have on hand.

Augers have cranks or motors at one end and stiff springs at the other to bore through blockages. To thread an auger through pipes, insert the spring and crank the handle. When the crank becomes hard to turn, you’ve reached the blockage. At this point, keep cranking while also pushing and pulling the auger back and forth. This will either snag the blockage so you can pull it out, or break it up so you can flush it away.

To unblock a toilet, first try plunging. If plunging doesn’t work, you’ll need to resort to a closet auger.