SINK NOT DRAINING - How to UNBLOCK P-TRAP with AUGER when plunger hasn't worked! DIY fix at home!, by LifeOfRyan on YouTube. 2 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put on rubber gloves and eye protection. Place a bucket under the P-trap and lay old towels around it, since dirty water will come out.
Check the symptoms first. Slow draining, water backing up, gurgling or bad smells usually mean a blockage in the P-trap or the waste pipe beyond it.
Try a plunger through the sink drain first, sealing the overflow with a wet cloth. If the water still will not clear, the clog is too stubborn for plunging.
Loosen the slip nuts on the P-trap with an adjustable wrench or pliers and remove the trap. Empty it into the bucket and clear any debris by hand.
Feed the auger cable into the open waste pipe toward the wall. Turn the drum by hand until you feel resistance.
Attach the auger to your drill and run it slowly while gently pushing the cable forward. Let the spinning head break up the blockage instead of forcing it.
Pull the cable back out slowly and wipe it with a rag. Run hot water down the drain to check that it flows freely.
Refit the P-trap and tighten the slip nuts by hand, then a quarter turn with the wrench. Do not overtighten, as plastic nuts crack easily.
Run hot water for a minute and check every joint for leaks. Tighten any nut that drips.
Tips and common mistakes
Never force the auger cable hard, as you can crack the pipe or damage the trap.
Run the drill slowly and in short bursts so the cable does not whip or kink.
Flush the drain with hot water weekly to keep grease and soap scum from building up.
Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into a sink that is fully blocked, as it can sit there and burn you later.
Questions
Can I use a drain auger without a drill?
Yes. Most augers have a hand crank or drum you can turn manually. A drill just makes the job faster on tough clogs.
What if the sink still drains slowly after clearing the P-trap?
The blockage is probably further down the waste pipe or in the main drain. Feed the auger deeper, or call a plumber if it keeps backing up.
Do I need to remove the P-trap to use an auger?
It is easier and cleaner. Removing the trap gives the cable a straight path and lets you clear debris sitting in the bend.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
