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How To Clear Clogged Drains-Repeat Offenders
After clearing the clog, reassemble the P-trap. Slide new washers under the slip nuts on metal traps to avoid leaks. If the trap is old and rickety, replace it with a new one ($10) while you’re at it.
Snaking bathtub drains is a bit trickier because access to the P-trap isn’t always easy. Remove the stopper mechanism first, since hair and other debris often stick to it and cause the problem. (You can also get a better seal over the overflow hole for more effective plunging.) Then try snaking through the overflow hole. The snake should work its way through the P-trap and beyond. Remove the P-trap as a last resort. The snake we show automatically coils the cable inside the drum. It costs about $20.
If the same drain clogs several times, chances are you have dirty drainpipes, a partial obstruction in the pipe or a poorly designed drain system. After you restore the flow, try the simplest long-term solution first.
Add a chemical drain cleaner. These chemicals, available at supermarkets, hardware stores and home centers in either powder or liquid, are particularly effective at cleaning out hair and oils that often clog bathroom drains and the grease that clogs kitchen sink drains. Regular use will prevent a buildup. Chemicals can burn or irritate your skin, so wear plastic gloves while using them and follow the directions on the package carefully.
Disassemble the trap, if you haven’t already done so. Clean it and snake out the drain to get at hard debris like a spoon or scouring pad that might have slipped down the drain.
Examine the drainpipes for poor slope (less than 1/4 in. per foot), too many turns or long horizontal runs. Most drainpipes are inaccessible in walls and under floors, but if you have a basement or crawlspace, you can check some of them.
For clogs located deeper in the system, you may need a heavier-duty snake. Or simply call in a licensed plumber.
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