Use your fingers or a flashlight to look down the drain. If you see a clump of hair or buildup near the opening, grab it and pull it out. Wear gloves. Do not force anything or push debris deeper.
Heat a kettle of water until it boils, then slowly pour it down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes. This sometimes dissolves grease. Do this only for kitchen sinks; never use boiling water in a toilet.
Fill the sink with a few inches of water, press the plunger cup over the drain, and pump 15 to 20 times quickly. This can dislodge a close blockage. If the water drains, you're done. If not, call us.
Those products damage pipes and make the problem worse for a plumber to fix. Do not pour them down the drain. They sit in the pipe and corrode it from the inside, especially in older Carmel homes with cast iron or galvanized lines.
Hair and soap are the main culprits in bathroom drains. Kitchen drains clog from grease and food particles, even when you think you're running water while you clean. Over time, mineral deposits from Carmel's water also build up on the inside of pipes, narrowing the opening. A slow drain is the first sign the blockage is getting thick.
A plumber uses a camera to see inside the pipe and find the exact location of the clog. Depending on what's blocking it, we may hand-auger it, flush it with pressurized water, or use a drain snake to break it apart. For severe blockages or recurring clogs, a full-line cleaning can clear years of buildup.
A clogged drain that you ignore gets worse. It holds water and bacteria, and the pressure builds until the pipe leaks or backs up into your home. Carmel homes have varied piping: some are old ceramic or cast iron, others plastic. A plumber knows which method won't damage your specific pipes.
Describe what you're seeing to a real Carmel-by-the-Sea plumber: call (831) 555-0182 or send the form. Free, no obligation.