Clear Any Clogged Drain
By: Merle Henkenius (Page 1 of 6)
repairing a clogged drain
Unscrew the sink trap and drain the water into a bucket. Then remove the horizontal trap arm from the back wall.
Photo 2: FEED THE flexible cable directly into the drainpipe. Turn the crank clockwise to advance the cable and cut through the clog.
Photo 3: HOLD A wet rag over the drain holes in the overflow plate to prevent the pressure built up by plunging from escaping.
Photo 4: REMOVE the overflow plate and snake the cable down the overflow tube. Retrieve it by turning the crank counterclockwise.
Photo 5: The angled shaft and spring head on a closet auger are specifically designed for clearing toilet clogs.
TURN THE crank and push down simultaneously to force the auger cable through the tight curves of the toilet trap.
Photo 7: REMOVE the clean-out plug from the floor drain. Loosen old, corroded brass plugs with a hammer and cold chisel.
Photo 8: A POWER auger can break up the toughest clogs. Some models come with interchangeable cutting blades.

Unclogging a Sink:
1. Unscrew the sink trap and drain the water into a bucket. Then remove the horizontal trap arm from the back wall.

Unclogging a Sink:
2. Feed the flexible cable directly into the drainpipe. Turn the crank clockwise to advance the cable and cut through the clog.

Snaking a Tub Drain:
1. Hold a wet rag over the drain holes in the overflow plate to prevent the pressure built up by plunging from escaping.

Snaking a Tub Drain:
2. Remove the overflow plate and snake the cable down the overflow tube. Retrieve it by turning the crank counterclockwise.

Freeing a Toilet Clog:
1. The angled shaft and spring head on a closet auger are specifically designed for clearing toilet clogs.

Freeing a Toilet Clog:
2. Turn the crank and push down simultaneously to force the auger cable through the tight curves of the toilet trap.

Clearing a Floor Drain:
1. Remove the clean-out plug from the floor drain. Loosen old, corroded brass plugs with a hammer and cold chisel.

Clearing a Floor Drain:
2. A power auger can break up the toughest clogs. Some models come with interchangeable cutting blades.

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What You'll Learn:


All plumbing systems develop clogs—there's simply no way to avoid it. However, most stopped-up sinks and plugged toilets can be fixed without calling in a plumber. What you need to complete the job on your own are the right tools and a little determination.

We'll show you how to clear stubborn clogs in a kitchen sink, bathtub, toilet and floor drain. These proven techniques will dislodge virtually any clog. Remember, if you can't clear a clog after a few attempts, turn the job over to a drain-cleaning service or licensed plumber. Exerting too much force can permanently damage a pipe or fixture.

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