Ethan Clarke
Plastic drain pipes can get clogged due to various reasons, including hair, soap residue, grease, or other debris. It is important to unclog plastic pipes carefully to avoid damaging them. There are several methods to unclog plastic pipes, including using a plunger, a drain snake, or a liquid drain cleaner. For more serious clogs, a drain-cleaning machine or a sewer jetter can be used, but caution should be taken to avoid damage. Here are some methods to unclog plastic drain pipes without causing harm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Plunger, drain snake, foot-operated switch, vacuum, adjustable wrench, hose, sewer jetter, drain cleaner, auger, wire brush |
| Techniques | Locating clogged piping through trial and error, using hot water, applying a plunger, snaking the piping, using a wet/dry vacuum, feeding the cable into the pipe, using a sewer jetter |
| Safety precautions | Covering the vacuum vent with a plastic bag or container, wearing gloves and eye protection, avoiding cloth or rubber gloves, not using a snake that is too wide for the drain, avoiding certain chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plunger
If you have a double sink, start by sealing off the second side with a wet cloth or stopper. Next, fill the sink with enough water to submerge the bell of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, pushing it down gently to expel air, then pull up sharply. It is important to maintain a good seal for effective plunging. Repeat the plunging motion several times, using an up-and-down motion to force the clogged debris free in the pipe.
When you think the clog has cleared, swiftly remove the plunger from the drain and flush the drain well with warm water.
If you don't have a plunger, you can use a plastic water bottle filled with water as a substitute. Invert the bottle in the drain and push the bottom of the bottle as hard as you can into the drain, crushing it to expel the water forcefully. You may need to repeat this a few times for stubborn clogs.
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Using a snake
Using a plumbing snake is an effective way to unclog plastic drain pipes. Plumbing snakes, also known as drain snakes or augers, are long, flexible cables with corkscrew tips designed to grab onto blockages or break them apart. Snakes are particularly useful for plastic pipes because they are less likely to cause damage than heavy metal drain snakes.
Before using a plumbing snake, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves and safety glasses, to avoid any injuries. It is also crucial to choose the right type of snake for the job. Basic handheld drain snakes are suitable for most clogs, but for tougher clogs, you may need a heavy-duty model or a motorized snake. Additionally, if you are dealing with a clogged toilet, it is recommended to use a closet auger with a rubber-coated wire to protect the porcelain.
To begin the process of unclogging a plastic drain pipe with a snake, first locate the P-trap, the curved section of the pipe below the sink. Place a bucket under the P-trap and unscrew it to empty any water or debris. In some cases, the clog may be located inside the P-trap, and cleaning it out may solve the problem. If not, remove the trap arm, which is the section of the pipe that connects the P-trap to the main drain stack in the wall.
Now, it's time to insert the drain snake. Push the snake into the pipe slowly and carefully, as erratic movements can damage plastic pipes. Feed the snake into the pipe until you hit an obstruction, then turn the snake slowly clockwise to get past it. Continue feeding and turning the snake until you reach the clog. Once you have located the clog, use the snake to break it apart or grab onto it and pull it out. It may take multiple attempts to fully clear the clog, but you will know you have succeeded when water starts flowing freely again.
After removing the clog, it is important to snake up the pipe once more to ensure that it is completely clear. Finally, clean off any residue and reassemble the P-trap and trap arm before testing the drain to ensure it is functioning properly.
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Homemade drain-cleaning solutions
Plastic pipes and drains can get clogged, just like any other type of drain. Before attempting any method to unclog your pipes, it is important to remove your drain screen or stopper and wipe out any visible blockages with a paper towel.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is a common homemade remedy for unclogging drains. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a stopper and let the mixture work for 10 minutes. Then, flush it away with hot water.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of lemon juice into the drain. Wait an hour, and then follow with boiling water.
Baking Soda and Salt
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of salt down the drain. Wait at least an hour, and then flush with boiling water. Alternatively, you can use equal parts of baking soda and salt, adding 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.
Salt
Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. Flush the drain with hot water.
Hot Water
Turn on the hot water faucet and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. The hot water may dislodge the clog or melt away the sludge around it, allowing the clog to pass through the pipe.
Plunger
If hot water doesn't work, try using a plunger. Place a wet rag in one of the drains if you have a double sink. Place the plunger over the drain and roll it onto the drain to push water into it. Press the plunger firmly down to create a seal. Push the plunger up and down many times and then swiftly remove it from the drain.
