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A large pool of standing water is a telltale sign of a clogged drain. Standing water pools can attract insects, making your life difficult. However, there are several methods to clear a drain. Using a traditional plunger, or ingredients found at home, you can clear a drain quick.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Plunging the Drain

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, pick out any debris that is blocking the drain. Oftentimes, hairs, soap scum, or other bathroom products can clog it. [1] By removing the blockage you may fix the standing water problem immediately. If the water remains, you will need to take further steps. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    [3] Before continuing, you need to remove all the standing water so that you can work on the drains. With a bucket, scoop out the water and dispose of it outside, or down a functioning drain. [4]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    The overflow drain will usually sit below a tap. If the water level gets too high, the overflow drain helps the main drain get rid of the water. If there is an overflow drain, open it. An attached long coil will run down the drain. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Remove any hairs, scum, or miscellaneous blockage attached to the coil. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    [7] Place the plunger over the entirety of the drain. The suction cup will prevent any air from leaving. Then, keep pushing the handle in and out. This will clear any blockages move them towards the plunger. You will know you've cleared the drain when you hear the pipes begin to empty. [8]
    • Patience is key when plunging. It's rarely a fast process, but it is an effective one.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Once you hear the drain clear of the blockage, remove the plunger. Turn a hot tap on and let it run through the pipes for 5-10 minutes. This will help clear any residual blockages.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Trying Baking Soda and Vinegar

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Hairs, bathroom products, or any other debris can cause the initial blockage. Use a pair of rubber gloves to remove and dispose of any debris clogging the drain. If this fixes the issue, you don't need to continue with the chemical cleansing process. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    You won't be able to chemically clean the drain when standing water remains. Use a bucket or cup to empty any of the standing water remaining in the tub or sink. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Instead of using store-bought chemicals, you can use chemicals found in your kitchen to clear the drain. Fill 1 cup (180g) with baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) with a household vinegar. Any vinegar will work for this process. The more acidic the vinegar, the more effective it will be.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Bring the chemicals beside the drain you're seeking to unblock. Pour 1/2 (90g) a cup of the baking soda down the drain. Make sure that it covers most of the interior. Use a long stick to push the baking soda as far down the drain as possible. [11]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Once the baking soda is coating the inside of the pipe, slowly pour 1 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar down the drain. You should hear fizzing. This means the desired chemical reaction is working. Once you hear the fizzing, cover the drain with a rag. [12]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    Listen to the fizzing. When it stops, remove the rag and pour the other 1/2 cup (90g) of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar as well. Let the process repeat, covering the drain with a rag. [13]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
    After using the last of the baking soda and vinegar, wait for a full 30 minutes. Then, boil a kettle full of water. Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. This will clear the remnants of the clog and the chemicals still in the drain. [14]
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      Things You'll Need

      Plunging the Drain

      • Rubber gloves
      • Plunger

      Trying Baking Soda and Vinegar

      • Rubber gloves
      • 1 cup (180g) of baking soda
      • 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar
      • A rag
      • Boiling water

      References

      1. David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
      2. https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/home-garden/how-to-clear-blocked-drains
      3. David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
      4. https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/drain-repair/unclog-a-bathtub-drain-without-chemicals/view-all/
      5. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/clear-any-clogged-drain
      6. David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
      7. David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
      8. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/clear-any-clogged-drain
      9. https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/home-garden/how-to-clear-blocked-drains

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To unclog a drain with standing water, start by clearing any visible blockage by putting on rubber gloves and pulling it out. If there's still standing water around the drain, scoop the water out with a bucket. Then, place your plunger over the entirety of the drain and push the handle in and out to move deeper blockages towards the surface. Since this can take some time, try to be patient and keep plunging until you hear the pipes begin to empty. Once the drain is cleared, remove the plunger and run hot water through the pipes for 5 to 10 minutes to clear any residual blockages. For more tips, including how to use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Mark Stephan

        Mar 12, 2019

        "It worked with just the plunger method! Silly me, it never came to mind. I immediately thought of the snake and ..." more
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