unclogging plumbing pipes
Using a Sewer Snake/Auger
Use a sewer snake/auger to clear obstructions in the main drain.
If the trap is clear and the drain still clogs, the blockage is further into the sink's drain pipe or the main drain. To clear these drains, you'll need a plumber's auger or, as it is more commonly called, a sewer snake. Use as follows:
With the trap removed, insert the snake into the sink drain line and push in until you meet the obstruction.
When the tip of the snake is against the clog, try to hook the clog by twisting the snake's handle clockwise.
When the debris is solidly hooked, twist and push the clog back and forth until you break up the clog. Using a garden hose, flush the pipe with cold water.
Once the clog is gone, reassemble the sink's trap. When you reassemble the trap after cleaning, reseal the threads with pipe joint compound or Teflon tape. Run water for a few minutes to make sure the clog is completely flushed and the trap is not leaking where it has been reconnected.
Unclogging the Main Drain
If more than one sink, bathtub or toilet is clogged, you'll need to clean out the main drain line or the sewer.
To clean out the main drain line, find the clean-out plugs located on the large drain pipes. Look for these plugs on the pipes in your basement or crawl space. In some houses these drains may be located in a garage or pantry closet, or there may be access to these plugs outdoors along the foundations of your house.
When you find a steel or plastic cap for the pipes with a square fitting at the top, remove the fitting with a wrench. Be sure to have a waste bucket in place when opening up the drain.
Use a plumber's snake to break up any clogs. Make sure to insert the auger in both directions of the pipe. You can also use a powerful stream of water from your garden hose to break up any debris.
Replace the steel cap of the drain pipe.
You can rent a device for about $60 from Home Depot. It weighs 120 pounds, so you need another strong person to help you lift it out of your vehicle. You attach it to the drain outlet and connect your garden hose to it. Turn on the water, and whatever is clogging the pipe will be flushed out.
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