Ever felt that sinking feeling when the water in your sink just doesn't want to sink?

Don't fret. You should never call a plumber unless you have tried solving the problem yourself first without success. There are many practical tips that you can follow if you want to solve this common household problem in a flash. Start by finding the tools you need.

You need the following:

• pliers
• pipe
• joint compound or teflon tape
• pipe wrench
• plunger
• petroleum jelly
• plumber's auger
• screwdrivers

Clog Location

Before you can unclog something, you have to identify its location first. If you're dealing with only one clogged drain, sink, toilet, or shower, you shouldn't panic. This is very easy to remedy because this means the clogging is only caused by something that's trapped in a fixture. If more than one drain is simultaneously clogged, there must be a problem in the main drain line. This task is a bit arduous but you can deal with it, too.

Clean the Stoppers and Strainers

The most common clogs take place in the strainers and stoppers that are found in many sinks and bathtubs. To deal with this blockage, all you need to do is take out the stainless-steel strainer and clean it. Here are some pointers you should consider:

• If you're going to unclog a drain that is covered by a strainer, remove the screws so that you can take the strainer out. Once loose, wash away any build-up that you can find on the strainer. Give it a thorough cleaning.
• Prevent hair from twisting around the rubber stopper's base by cleaning it regularly. If you have a stopper that requires pliers, make sure you put padding around the stopper so that you won't accidentally chip the chrome finish. Once you're able to remove it, wipe clean the base of the drain.

How To Use Plungers Properly

A plunger is a plumber's most trusted tool for unclogging drains. Unfortunately, many people don't have the slightest idea of how to make this simple but reliable plumbing device work. If you use plungers the right way, they can clear some lodged material that's not too far into the main drain. Here's what you need to know:

• You can't vacuum with a plunger unless you block some overflow holes (if any) such as drains in adjacent sinks. You can block openings by forcing thick rags into the holes.
• Water is vital when you use the plunger. If there's no water present on the problem area, run two to three inches of water over the clogged drain. The water will help push the obstruction out of the way, adding to the suction power.
• Prepare a basin full of water because while you plunge, water on the problem area may disappear. Having extra water ready will keep your plunging continuous and also serves as a way to test if the clog has been pushed out of the way.
• For more powerful suction, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The jelly will create a tighter seal. Many people forget to do this - don't be one of them!
• You're ready to plunge. Using both your hands, place the plunger on top of the drain and use the handle to force the rubber down the drain. Do this numerous times. Plunge for at least two minutes and then start testing if water goes down the drain. If it looks sluggish, resume plunging. When you see that the water is relatively fast, but not normal, run some hot water into the drain to wash the remaining particles away.

How To Clean The Trap

If the plunger doesn't yield you desirable results, you need to focus your attention on the trap that's under your sink.

• Aim a bucket directly below the trap to catch any waste water.
• Some traps have a clean out-plug. It's the square or sometimes hexagonal plug at the base of the bend. To remove the stuck debris, take out the plug and simply push a straightened coat hanger or bottle brush around the bends of the trap.
• If there are no clean-out plugs, loosen the two couplings to remove the trap. Be sure to pad the water pump pliers to avoid damaging the chrome finish. Trap joints may be stubborn so it will help to have some penetrating oil around.
• Once the trap is loose, hold it over the bucket because it may have some waste water. Insert a bottle brush or straightened coat hanger into the trap to push the debris.
• Use hot, soapy water to wash the trap.
• It's important that you check the trap for any wear and corrosion before you re-install. You can prevent leakage by doing this. Metal or plastic material may already be thin. If that's the case, replace the trap. It's also best to reseal the threads and clean the trap before reconnecting. This is done by using the pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.

How To Use The Plumber's Auger

If all else fails, you can use the plumber's snake or sewer's snake. You use this when the plunger, trap, strainer, and stopper cleaning fail. Resorting to the snake means that the clog has lodged far into the pipes. You need a a lengthy snake to push the debris out.

• Remove the trap of the sink and insert the snake into the drain line. Keep pushing until you meet an obstruction.
• The obstruction would definitely be the clog. Once the snake is against the blockage, twist the snake's handle clockwise so that the snake can hook at the blockage.
• When you feel that the obstruction is solidly hooked, twist some more while pushing the snake back and forth to break the debris. This time, use cold water to flush the pipe.
• Reassemble the sink trap once the clog is removed. Follow re-assemble trap protocol by cleaning the trap, resealing threads and using Teflon tape. Run water to check if the clog is flushed thoroughly and to check if the trap is not leaking.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

If the snake doesn't work for you, it's time you use a a fast-acting chemical drain cleaner. These cleaners dissolve blockage due to high concentrations of lye or sulfuric acid that burn through almost all kinds of debris that clog drains.

You just have to follow the set of instructions provided by the manufacturer. Take note of the warnings and remember to flush the drain thoroughly with water once you are finished.

Now For The Main Drain

If the different drains in your house are clogged all at once, then the main drain may particularly be blocked. It's time now to clean the main drain line or the sewer.

• Be in full gear when you do this since the job is quite laborious. Find the clean-out plugs that are located on large drain pipes to clean the main drain line. You can also search for these plugs on the vertical pipes in your crawl space or basement. On some properties, you may find these in pantry closets, garage, or sometimes, there is access to outdoor plugs along the foundations outside the house. It's rare that a plug may be horizontal since it's mostly on a vertical position.
• Find a steel or plastic cap with a square fitting at the top. These caps have to be removed using a wrench. Always have a catch basin or bucket in place when opening the drain.
• Use the snake again to break up any clogs. This time, the auger must be inserted in both directions of the pipe. It's also a good idea to use a powerful stream of water from your garden hose to break up obstructions.
• You must replace the drain pipe's steel cap with a new one.

Preventing Kitchen Sink Clogs

If your sink drain doesn't have a grinder, you'll most probably experience some kitchen sink clogging. To prevent this from happening, here are a few more tips:

• Don't make your sink a garbage can. Don't empty coffee grounds into the sink. Don't empty grease into the sink, because it collects in the pipe and particles of food will stick to it. Sewers can't break down grease, so no grease on the pipes, please.
• Always run plenty of water whether or not you're using the grinder when flushing food particles down the pipe.
• It's helpful to pour boiling water down the kitchen sink every once in a while. This melts any fat or debris that slowly accumulates.

Preventing Bathroom Clogs

• Frequently clean the pop-up stoppers. You naturally shed hair every time you use the bathroom.
• Throw your toilet paper in the waste basket; don't flush it down the drain or the toilet. Excess paper also clogs the sewer system.

General Precautions

• Refrain from pouring hot wax, paint thinner, or paint down the drain.
• If you have a home that comes with its own septic tank, have a professional regularly inspect your septic tank. Check with your local health board about your community rules.
• Have a non-caustic drain cleaner running in your drains every six months

There's a saying that an ounce of prevention results in pounds of cure. Follow the necessary precautions so that no debris builds up inside your drain pipes. Maintaining a clean sink will yield you precious time for doing more meaningful things than plunging and toiling all day long.