How to Unclog a Drain

easyHome Repair30-60 minutes10 steps

Safety Warnings

Rubber force cup (plunger) — standard

Wire with hook end — check locally

Stick — sturdy/thin

Root-cutting tool — for outside drains/sewers

Water — tap(as needed)

Chemical solvents — check locally(as needed)

Assess the location of the clog to determine if it is in a fixture trap, a waste pipe, or an outside sewer line.

For small obstructions in fixtures, partially fill the fixture with water.

Place a rubber force cup over the fixture outlet and work the handle rapidly up and down to create suction and expulsion.

If the clog persists, unscrew the clean-out plug of the trap.

Wash out the obstructing matter or use a wire bent into a hook to pull the debris out.

For clogs caused by grease, hair, or lint, disconnect the trap entirely.

Dig out the greasy matter manually using a stick.

If the clog is in an outside drain or sewer caused by roots, use a root-cutting tool to clear the stoppage temporarily.

Reassemble the trap or reconnect piping, ensuring all joints are watertight.

Run water through the fixture to test for flow and ensure the clog is completely removed.

Chemical solvents can be used in waste pipes as an alternative to manual removal.
To prevent recurring root clogs, re-lay defective portions of the line with sound pipe.

Synthesized from 4 verified sources:

USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →

Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →

Gutenberg: Electricity for the 4-H ScientistView →

Gutenberg: Electrical GuideView →