The Best Way to Unstop a Clogged Drain
- 1). Remove the screen of the drain with a screwdriver. Twist the screwdriver in a counter-clockwise motion to loosen the screws holding the screen in place. Remove the screen and the screws and set them to the side. This step is essential for both sink and bathtub drains.
- 2). Unfold a wire hanger to form a long, straight wire. Bend one end of the hanger to create a small hook.
- 3). Feed the hanger down the drain in a straight motion. Twirl the hanger in a circle and then pull it back up the drain. The hook should grab on to any hair stuck in the drain. Both bathtub and sink drains will likely have hair in them. Repeat this process several times to ensure you have removed as much of the hair as possible from the drain.
- 4). Run hot water down the drain. If the water flows smoothly down the drain, the drain has been unclogged and there is no need to proceed further. If the water drains slowly, continue on to the next step.
- 5). Place a wet rag over the overflow plate and try to unclog the drain with a plunger. According to the This Old House website, the wet rag will help distribute pressure straight to the clog. Place a plunger over the drain, and slowly pump it up and down by pushing downward on the handle. This will cause pressure to build in the drain. The pressure will pull the clog up from within the drain as you are plunging. Remove anything that comes up from the drain.
- 6). Run hot water down the drain to remove any remaining traces of hair or soap scum.
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