If your sink is slow or a drain is clogged, you do not need harsh chemicals. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman gives simple, safe steps. Our Plumbing Services help you fix the drain at home. We work in Hawthorne, CA and nearby towns.
Tools and Safety First
Start with the tools and safety. You need a plunger, a pair of gloves, a bucket, and a wire hanger or a drain snake. A flashlight helps. Turn off any running water. Put on gloves. Place the bucket under the trap if you will open it.
Try the Plunger
Try the plunger first. Push and pull with short, quick moves. Seal the plunger around the drain well. If air can get in, add more water. The plunger can loosen many clogs fast. If it works, run hot water to clear the pipes.
Check and Clean the Trap
If the plunger does not work, check the trap under the sink. Put the bucket under the U-shaped pipe. Unscrew the slip nuts by hand or with pliers. Let the water and gunk drain into the bucket. Clean the trap with paper or a rag. Put it back tight. Run water to test.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
A simple home mix can help when the clog is stubborn. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, add one cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or a damp cloth. Wait ten to fifteen minutes. Then flush the drain with hot water. This mix makes bubbles that break up soft clogs. It is safer than many store chemicals.
Avoid Dangerous Chemical Mixes
Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners. It can make bad fumes. If you use any cleaner, read the label first. If you are not sure, stop and call a pro.
Remove Hair and Gunk
For hair clogs, try a wire hanger or a drain snake. Straighten a hanger and bend a small hook at the end. Push it down the drain and pull out hair and gunk. A drain snake goes deeper. Turn it slowly and pull up clogs as you feel them grab. These tools are cheap and work well.
Use Hot Water for Grease
Hot water can help grease clogs. Boil a kettle of water. Pour the hot water slowly down the drain in stages. Wait a few seconds between pours. Do not pour boiling water into PVC pipes that are very hot. If the pipe is metal, the hot water can melt grease and clear the clog.
Clean Shower and Tub Drains
If the clog is in the shower or tub, a plastic drain cover may help. Remove the cover and clean out hair and soap buildup. For tubs, shine a flashlight into the drain to see the clog. Use tweezers or a bent hanger to pull out the build up. Keep the drain free by using a hair catcher.
Try Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are a gentler choice than harsh chemicals. They use bacteria or enzymes to eat organic gunk. They work over time. Follow the label. These cleaners are safe for pipes and for septic systems. They do not make strong fumes.
Watch for Main Line Problems
If water backs up into other drains, the clog may be in the main sewer line. This is a bigger problem. You may see gurgling sounds or smell bad odors. In that case, call a professional plumbing service. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman can inspect and clear main line clogs safely.
Quick Checklist
Here is a short checklist you can follow:
- Turn off water.
- Try a plunger.
- Remove and clean the trap.
- Use baking soda and vinegar.
- Try a hanger or drain snake.
- Flush with hot water.
- Use enzyme cleaners if needed.
- Call a pro if the problem is big.
When to Call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman
Call if you see water that keeps backing up. Call if you smell sewer gas. Call if multiple drains are clogged. Call if you are not sure how to take apart the pipes. We serve homes in Hawthorne, CA and nearby areas. Our Plumbing Services are safe, clean, and fast.
Explore More DIY Tips
Want more step-by-step tips? Have a look at our other how-to posts on our blog for more DIY ideas and home care tips: https://mrharrisplumbingandhandyman.com/blogs/ Do you want a guide for sink repairs or for how to stop toilet clogs? Our blog has related guides to help you stay safe.
Important Safety Notes
A few safety notes: wear gloves. Do not push sharp objects into pipes. Use the right tool for the job. Take photos before you take parts apart so you know how to put them back. If you have a septic tank, avoid chemical drain cleaners. They can harm the tank and the soil.
Prevent Future Clogs
Keep drains clear with simple habits. Run hot water after grease use. Use a sink strainer. Brush hair before a shower or use a hair catcher. Do small clean outs often. Good habits stop many clogs.
Why Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Why avoid harsh chemical cleaners? They can burn your skin. They can harm the pipe lining. Over time they can make leaks. They can also hurt the plants near your sewer line and harm pets. Mild methods work for most clogs. Use harsh chemicals as a last idea and never mix them.
Yearly Plumbing Checks
We also offer small checks to keep your pipes healthy. A quick look can find slow drains and weak seals. Our team can clean drains with tools that do not hurt pipes. Good care saves you money and time. For long life of your plumbing, call our team for a yearly check.