About Drain Cleaners

The drainage system in your home has just three parts: traps in the shapes of J, S, P, and drums, and pipes to which the traps connect.

When water or waste won't run out of a sink, lavatory, tub, or toilet (called "fixtures"), the debris blocking the route usually is in the trap. If so, the unclogging process is simple. If the debris is in the drain pipe you may be able to open it if:

1. The blockage is not too compacted in the pipe and the debris is near enough to the trap (or in the trap) that a plumber's suction cup (termed "friend"), rod, or auger can reach it.
2. The blockage is in a pipe near enough to a clean-out plug (a capped opening) that it may be cleared with a rod.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW:
First, read this entire article. It can save you work because from it you usually can determine where the trouble exists. Then take a systematic approach to opening drains; a plan makes it easier and faster-and sometimes a lot drier and less messy.

Commercial Drain Cleaner sometimes will open a completely clogged trap/pipe. However, the cleaners work best when there is some flow of water through the system.

Sometimes a combination of drain cleaner and a plunger (known as a plumbers "friend") will free the drain, but the result may be credited more to the suction than the cleaner.

Drain cleaner should be used at least once a month in all household drains. Its formula is basically caustic soda which bubbles and eats away grease, soap, and hair--The Big 3 drain pluggers.

If your home is connected to a septic system, the drains should be treated with a cleaner for septic systems once a week-or according to the instructions on the container. Also, if the drainage system is connected to a septic tank/field, grease, bits of garbage, cigarette butts, and so on, must not be flushed down the drainpipes.

CAUTION: Drain cleaners are very dangerous. Follow the directions on the container before you use any of them; heed all warnings to the letter.

1. If a drain is slow, try opening it with a chemical. Give the chemical plenty of time to work-a bit longer than specified on the label of the chemical container. The chemical will not damage pipes or fixture finishes. By a "bit longer" we mean just a couple of minutes, not hours or days.
2. If a drain is clogged completely, try a plumber's friend (suction cup on a stick).
3. If the plumber's friend does not work, drop and clean out the trap.
4. If the trap is clean and the pipes are blocked, try opening the pipe with a plumber's auger or snake. Different sizes are available.
5. If you can't reach the blockage with an auger or snake, call a professional plumber. The pro probably will rod the drain pipe down through the vent stack on the roof of your home