I can't count how many times I've been called to a house where someone tried to fix a slow drain with chemical drain cleaner, only to make the problem worse. Now instead of a slow drain, they have standing water full of caustic chemicals that I have to deal with safely before I can even start working on the actual clog.
Drain clogs range from simple "you can fix this yourself in five minutes" to "this needs professional equipment and experience." The key is knowing which is which before you make the problem worse or waste money on solutions that won't work.
What NOT to Do (This Makes Things Worse)
Don't Reach for Chemical Drain Cleaners
I know—they're right there at the store, they promise to work fast, and the commercials show them melting through clogs like magic. But here's what actually happens:
- •They generate heat (sometimes enough to crack older pipes or melt PVC joints in Birmingham's hot summer attics)
- •They sit in the pipe eating away at whatever's there—including the pipe itself if it's old cast iron or galvanized steel
- •If they don't work, now you have a drain full of caustic chemicals that a plumber has to pump out carefully before fixing the actual problem
- •They rarely work on the real clogs anyway—hair, grease buildup, tree roots. They mostly just clear soap scum, which wasn't your problem to begin with
Don't Use Multiple Products Back-to-Back
Mixing drain cleaners can create dangerous chemical reactions—sometimes releasing toxic gases or generating even more heat. If one product didn't work, adding another just compounds the problem.
Don't Ignore Recurring Clogs
If you're clearing the same drain every few weeks, that's not a "stubborn clog"—it's a symptom of a bigger problem. Maybe tree roots are growing into your sewer line, maybe there's a bellied section of pipe holding debris, or maybe decades of buildup have narrowed your pipes significantly. Repeatedly clearing the clog doesn't fix the underlying issue.
What Actually Works: DIY Solutions
Some clogs you can handle yourself with basic tools and techniques. Here's what actually works:
Start with a Plunger (The Right Way)
A plunger works by creating suction and pressure to dislodge clogs. But most people don't use them correctly:
- 1.Cover the overflow: In sinks and tubs, plug the overflow hole with a wet rag so you're creating pressure on the clog, not just pushing air around
- 2.Fill with water: The drain should have several inches of water in it—you're using water pressure, not air
- 3.Create a seal: Press the plunger down firmly so it's sealed around the drain
- 4.Push and pull vigorously: You want 15-20 forceful pumps, not gentle dabbing
This works great for simple clogs close to the drain opening—hair, soap buildup, small objects that accidentally went down.
Try a Drain Snake for Deeper Clogs
A manual drain snake (also called a drum auger) can reach clogs several feet down the pipe. You can buy one at any hardware store for $20-40:
- Feed the cable down the drain slowly, cranking the handle as you go. You're trying to either break through the clog or hook it so you can pull it out
- When you hit resistance, that's probably your clog. Keep cranking while pushing gently—the snake tip should work through it
- Pull the snake out periodically to clean hair and debris off the end
Drain snakes work well for bathroom sink and tub drains where hair is the usual culprit. They're less effective for kitchen sinks (grease clogs) or main line blockages.
Clean the P-Trap Under Sinks
The P-trap is that curved pipe under your sink. It holds water to block sewer gases, but it also catches debris. Sometimes that's where your clog is:
- 1.Put a bucket under the P-trap
- 2.Unscrew the slip nuts on both ends (hand-tight usually, might need channel locks if they're stuck)
- 3.Remove the P-trap and dump out the water and debris
- 4.Clean it thoroughly and reattach it
If the drain still doesn't work after cleaning the P-trap, the clog is further down the line.
When to Call a Professional
Some clogs need professional equipment and expertise. Here's when to call instead of DIY:
Multiple drains backing up at once
If your toilet, shower, and sink all start backing up around the same time, that's a main sewer line problem. This needs a professional with a sewer camera and motorized drain machine.
Water backing up in strange places
Shower drains backing up when you flush the toilet? Water in the tub when you run the washing machine? These are signs your main line is blocked or collapsing somewhere.
Recurring clogs in the same drain
If you're clearing the same drain monthly, there's an underlying cause that needs diagnosis—could be pipe damage, severe buildup, or roots growing in from outside.
Sewage smell coming from drains
If you're smelling sewage, the problem is beyond a simple clog. This could indicate venting issues, main line problems, or dry P-traps that need professional assessment.
Your DIY attempts didn't work
If you've properly tried plunging and snaking but the drain is still slow or backed up, it's time to call someone with professional equipment. Continuing to fight it usually just wastes your time.
Preventing Future Clogs
In Kitchen Sinks
- • Never pour grease down the drain—it solidifies as it cools and builds up over time
- • Use a sink strainer to catch food particles
- • Run hot water for 30 seconds after using the disposal
- • Monthly cleaning with baking soda and vinegar helps prevent buildup
In Bathroom Drains
- • Use drain covers to catch hair before it goes down
- • Clean popup stoppers monthly (they collect soap and hair)
- • Pour boiling water down drains weekly to melt soap buildup
- • Don't treat your toilet like a trash can—only human waste and toilet paper
Drain Still Won't Clear?
We have professional-grade equipment and the experience to diagnose and fix stubborn drain problems throughout Birmingham.