How to Unclog Any Drain | Ask This Old House

Nothing is more appreciated, than a knowledgeable person sharing their expertise to make the lives of their audience better. thank you.

You know, I've always been jealous of people who had dads/guardians who taught them basic life skills like how to properly snake a drain since I never had anyone to help me like that. Thanks, This Old House, for filling that void.

I worked for a company with 800 vacation rentals. I got a call every other day about a clogged toilet. The guests would say it's no use, they'd already plunged it. Well, they should have done it like Richard at 1:02 because that's the right way. Actually, don't pull it that hard unless you like poop in your face. No more than two or three "pulls", not pushes, and the clog is gone. And clogged tub? It's hair. It's always hair. It's never anything but hair. Unscrew the popup or pull out the tub drain linkage. Then use needle nose pliers. As I would tell folks, "Look, I pulled out the entire cat." Same for bathroom sinks. It's always hair. Unscrew the popup lever under the sink with a pair of channel locks, pull out the stopper, needle nose pliers down the drain and pull out that fur ball. Good to go.

My dad was a plumber/steamfitter and I went on plenty of jobs with him. Tip: if you are blocking the overflow hole to use a plunger it is more effective to use wet rag than a dry one.

Man i thought they upped a old video but no ! i need to get out the archive and watch them side by side lol . Pretty sure was video was right after Kevin O’Connor got help taking down old wallpaper in his old house then became the new host next season. I love these guys so much years and years helping people

I work for a state park system. We've been using those black expanders for like 15 years. They work so well. Love them and swear by them.

A note about the rubber bladder...You need to make sure you're using it in front of any branches in the plumbing behind the clog. Otherwise you will shoot water up and out of a plumbing fixture...could be a flood if you're not paying attention!

This show/channel is absolutely PRICELESS for homeowners. I've been watching TOH since I was a child though lol. I love this stuff.

More of this style of real information in a usable everyday scenarios. Bravo

All great advice. As a municipal maintenance tech ive used all of these options plus a couple more. One thing to note about the rubber bladders is they work well but make sure that no chemicals/ acids have been tried first. The rubber and acid do NOT mix. The acid can cause the rubber bladder to deteriorate and burst...often while being used under pressure. Not fun!

I love you guys! I've been watching you for 40 years and you always have a solution to help me with my DIY fixes! Thanks!

That was jammed packed with great information. Thank you.

I enjoy this show so much, I've been watching for over 15 years.

I learned about a wet vac a long time ago. Plug up overflows in sink and other nearby sinks or tubs with wet rags, fill with water, place end of vacuum hose over drain, open sink drain, turn on vac. You will be surprised at all the nasty deposits that come out of the drain. I have also sucked out things from drains without drain guards, such as toy cars and plastic grapes. You can repeat if need be. May as well do nearby drains while you have your tools out.

Thanks for the caution given about chemical drain solutions. It is often the go to solution of a home owner. The danger to the repairman is real. I was on the receiving end of a caustic flood once a long run drain was cleared. I had no way to get clear of the flow on a ladder and ended up with chemical burns everywhere it touched.

Great info. I always love Richard's cutaways!

I love the patina on the old Waterloo tool box in the background.

Thanks for the useful and valuable information!

Wonderful presentation! Thank you!

Thank you for this important video! I needed this information! Enjoyed from Texas!