Clearing Drain Lines

When a sink, toilet, or tub becomes clogged, first try plunging. Bail out most of the water but leave a couple of inches so the plunger can seal tightly around the drain opening. Seal any openings -- such as the overflow openings of a bathroom sink or a tub -- by firmly pressing a wet rag into the opening. When plunging a double-bowl sink, seal the drain hole of the other bowl. If you have a dishwasher, clamp its drain hose tightly before plunging so you won't force water back into the dishwasher.

If plunging doesn't work try using a hand crank auger, dismantling a trap, or forcing pressurized water into the drain.

If more than one drain is stopped or runs slowly, take more aggressive steps. Auger through an intermediate cleanout or trap. If that doesn't solve the problem, you may need to auger the main drain. Call a professional sewer service or rent a power auger and do it yourself.

Prestart Checklist

Time
With a rented power auger, an hour or two to run it through a main drain

Tools
Hand-crank or power auger, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, perhaps a hammer and chisel

Skills
Identifying and opening traps and cleanouts

Prep
Clear the area and gather materials for cleanup afterward

Materials
Pipe-thread tape, replacement cleanout plug, bucket