If you go to trade school to learn plumbing skills, one of the most important ones you’ll develop is how to unclog a drain. This is one of the most common plumbing issues plumbers encounter, so it’s essential for them to master this skill. Here are a few tips for unclogging drains.

Tips to Unclog a Drain

1. Try Water

Sometimes, using hot water is all it takes to unclog a drain. Additionally, using pressurized water is a fast and effective way to unclog a drain, and it’ll also clean the pipe walls.

2. Use the Right Tools

If you don’t have hydro jetting equipment, a cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets are both essential tools, as are wire hooks, and a drain snake to cut through blockages. Drain cleaning chemicals can also be useful for unclogging drains, but they aren’t recommended for homes that rely on a septic system for waste disposal.

3. Try a Different Angle

Rather than trying to unclog the drain from above, sometimes the most effective approach is to unscrew the trap below the sink. This can give you direct access to some clogs, so you can manually clean them out.

4. Use Preventative Measures 

The easiest clog to deal with is one that never formed in the first place. Avoid flushing cotton products, grease, or kitty litter, and schedule regular drain cleanings to reduce buildup in the pipes.

Are you interested in becoming a plumber? For in-depth training in plumbing, choose Berk Trade and Business School in Long Island City, NY. For almost 80 years, they have provided instruction and job placement for students that want to become electricians, plumbers, and more. Their programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges®. Call (718) 729-0909 to enroll, or visit their website to learn more about their plumbing programs.