If you have ever had to call a plumber to fix a clogged drain, you know how inconvenient and expensive this can be. Drains are the unsung heroes of your home, keeping it clean and tidy by removing excess water from your property. However, sometimes even the most robust drains run into trouble and require skilled assistance to unclog them. Fortunately for homeowners everywhere, plumbers are more than ready to help with this task. Whether you have a small clog or a large scale issue, a professional plumber will have you unsticking your drains and back to normal in no time! Here is everything you need to know about how to fix clogged drains by yourself vs hiring a plumber.

What happens to a clogged sink or tub?

If you have a clogged sink or tub that you cannot resolve, it’s important to know what needs to be done to unclog the pipes. First, you must locate the source of the clog. This is often an area where a pipe has become swollen and has formed a bulge that is blocking the flow of water. If this is the case, you may need to cut away the section of pipe leading to the clog. Once this section is gone, the water will once again be able to flow freely. However, if the clog is not as easy to fix, it may be best to call a plumber. A few simple tricks can help you to identify the source of the clog and determine if you should call a plumber.

Identifying the source of the clog

If you have identified the source of the clog, it will be much easier to determine what needs to be done to unclog the pipes. There are several methods you can use to test for a clog. The first method is to use a toilet plunger. This can help to remove the clog, but it may do more harm than good. If you are not careful, the pressure of the water coming through the pipes can cause the plunger to break apart, sending pieces of metal into the pipes. This can cause a lot of damage to your pipes and lead to larger issues. The best way to test for a clog is to open the main shut off for the sink or tub and see if the water has stopped flowing. If the water has stopped flowing, the clog must be in the main line and you will need to call a plumber.

How do you unclog a toilet?

If you have a clogged toilet, the first thing you should do is shut off the main water supply to the toilet. You can usually find a shut off valve attached to the wall near the toilet itself. If the toilet is not connected to a septic tank, it will be connected directly to the main water line. Once the water has been shut off, you can use a plunger to force out the clog. If you still can’t unclog the toilet, you will need to remove the toilet bowl to get to the pipes. Shut off the water supply as before and then use a wrench to remove the bolts connecting the bowl to the floor of the bathroom.

How do you unclog a shower or bath?

If you have a clogged shower or bath, the first thing to do is shut off the water supply. You can usually find a shut off valve attached to the wall near the shower or bath itself. Once the water has been shut off, use a plunger to force out any clogs in the pipes. If you still can’t unclog the shower or bath, you will need to break the floor of the shower or bath to get to the pipes. Shut off the water supply as before and then use a pry bar to break the cement or tiles in the shower or bath where the pipe enters the wall.

How do you unclog a kitchen sink?

If you have a clogged kitchen sink, the first thing to do is shut off the water supply. You can usually find a shut off valve attached to the wall near the kitchen itself. Once the water has been shut off, use a plunger to force out any clogs in the pipes. If you still can’t unclog the kitchen sink, you will need to break the floor of the kitchen where the pipes enter the wall. Shut off the water supply as before and then use a pry bar to break the cement or tiles in the kitchen where the pipe enters the wall.

Bottom line

If you have tried all of the above methods and you are still left with a clogged sink or tub, it is time to call a plumber. There are many things that can go wrong when trying to unclog a sink or tub, and it is best to let a professional handle it. Not only will a plumber be able to help you unclog your drains, but they can also inspect your pipes for any other issues that might have caused the problem in the first place.If you are trying to fix a clogged sink or tub without assistance, you will most likely end up damaging your pipes, or at least making the situation worse.