Omar Khalid
Plastic pipes can get clogged and require a little more care and attention when unclogging to avoid damaging them. There are several methods to unclog a plastic pipe, including using a plumbing snake, a wet/dry vacuum, or a bent wire hanger. It is important to locate the clog first and then carefully and slowly feed the tool of choice into the pipe, twisting it to dislodge the obstruction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Before attempting to unclog a plastic pipe | Ensure it is not a pipe that contains chemical drain cleaner |
| Locate the clogged pipe through trial and error | |
| Use a liquid drain cleaner first to dislodge any clogs | |
| Tools | Wet/dry vacuum, plumbing snake, wire coat hanger, baking soda, salt, hot water, penetrating oil, leather gloves, safety glasses |
| Using a plumbing snake | Feed the snake into the pipe until you hit an obstruction, then turn it slowly clockwise to get past the obstruction. Continue feeding and turning the snake to encourage it to move along the pipe. Once you get through the clog, reverse the process to remove the snake |
| Using a wet/dry vacuum | Turn the vacuum to the wet setting and use the highest suction possible. Hold it over the drain and wait for something to come up. Cover the vacuum vent with a plastic bag or container to catch any particles that make it through the filter |
| Using a wire coat hanger | Straighten out the hanger and bend the tip to a 90-degree angle using pliers. Push the hooked end down the drain and into the pipe, then twist and pull upward. Repeat until you pull something out |
| Using baking soda, salt, and hot water | Mix equal parts baking soda and salt, then add them to a pot of hot water. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then turn on the tap |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plumbing snake
Plastic pipes can be damaged by heavy metal drain snakes, so it's important to use a plumbing snake with care. Before using a plumbing snake, it's recommended to try a liquid drain cleaner first to see if you can dislodge the clog. If the liquid drain cleaner doesn't work, then you can try snaking the drain.
A plumbing snake is a simple but effective tool used to clear clogs from sinks, showers, and tubs. It consists of a long, flexible coiled wire with a corkscrew tip that breaks apart or grabs onto blockages as you push it through the pipe. Basic handheld drain snakes can clear most clogs about 20 feet down the pipe or less.
To use a plumbing snake, first, make sure you have all the required tools and safety measures in place. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and safety glasses. Choose the right type of snake for the job—for example, a flat tape snake is suitable for narrow pipes, while a toilet auger is designed for toilets.
Once you have the right snake, start by removing the P-trap, a U-shaped pipe bend, and the trap arm, which is the section of pipe that connects the P-trap to the main drain stack in your wall. Use a rag to grip and loosen the plastic nuts, allowing the water to drain into a container. This makes it easier to insert the snake and skip complex turns within the piping.
After removing the P-trap and trap arm, insert the plumbing snake into the pipe. Snake the pipe slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the pipe. Twist the auger end into the pipe, and use a snake that is not too wide for the drain. When the snake experiences resistance, you've likely located the clog. Gently pull the snake backward out of the pipe while cranking the coiled wire back onto the reel, and remove any debris that comes up with the cable. If you think the blockage remains, repeat the snaking process until the pipe is clear.
Finally, reassemble the pipe and pour water down the drain to confirm that you've cleared the blockage.
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Baking soda, salt, and hot water
First, pour one cup of baking soda into the clogged drain. Follow this with half a cup of salt. Let this mixture sit in the drain for several hours. Overnight is ideal, but if you need to use the drain sooner, you can let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour.
Next, boil two cups of water and pour it into the drain. If the drain begins to work, continue to flush it with hot tap water. If not, you may need to repeat the process.
If the baking soda and salt method does not work, you can try the baking soda and vinegar method. Remove standing water from the sink, pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain, and follow it with an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution will bubble due to a chemical reaction. When the bubbles subside, place a stopper on the drain and wait 15 minutes. Run hot water to see if the clog has cleared.
If none of these methods work, you may need to call a plumber to take a look.
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Wet/dry vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum is a highly effective tool for unclogging plastic pipes. It can be used to tackle blockages in various drains, including bathroom and kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains. The wet/dry design allows it to vacuum both water and solid particles, such as food, hair, and debris.
First, ensure your wet/dry vacuum is plugged in and ready for use. If you are using extensions, attach the hose securely over the drain, creating an airtight seal. You may need an extra hand or a heavy object to hold it in place. Use a drain cover or plunger to ensure a tight seal.
Next, turn the vacuum on to its highest suction power and hold it over the drain. It is important to cover the vacuum vent with a plastic bag or container to catch any particles that escape. Listen for a change in the vacuum's sound, indicating that it has sucked out the clog.
If the blockage is not cleared, try pressing the nozzle of the vacuum further into the drain. For double kitchen sinks, make sure one side is plugged while you work on the other to maintain compression. You may need to repeat the process several times until the drain is fully cleared.
It is important to note that a wet/dry vacuum may not be effective for clogs located further from the drain. Additionally, always wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when using a wet/dry vacuum for drain maintenance, as debris can splash out.
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Liquid drain cleaner
If you are dealing with a clogged plastic pipe, it is recommended to use a liquid drain cleaner first to see if you can dislodge any clogs and clear the drain before snaking it. This is because plastic pipes can be easily damaged by heavy metal drain snakes.
If you still want to use a liquid drain cleaner, there are a few homemade solutions you can try. One option is to mix equal parts of baking soda and salt, then add them to a pot of hot water. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before turning on the tap. Another option is to sprinkle a cup of baking soda into your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes after it stops bubbling, and then flush it away with hot water.
It is important to note that you should never remove a cleanout plug or attempt to unclog a pipe that contains a chemical drain cleaner. Always follow the safety instructions on the product label and take the necessary precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation.
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Removing the pipe
The most likely spot for a clog is in the "P-Trap", which can be accessed by loosening the compression fittings before and after the trap. If the clog is not in the P-Trap, loosen the fitting where the trap arm goes into the wall and introduce the snake there.
If the clog is not too far down the pipe, you can try to remove it without a snake. First, try using a wire coat hanger. Straighten it out and bend the tip to a 90-degree angle using a pair of pliers. The length of the hook should be small enough to fit through the drain. Push the hooked end down the drain and into the piping as far as you can, then twist it and pull it upward. Repeat this process until you pull something out.
If the clog is further down the pipe, you will need to use a plumbing snake. Before using the snake, use a liquid drain cleaner to see if you can dislodge the clog. This will make it easier to smoothly eliminate the rest using the snake. Slowly feed the snake into the pipe, turning it clockwise to help it continue along the pipe. Once you get through the clog, reverse the process to get the snake back out.
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Frequently asked questions
If the clog is in a pipe directly under a sink, it is usually more efficient to remove the pipe and unclog it by hand. If you want to use a snake tool, feed it into the pipe until you hit an obstruction, then turn it slowly clockwise to get past the obstruction.
A snake tool is a plumbing snake that can be fed into a drain to clear out clogs. They can be purchased or rented.
A wire coat hanger can be straightened and bent at the end to a 90-degree angle to be used to unclog a pipe. A mixture of baking soda, salt, and hot water can also be used to clear blockages.
Set the vacuum to its wet setting and cover the vacuum vent with a plastic bag or container. Hold the nozzle over the drain and turn on the vacuum.
It is important to never remove a cleanout plug or attempt to unclog a pipe that contains chemical drain cleaner. Always wear safety glasses and heavy-duty leather gloves when operating machinery to unclog pipes.
