Although clogged drains are a normal part of becoming a homeowner, that doesn't make it less frustrating when the sink backs up with water. However, in many instances, you can clear the blockage with the help of a few well-chosen tools. Use the steps below to guide you through the process.

What Tools Are Needed to Clear a Clogged Drain?

Firstly, invest in a sink and flange plunger. These will come in handy for clearing most clogs from your sinks, tubs, and toilets. However, they aren’t very useful for dealing with blockages further down the drainpipe. For these, you’ll need closet augers—flexible, steel cables fitted with a hand crank.

How to Deal With a Clogged Sink

Usually, a minor sink blockage can be easily removed with a plunger. Don’t use store-bought chemical solutions on the clogged drain, as these can corrode your plumbing over time. Close the extra sink or drain hole and work the plunger up and down repeatedly to build up pressure.

If this doesn’t work, you have a choice to make: either call the plumber or attempt to find the clog yourself, though this can get messy. If you choose the second route, turn off the water and grab a bucket before removing the U-shaped, plastic sink trap underneath the sink. After making sure this part isn’t clogged, remove the horizontal trap arm connected to the wall and insert the cable auger.

Push it in until you feel an obstruction. When this happens, pull out 18 inches of cable, tighten the lock screw, and crank the handle clockwise to push the cable forward to break up the blockage. Keep repeating this until the way is clear. After retrieving the cable and reassembling the pipe, run hot water until the drain empties like normal. If it doesn’t immediately, try the plunger again, but after this point, call a plumbing contractor for help. 

If your first couple of attempts to clear up a clogged drain don’t work, call the experts at Gardiner Plumbing. These Master Plumbers have over 30 years of experience in the industry and provide a full range of residential and commercial services to Hill County, TX. Call them today at (210) 421-7756 for anything from a backed-up toilet to garbage disposal repairs, or visit their website to learn more about their offerings.