How to Locate Your Drain Clog
If you notice water backing up in your sink, tub, or shower, it’s likely that a clog is blocking the flow of water. To determine where the clog is located, try one of these methods:
1. Use a Plunger: Start by plunging each drain separately and vigorously for about 30 seconds. If this doesn’t work, move on to the next method.
2. Check Your P-Trap: The p-trap is the curved pipe under each sink that catches debris and prevents them from entering the drain line.
Remove the p-trap and inspect it to check if any large objects are blocking the water flow. Clean out any obstructions and reinstall them back into the drainage line.
3. Snake the Drain: If plunging and checking your p-trap does not work, a more thorough solution is to snake the drains. This involves using a coiled metal rod that is inserted into the drain and rotated until it reaches the clog. The metal rod then breaks up or pulls out any obstructions so that water can flow freely again.
Once you’ve successfully located and removed your clog, take preventative measures, such as regular cleaning with baking soda and vinegar or an enzyme cleaner to help keep your pipes clean in the future. And if all else fails, call a plumbing expert for an emergency drain cleaning service.
