This document provides guidance on unclogging drains using various tools. It begins by advising readers to start with a plunger and then use additional tools if needed. It discusses how to identify the problem area and describes different drain cleaning tools like augers, snakes, and drills. It then provides step-by-step instructions for unclogging specific drains and fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and toilets using plungers and augers. The document emphasizes starting with a plunger and warns against using harsh chemicals, instead advising readers to call a plumber for serious issues.

1. Get It Unclogged!
By: Justin Beaumont
(Not liable for use of information)

2. Figuring out where to start:
● Most of us start here -->
○ Plungers are useful, but
sometimes they're just not
enough.
● Practicing your problem solving
skills. Start by isolating the problem. Questions
to ask:
● Is only one fixture affected?
● If two or more fixtures are affected, are they only on the second
level? Or throughout the entire house?

3. Identify the area
● Figuring out where the problem area is, will help
you decide what tools to use and whether or not
you should go straight to the yellow pages to call a
professional.

4. Knowing Drain Lines
● You have to be careful with drain lines because they
are suprisingly delicate due to all of the various
fixtures attached to them.
● Sometimes augering or certain chemicals can cause
stress on the walls of the drain lines and weaken
them.
**Always try a plunger first!

5. Chemical Cleaner Risks
● The best thing to do when it comes to chemical
cleaners is to avoid them!
● IF you really feel you must use a chemical cleaner
to try and unclog a drain, then make certain that
you follow the manufacturer's directions exactly.
● NOTE: It is absolutely important that you let the
plumber know you used a chemical when he comes!

6. Chemical Cleaners Continued
● Never, NEVER, ever use a chemical cleaner in
standing water OR in an unclogged drain OR in a
toilet.
● Chemicals should only be used when the drain is
working slowly.

7. The Tools:
1. Household Plunger
2. Closet Auger
3. The Hand Snake
4. Power Drill Auger Attachment
5. Hand Spinner

8. Unclogging Drains/Waste Lines
What you need to get started:
● Water-pump pliers, hand auger, bucket, rags
to clean up with.
● Start by removing the drain trap loosen the
blockage, then flush the line with water

9. Using the Hand Auger...
● Put a bucket under the drain trap to catch waste
and water.
● Remove the drain trap with water-pump pliers.
● Clean out the trap and or inspect the drain trap for
cracks or buildup.
○ If there are cracks or
buildup you MUST
replace the drain trap.

10. Using the Hand Auger Cont...
● Set up the auger by loosening the setscrew and
pulling out a foot of cable.
● Begin by pushing cable
through the drain until
you hit resistance.
● It can be hard to identify the
difference between a bend in
the pipe and blockage.
● Work slowly, if the resistance is the blockage, then
the auger will either snag the end of it and pull it
out, or it will push it through.

11. Hand Auger Continued...
● After clearing the blockage, tighten the setscrew on
the auger and turn the handle in a clockwise
direction until the cable moves forward.
● Then loosen the setscrew and push the cable further
until you meet more resistance.
● Continue this process until you are confident the
blockage is removed.
● Remove the cable and clean the tip.
● Replace the drain trap and run the water, IF the
blockage is still there call a professional and make
certain that you write down all of the steps you took
to remove it yourself.

12. Unclogging a Sink
What you will need:
● Start with Plunger, water-pump pliers, sink auger,
bucket, clean up rags.
● If you can clean out a sink
blockage with a plunger,
that is the best way to avoid
damaging the pipes.
● Have someone ready to help you if possible.

13. Unclogging a Sink Continued
● Fill both sides of the sink with about 4 in. of water.
● Get your helper a rag to hold over the opening of
the disposal drain (if you are unclogging a kitchen
sink).
● Using the plunger, quickly plunge the drain on the
other side.
● If the drain is still clogged after 12 to 15 plunges,
move to the other side of the sink and have the
helper plug the side the you first plunged.

14. Stubborn Sinks...
● If the blockage won't move,
you will have to use an auger
as describe in the previous
section.

15. Unclogging the Bathtub
What you will need:
Screw driver, Auger, Plunger
● Begin by plunging the drain vigorously. If the
plunger doesn't work switch to an Auger.
● Remove the pop-up drain assembly with a
screwdriver and clean out visible debris.

16. Uncloggin Bathtub Continued...
● Insert Auger into the overflow drain.
● Turn the handle clockwise to feed the cable into the
drain until you meet resistance.
● Patiently remove cable to take
take off blockage.
● Repeat until the drain works
smoothly.
● Replace the pop-up drain
assembly and overflow cover.

17. Unclogging the Toilet
What you will need:
Plunger, Closet Auger, Bucket, Rags
● Don't even think about using a
chemical drain cleaner in a toilet.
● Place a plunger in the toilet, creating a seal around
the drain hole (this creates a vacuum) and plunge
vigorously 12 to 15 times.
● Try flushing, if it still doesn't drain repeat the
plunging.

18. When the plunger doesn't unclog the
toilet...
■ Closet Augers are designed
to use in toilets.
■ Turn the crank on the
handle in a clockwise
direction and push
simultaneously.
■ The auger will either catch
the cause of blockage or
push it through.
NOTE: If plunging or using the auger doesn't work, you
will have to remove the toilet and attempt to fish out
the cause of blockage.

19. Side Note
● I have done a lot of drain cleaning in my various
jobs, and it is not fun or pretty, BUT the average
home owner can save a lot of money knowing how
to fix some of these issues themselves.
● Plumbers are expensive, some will charge over
$100 just to come and inspect the problem.