Homeowner guideHow-to
Clearing a Slow Drain Without Chemicals
Chemical drain openers are harsh on pipes and risky to use. Most slow drains can be cleared with simple tools and a bit of patience.
Contemporary kitchen stone counter with undercounter sink and shiny metal faucets at beige and brown.
- Short steps a homeowner can follow safely
- What to check before you pick up the phone
- Clear signs it is time to call a plumber
- Markham and York Region notes where they matter
- Licensing details confirmed when you call
- Residential
- Commercial
- Markham & York Region
The short version
- Remove the stopper or strainer and clean off hair and gunk.
- Run very hot tap water for a minute.
- If it is still slow, try a plunger.
Plunging properly
- Use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs, a flange plunger for toilets.
- Stuff a damp rag into the overflow opening.
- Make sure there is water in the basin to cover the plunger cup.
- Push and pull firmly 10 to 15 times.
Plastic drain stick
A thin plastic strip with barbs is cheap and works well for hair clogs in sinks and tubs. Push it down, twist and pull out the clog.
Clean the trap
Under a sink, the curved pipe is the trap. Place a bucket under it, loosen the slip nuts, remove the trap and clean it out. Reassemble and check for leaks.
Baking soda and vinegar
This mixture can help freshen drains and loosen light build-up. Pour half a cup of baking soda, then a cup of vinegar, cover, wait 15 minutes, and flush with hot water. It will not clear a hard clog.
From the van: Never mix chemical drain cleaners with other products or use them before calling a plumber. They can create dangerous fumes and burns.
When to call a plumber
- More than one drain is slow.
- Water backs up into other fixtures.
- You smell sewage.
- The clog returns quickly after clearing.
These signs point to a deeper problem that needs a cable or camera.