What are my options for taking care of a plumbing backup?

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

Simple backups can often be cured by pouring 3 quarts of hot (just under boiling) water down the drain. Sometimes a small drain snake to remove hair may be required.

Answer by  Cjc (299)

It depends on where the backup is located. It can be as easy as using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Or some drain cleaner for nastier types of clogs.

Answer by  grothcc (119)

One can always try the plunger, but this would only work if the clog is before the vent piping. Drain cleaner may work but can cause pipe or person damage.

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

You can get a snake, which is a long, flexible metal tool that you can use to break up drain clogs. If the clog is in the main drain, you can rent the same kind of motorized snake that plumbers use. It's messy and smelly but cheaper.

Answer by  PooBear (341)

Start with a plunger, use it several times. It that doesn't work, try a plumbers snake, availabel at any good hardware store. Use it according to directions. If neither of these work, it is probably time to call a professional to find out just what is causing the backup.

Answer by  embockjr (709)

You must open up the blockage. Hopefully, the location us known and access to the area is possible. A plumbers snake is often all that is required to clear the obstruction and it's use would be recommended - after trying the simple plunger approach first. Next step, a plumber!

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, get a snake from a hardware store. The snake needs to be applied into the toilet and you can push it forward to get out the water. This will apply the necessary pressure that you need to create a backup. Then you don't have to call the plumber at all.

Answer by  strohs21 (181)

There are dofferent types of backup. If the backup is due to a clogged pipe there are chemicals that will break down the clog or snaking the pipe is an alternative. If the backup is because of full septic, it will need to be pumped.

Answer by  LeheckaG (1826)

First, bail out what overflow sewage/water you can. You can try vacuuming/plunging/snaking your pipes; follow the pipes looking for a clean-out-access-plug. Pulling/sucking clogs out of your pipes is more beneficial than trying to force them down further; the later can make your clogs worse, by blocking your pipes even more.