How-toWhat to do if the drain is clogged
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What to do when the drain is clogged.

               
Your drain may not be clogged.
NO
Sink is full of water?
YES
Remove any hair, food or other obvious obstruction from drain. Did that solve the problem?
YES
Great. It's important to maintain clean drains. Use drain screens and clean as needed.
...and don't throw garbage down the drain. Compost please.




YES

NO




What makes you think there is a problem? Call the landlord to explain your concern.
NO
Is drain draining slowly?
Take a plunger to the drain and pump up and down. If you have a two-sided kitchen sink, use plungers over both drains.
 
 









 
Good job!
YES
Did that solve the problem?
NO
Call the landlord. Does the landlord answer the phone?
NO
Leave a message. Note the water level and see if it drops at all.








YES

 
 
 
But I am the landlord!
Explain the situation.









 
 
 
If you are lucky you maybe able to use drain cleaning tool that you stick down the drain to extract hair, etc. Were you lucky?
NO
Use drain cleaner. Does that unclog it?







NO

YES

YES
 
 
Call the plumber.
NO
Open the drain clean out (it may be below the house) and use a 30 foot drain cleaning cable. Rotate as needed. Does that work?
YES
Whew! That's good.