Snake the Drain
If the clog is further down the pipe, you may need to snake the drain. Insert a drain snake and spin it as you push it down the drain until it reaches the clog. Continue rotating the snake to loosen and remove the clog. Remember to snake the pipe slowly and carefully, as fast, erratic movements can damage plastic pipes.
Always be cautious when using boiling water, as it can cause injuries if it splashes or splatters.
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Using a sewer jetter
Sewer jetters are a great way to clear pipe blockages. They use high-pressure water to move through pipes and break away buildup. Sewer jetters are particularly useful for clearing corrugated accordion drains, PVC drains, and other types of plastic landscape drains.
Before you start, it is important to inspect your pipes, especially if they are old. Older pipes may not be able to handle the high pressure that a sewer jetter produces and could cause expensive damage to your drainpipes. If you are confident your pipes are in good condition, find a drain opening that is downhill from the problem area, where water normally exits the pipe. Start from this downhill opening and point the sewer jetter nozzle uphill so that the back jets work with gravity to flush the debris out of the drain.
If you are using a sewer jetter attachment with a pressure washer, ensure that the jetter components match the pressure washer's flow ratings. The jetter hose should have the smallest possible diameter that can handle the GPM flow rate without overloading your machine. The jet nozzle should closely match the GPM flow of your machine, with a spray pattern optimised for more thorough cleaning. The coupling end should have an adapter that attaches to the trigger gun of your pressure washer, allowing you to use the trigger as your on-off valve.
As you guide the sewer jetter into the pipe, squeeze the trigger. For a more thorough clean, pull the jetter back slightly every few feet, then continue moving forward. Once you have finished cleaning, release the trigger to stop the water flow before the nozzle reaches the drain opening. Then, carefully remove the sewer jetter from the pipe.
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Removing the cleanout plug
Cleanout plugs are used to clean out your piping and are located in plumbing fixtures, leading away from your home, or in basement or garage floor drains. Beneath the drain cover is a plastic or metal cap, also known as a cleanout plug, and a standard drainage pipe. Before attempting to open a stuck cleanout cap, either shut off the main water supply or avoid using any water in the house. Allow water to drain out of the system, preferably overnight, so that water does not pour out after the cleanout plug is off.
If the cleanout plug is metal, it will likely be stubborn to remove. Apply penetrating oil to the threads and wait overnight before attempting to remove it. Make sure to place a bucket under the cleanout plug while you work to catch any water that may drain out. Loosen the plug with a large pipe wrench, but do not remove it. If the plug remains stubborn, place a cold chisel on one edge of the nut and tap it firmly counterclockwise with a ball-peen hammer. Then, move to the next face. Continue hammering until the plug is loose enough to turn with a wrench.
If the penetrating oil doesn't work, try burning off any rust around the plug and fitting with a propane torch. Hold the wrench with one hand and move the torch over the rusted fitting with the other. If this still doesn't work, apply rust penetrant to the area and use two hammers to apply simultaneous blows to opposite sides of the tee or wye fitting. Rotate the double blows around the entire fitting and then try using a pipe wrench again. The vibrations from the shocks will help break up the corrosion and allow the rust penetrant to work.
If the plug breaks loose, you can snake the line. If the plug is still stuck, you'll have to destroy the cap and replace it with a new one. Using a power drill with a 3/8-inch metal bit, drill a ring of holes within 1/4 inch of the edge of the plug. With a hammer and chisel, knock out the centre of the plug, then the pieces between the holes. Do not let the pieces fall down the main drain. Replace the plug with a new one after you have unblocked the clog.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some methods to unclog plastic drain pipes:
- Use a plunger to remove minor clogs.
- Snake the pipe to dislodge clogs.
- Use a combination of baking soda, salt, and hot water to clear the clog.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the clog.
- Use a combination of hot water and dish soap.
Drain snakes are flexible augers used to break up and remove clogs in pipes. They are inserted into the drain and rotated to grab and remove the clog.
It is important to be cautious when unclogging plastic drain pipes to avoid damaging them. Do not use heavy metal drain snakes as they can damage plastic pipes. Always read the instructions and warnings on any commercial drain cleaners before use, as some chemicals can damage pipes.
If you notice water backing up in your sinks, showers, or toilets, it is likely that your plastic drain pipe is clogged.
There are various commercial drain cleaners available, such as:
- Enzyme or bacterial drain cleaners: These are safe and effective for removing organic materials like grease and hair.
- Chemical-based cleaners: These can be effective but may cause damage if not used properly.
Additionally, tools like a sewer jetter or a pressure washer can be used to scrub and flush away debris in plastic landscape drains.
