CANADA'S STORE Made for Life in Canada

Credit Offered* Learn More

How to unclog a drain

It’s frustrating when your sink is slow to drain. It may be clogged and will need unplugging. Follow these easy steps to help drain out the frustration.

Unclog a drain 1280x522-topbanner Unclog a drain 1280x522-topbanner

15 MIN | EASY | 14 STEPS

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

STEP 1

Start by putting on your gloves and safety glasses.

04 small projects 2015 unblock drain 04 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 2

Caution: The tip of the auger is sharp.

Safety glasses will protect your eyes from splashes if chemicals were used in an attempt to clean the drain earlier.

05 small projects 2015 unblock drain 05 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 3

With a clogged bathroom sink, start by removing the pop-up drain plug.

06 small projects 2015 unblock drain 06 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 4

Disconnect the lift arm and remove the lift mechanism from the drain pipe.

07 small projects 2015 unblock drain 07 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 5

In this case, the clog will be cleared through the drain.

STEP 6

Release the cable lock.

Begin feeding the auger down the drain until you reach the clog or an obstruction like a sharp bend in the pipe.

08 small projects 2015 unblock drain 08 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 7

When you meet some resistance, lock the cable.

09 small projects 2015 unblock drain 09 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 8

Rotate the auger clockwise, while applying pressure on the cable.

Take your time – the auger bit has to travel through bends in the pipe to reach the clog.

10 small projects 2015 unblock drain 10 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 9

Once the auger is moving easily, release more cable.

You can then lock it and begin rotating the auger and applying pressure to reach the clog.

11 small projects 2015 unblock drain 11 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 10

As the auger reaches the clog, keep rotating the auger and applying pressure to clear the clog.

12 small projects 2015 unblock drain 12 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 11

Once the clog has been cleared, release the lock and retrieve the cable.

13 small projects 2015 unblock drain 13 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 12

Clean the auger tip.

Be careful of splashes in case there is drain cleaning fluid in the clog.

14 small projects 2015 unblock drain 14 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 13

Re-install the pop-up stopper.

15 small projects 2015 unblock drain 15 small projects 2015 unblock drain

STEP 14

Don’t forget to clean the sink. And you’re done!