Plunging and Augering

Clearing clogs with a plunger

Before you plunge, seal off the rubber dishwasher drain hose that leads to the garbage disposal, if you have one, by pinching it with a C-clamp and two pieces of wood. Lift out the sink basket and clear any debris caught in the drain opening. Fill the sink with water to cover the plunger cup. On a double sink, pack rags wrapped in plastic into the drain opening, or have a helper hold the strainer in place.

Set the plunger squarely over the drain and pump vigorously up and down at least a dozen times, then pull away sharply. Repeat if necessary.

Unclogging the toilet

A flange-type plunger fits into the toilet drain and exerts more pressure than the old-style cup plunger.

1. If the bowl is full or overflowing, put on rubber gloves and use a plastic container to bail out half the water. If the bowl is empty, add water to half-full.

2. Place the plunger over the drain opening (the larger one if there are two). Keeping the plunger below water level and firmly in place, pump up and down rapidly about eight times. If the water rushes away, you may have removed the blockage.

3. Use the plunger again to be sure the water is draining freely. Then pour a pail of water and plunge one more time before flushing the toilet to refill the bowl.

4. If the blockage remains after plunging, use a closet auger. You can also use a drain auger or “snake,” but the closet auger is much easier.

Using a closet auger

1. Determine the direction in which to guide the auger. Some toilets are rear-draining, while others are front-draining.

2. Feed the curved tip of the auger into the drain opening. Crank clockwise and push with moderate pressure until the auger tightens up, then crank in the other direction. When the auger tightens again, reverse the direction until the auger is as far in the drain as it will go.

3. Pull the handle up and out to remove the auger. If it jams, push gently, then pull again. You may have to turn the handle as you pull up.

4. Augering may either push the blockage through, or pull gunk up into the bowl. After augering, remove any large pieces, wearing rubber gloves. Finish with a plunger to ensure that the drain runs freely.