DIY guideDrains

A drain is backing up: stop the water, no chemicals

Stop running water, skip drain chemicals, plunge only the drain you can, and get a plumber if several drains are slow.

5 steps

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Stop using the sinks, the toilets, the washer and the dishwasher, so no more water goes down.
Backed-up water can carry germs. Keep children and pets away, and wear gloves.
Don't pour drain cleaner in. It rarely clears a backup, and it can splash back up at you.
Drain cleaner can burn skin and eyes.
Look at the other drains. If only one is slow, the clog is in that drain. If several are, it's the main line.
Only one drain? Seal the plunger's cup over it and push down firmly a few times.
Never plunge a drain someone has poured drain cleaner into.
If several drains are slow, or water comes up a floor drain, ask Handyman for a plumber to clear the main line.

Handyman says: Stop using water. I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.