Plumbing · Can wait

Clogged drain? Here’s what to do.

One slow drain is rarely urgent. Several drains at once, or water coming up where it shouldn’t, points to the sewer line instead.

First, this

Plunger or snake first. Try a plunger or a plumber's snake. Source
For a slow drain. For a slow drain, NMSU Extension suggests pouring 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar, waiting 10 minutes, then pouring hot water down the drain. Source
Go easy on chemical openers. Avoid chemical drain openers, especially if your home is on a septic system. Source
In Tyler, the city checks its side first. If the sewer backs up in Tyler, call the Water Service Center during business hours at (903) 531-1285 (option 2 or 3); a city crew can check whether the blockage is in the city-owned pipe. Source

Photo: Sixteen Miles Out, Unsplash

Usually one to plan.

Call nowSewage or wastewater coming up into the house, or several drains backing up at once (see sewer).

TodayThe only toilet or the kitchen drain is fully blocked and a plunger or snake has not cleared it.

Can waitOne slow sink, tub, or shower drain while other drains work normally.

Safety first

Get immediate medical help if drain cleaner is swallowed or touches skin. Source
Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia; it creates a deadly gas. Source
Do not pour food, oil, or grease down the drain; it can clog and damage your pipes and sewer lines. Source

What to tell the plumber

Which drains are slow or blocked, and whether more than one fixture is affected.
Whether you have used any chemical drain cleaner, and which product.
Whether your home is on city sewer or a septic system.
Where your sewer cleanout is, if you know. Tyler suggests owners and tenants learn the general layout of their plumbing, especially the sewer cleanout.

What it costs

We don’t publish prices we can’t source. Your plumber looks, then quotes before starting.

Asking Vora is free. The plumber pays us a referral fee.