| Your home's drainage system is the unsung hero of | | | | - Fill your sink or bathtub with a few inches of water |
| your plumbing system. It takes all the wastewater | | | | and place a stopper to seal your second sink (if |
| from your sinks, showers, and bathtubs and | | | | applicable). Sealing the other sink creates a vacuum |
| efficiently directs it right where it belongs: the sewer. | | | | so your plunger is most effective. |
| Pretty important, right? It's critical to make sure your | | | | - Pump the plunger over the drain opening multiple |
| drainage system is clean and functioning properly. | | | | times to clear up the debris. Do this as often as |
| The basic components of your home's drain system | | | | needed. |
| are the assembly at the sink, shower, or bathtub and | | | | - Flush the opening with hot water to get rid of |
| the pipes that move the wastewater out of your | | | | what's left. |
| home. Most drains have what's called a trap: a simple | | | | If your clog remains, get serious with an auger: |
| a U-, S-, or J-shaped pipe located below or within the | | | | - Release the setscrew on the auger and run the |
| plumbing fixture itself. It's designed to "trap" sediment | | | | cable down your drain. |
| and and prevent unappealing odors from emanating | | | | - When the cable and auger tip hit the clog itself, |
| back up the pipe and into your home. This is also | | | | begin turning the auger in a clockwise motion to |
| backed up by your drain sytem's ventilation feature | | | | break through the clog. |
| that pushes waste gases and odors through your | | | | - Keep running the auger through the drain until you |
| home's roof. | | | | feel no resistance. This means you are through the |
| Use a plunger to clear a clogged sink or tub: | | | | clog and it's ok to back the auger out. |
| - Clamp your dishwasher's drain hose (if applicable). | | | | - As before, flush the drain with hot water. |
| - Clean any surface debris from your sink basket or | | | | Remember, don't hesitate to contact a professional |
| tub opening. | | | | plumbing contractor for questions or help. |