Clogged drains can occur in bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Clogs in the bathroom are often caused by hair, while clogs in the kitchen are often the result of accumulated grease and food debris.
Tools for Clearing a Clogged Drain
Certain tools can be extremely helpful in clearing clogged drains. Find the tools listed below at hardware and home improvement stores.
Plungers create pressure when you push, and suction when you pull. The resulting force can work to loosen a clog. Before using a plunger, fill the sink or bathtub with water, which will help the plunger have enough force to hopefully clear the drain. They cost $5-$10.
A plumber's snake features a lengthy steel cable that's wrapped around a spool, and it's activated using a hand crank. The steel cable used in this device may range in length from 25 feet to 100 feet, and it's unspooled into the drain to physically clear the blockage. A plumber's snake typically costs $15-$25.
Drain openers work by using chemicals or natural enzymes to loosen and dissolve a blockage. If you have standing water, there are drain openers available that are powerful enough to cut through the water and directly target the clog. Some drain openers use toxic chemicals such as lye to clear blockages. These can be effective, but they must be handled and disposed of with caution. Other options use natural enzymes to safely clear clogs. These are sometimes less effective on tough clogs, but they're a great choice for regular drain maintenance. Drain openers usually cost $5-$15.
Hiring a Plumber to Clear a Clogged Drain
Some clogs are very stubborn and will not respond to a do-it-yourself approach to drain clearing. If you've made a couple of attempts to clear a drain with no success, it's a good idea to turn things over to a professional plumber. Certain do-it-yourself methods of drain clearing can put a lot of pressure on the drain, and, if overused, they can cause permanent damage to your pipes.
When hiring a plumber, choose one who is properly licensed. Not all working plumbers are licensed, and a licensed plumber has the training necessary to properly tackle your clog. It's also a good idea to hire a plumber who is bonded and insured. This will protect you if there is damage to your property while the job is being handled, and it will cover you if there is an injury on the work-site.
Plumber fees to clear a drain can range from $100-$400. The total cost will depend on the complexity of the clog and the time required to clear it.
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