How to Clean a Drain Without Calling the Plumber
While there was running water in the room, the drains were blocked. But what do you do when your stock is reserved? Call a plumber right away? Pour chemicals? Well, there are a few simple fixes to try before resorting to the nuclear option. (Disclaimer: You are not trying to blow up your pipes.)
First, clear the drain of any obstructions that you could easily remove with your hands, then slowly drain the hot water down the drain. Many blockages are fat-based, so the heat will melt the fat and destroy anything that might get stuck inside.
If that doesn’t work, there are some handy gadgets you can try. The sink’s plunger will use an air pocket to push the blockage through the pipes, and the pipe snake (or trademark “Zip-It”) has small barbs to snag hairs and pull them out.
Finally, grab the hand-operated drain auger. It has a long hose and pushes the blockage forcefully. As a stand-alone solution, you can straighten the wire hanger and try your hand at the same jogging effect.