Clogged drains can be annoying, and expensive. They can cause leaks or become a place for mold and germs to spread. However, if you act quickly, a little effort keeps a small issue from becoming bigger. Before you call in a plumber, there are a few things you can try to remove a clog.

• Removing what’s reachable. For a shower drain, you may need a hair remover tool for this. In the kitchen, there is often a trap you can empty to help remove food material that could be slowing the flow of water.
• Get out the plunger. If the issue is one small blockage, a little suction can resolve the problem early. To do so, first ensure there is enough water in the sink or toilet to cover the rubber part of the plunger. Then, place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down vigorously for about a minute. The suction created by the plunger can help to loosen any blockages in the drain.
• Use a drain cleaner. Read the label to find one formulated for the type of drain you’re de-clogging and then follow the directions carefully. This can be a very effective way to break apart a clog and send it down the drain.
• Consider using a drain snake. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible metal wire with a corkscrew at one end. To use this method, insert the snake into the drain and twist it clockwise and counterclockwise while pushing it down the drain. When you feel resistance, continue twisting and pushing until you can push the corkscrew through the blockage. Once the blockage has been broken up, flush the drain with hot water.

Even if you need to pay to bring in a plumber, fixing the issue now will cost less than if you put off fixing the clog. Get your drain flowing again!