A clogged drain can be one of the most frustrating household problems. This common issue can cause backups in tubs, messy toilet overflows, and even unexpected flooding indoors. The good news is that many clogs, especially those caused by hair or soap scum, can sometimes be managed with a simple DIY approach.
Stubborn clogs caused by grease buildup, foreign objects, or mineral deposits may require professional tools and expertise. Knowing which method to use is crucial to keeping your plumbing in good order year-round.
Common causes of clogged drains
When dealing with a clogged drain, understanding what caused it not only tells you which method to use to remove the blockage but also helps you know how to prevent them from recurring.
Hair/soap scum, grease, food waste, mineral scale, foreign objects
- Hair and Soap Scum: Showers and tubs are notorious for hair buildup. Combine that with sticky soap residue, and you have a clog that narrows pipes quickly.
- Grease and Food Waste: Kitchen sinks often struggle with grease, fats, and bits of food. Even small amounts harden inside pipes, creating stubborn blockages.
- Mineral Scale: Many parts of Wisconsin, including areas like Eau Claire and Menomonie, have hard water that leaves behind mineral deposits. Over time, this scale shrinks pipe openings.
- Foreign Objects: Toys, cotton swabs, and wipes sometimes find their way into drains. Even “flushable” wipes can lead to recurring clogs.
Safe DIY unclogging methods
Knowing how to unclog a drain yourself with DIY drain cleaning will undoubtedly save money, being careful not to damage the pipes or cause any water leaks.
Step-by-step plunger technique
- Fill the sink or tub with a few inches of water.
- Position a cup plunger over the drain opening.
- Press firmly to create a seal.
- Push and pull in quick bursts for 15–20 seconds.
- Lift to see if water drains freely.
This method usually works best for shallow clogs in kitchen or bathroom drains.
Hand auger/drain snake basics
A hand auger is another term for a drain snake. This approach is ideal for clogs that form deeper in the pipe. You simply insert the flexible cable into the drain and turn the handle clockwise as you gently push forward. The rotation of the cable breaks through any hair or debris to clear the blockage. As you slowly pull the auger back out, it grabs and removes the stuck material.
When you’re deciding between a plunger and an auger, remember that plungers work best on shallow, surface-level clogs. Augers are more effective for clogs that are deeper in the plumbing system.
Enzymatic cleaners vs. harsh chemicals
If you’re going to use cleaners to fix a clogged drain, you must be very careful with the ones you use. Enzymatic cleaners, which are biodegradable and non-toxic, are safe and eco-friendly for most plumbing systems. They use natural bacteria to break down organic buildup from hair, food, and grease.
Those that aren’t enzymatic are usually much harsher. In addition to breaking down clogs, they can also corrode older metal pipes and weaken rubber seals. The harsher chemicals may provide faster results, but over the long term, they shorten the life of your plumbing.
When to stop DIY
You need to put away your DIY tools for clogged drains in these scenarios:
- Overflowing from multiple drains
- Sewage odors are present
- Same drain keeps clogging
All of these situations call for professional tools and knowledge to effectively clear the blockage and keep it gone for good.
Special cases
Different types of clogs demand unique methods to clear them properly. This is why calling a plumber is so important to ensure lasting results.
Garbage disposal jams
Garbage disposals can easily jam when you put fibrous foods in them. Bones, silverware, and grease are other potential causes of jams. To remove the clog, always start by turning off the power at the breaker. Next, use the reset button to restart the motor, followed by inserting the hex key to manually free the blades. Never stick your hands into the actual disposal.
Shower/tub hair clogs
Using hair catchers and drain covers in the shower is an easy way to prevent clogs. Soap residue, shampoo buildup, and conditioner oils can still lead to buildup that results in slow drainage. When this happens, you can use a plastic drain removal tool (barbed strip) to pull out trapped hair and gunk. Insert the tool into the drain and then lift it back out carefully.
Frozen-weather grease clogs in WI/MN kitchens
The long, cold winters in Wisconsin are a big contributor to grease clogs. This is because fat hardens quickly in frigid pipes. Pouring the grease into a container and disposing of it in the trash will prevent buildup.
Avoid pouring boiling water down the drain when you suspect a grease clog. While it won’t usually crack pipes, it often fails to dissolve grease and can push the blockage deeper, making the problem worse. The best solution in this situation is to call a plumber.
How to prevent future clogs
Prevention is the best defense against clogged drains. Small changes, like using drain strainers or disposing of grease in the trash, can make a major difference in keeping your plumbing clear.
Strainers, hair catchers, proper disposal habits
Stop clogs at the source by following these simple habits:
- Install sink strainers in the kitchen.
- Use hair catchers in showers and tubs.
- Dispose of cooking grease in the trash.
- Never flush wipes, cotton balls, or hygiene products.
These quick habits stop most blockages before they start.
Regular enzymatic maintenance in hard-water homes
Homes with hard water, especially in areas like Chippewa Falls or Hudson, benefit from these preventive steps:
- Use monthly enzymatic drain treatments
- Pair with a reverse osmosis system
- Install a water softener to reduce scale
- Flush water heater annually to remove sediment
- Check faucets and showerheads for mineral buildup
Annual professional inspection/jetting for problem lines
Homes with older plumbing commonly have more problems with clogged drains. Fortunately, plumbers can use special drain cleaning tools to clear away blockages without damaging the pipes. Take, for example, hydrojetting. This approach uses high-pressure water to blast away grease and mineral scale. The force combined with precision removes stubborn buildup without damaging the pipes. Plus, this method doesn’t require any extensive digging or excavation.
When to call a plumber
A skilled plumber will know the exact steps to identify the root cause of the clog. Addressing the underlying issue is what keeps the clog from returning.
Multiple fixtures slow at once, gurgling, sewer smells, tree-root concerns
If you notice any of these problems, call a plumber right away:
- Multiple sinks, tubs, and toilets draining slowly
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains
- Foul odors near plumbing fixtures
- Unexplained wet spots in the yard
- Possible tree-root intrusion in sewer line
FAQs
What’s the best way to unclog a shower drain?
The best way to get rid of a clog in a shower drain is to use a drain tool, like a plunger, followed by a drain snake (when necessary). Keeping the drain covered with a hair catcher will help ensure fewer blockages and smoother water flow.
