Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Remove all excess water from the bathtub, sink or toilet. Simply use an old coffee cup to scoop the water out and pour it into a large container or bucket. If there's a stopper in the sink or tub, remove it as well.
2

Run hot water into the sink or tub until it reaches a depth of approximately 2 inches. If you're dealing with a clogged galvanized sewer pipe connected to the toilet, use a bucket to pour hot water into the bowl of the toilet. Some water is necessary for the plunger to work effectively.
3

Hold a plunger firmly against the opening of the drain in the tub or sink. If you're working a toilet, use a force-ball plunger, as it is designed to seal more tightly against the drain of a toilet. Plunge up and down. This will push water through the galvanized pipe. The high pressure of the water rushing through the pipe might dislodge the obstruction.
4

Plunge the drain opening until the obstruction is cleared from the galvanized pipe. Run hot water down the drain or pour it into the toilet from a bucket. If the water drains or flushes as it should, then you've successfully cleared the obstruction. If you've repeatedly plunged the drain without any success, proceed to Steps 5 and 6.
5

Purchase a chemical drain opener and pour it into the appropriate drain. A drain opener utilizing bauxite and/or caustic soda will generally offer the best results. Read the label on your specific brand of drain opener for proper application instructions.
6

Flush the chemical drain opener out of the pipes by running hot water down the drain for approximately 10 minutes. If you're dealing with a toilet, flush it several times to clear the pipes.