How to Unclog a Urinal: Step-by-Step

Unclogging a urinal can be quite challenging, especially if you're unsure of the right steps to take. To help you navigate through this, here's a guide on how to effectively unclog a urinal using three different methods.

Method 1: Plunging a Urinal

1. Safety First

   • Wear rubber gloves: Before starting any maintenance work in a bathroom, especially one in a public setting, prioritize your safety by wearing rubber gloves. These gloves protect your hands from potentially harmful substances and provide a barrier between your skin and unpleasant odors.
   • Consider a dust mask: In public bathrooms, odors can be particularly unpleasant. To mitigate this, consider wearing a dust mask. This additional precaution can help you breathe more comfortably while working in confined spaces.
   • Wear rubber rain boots in flooded areas: If you're dealing with a flooded bathroom, wearing rubber rain boots is essential. They keep your feet dry and provide extra protection against any hazardous liquids on the floor.
   • Open windows for ventilation: Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated by opening any available windows. Good ventilation helps with odor dispersion and ensures you have fresh air while working.

2. Preparation

   • Remove urinal cakes, splash guards, and debris: Before addressing the blockage, clear the urinal of any urinal cakes, splash guards, or visible debris. This step ensures that your efforts are focused on resolving the blockage itself.
   • Consider investing in urinal cakes: Urinal cakes are not only for odor prevention but also play a role in preventing blockages by breaking down uric acid and mineral buildup. Consider using them regularly to maintain the urinal's functionality.

3. Accessing the Drain

   • Unscrew and remove the drain cover: To access the blockage, you'll need to remove the drain cover. Depending on the design, this may require a screwdriver or simply applying tension to remove it. Removing the cover allows you to reach the blockage more easily.
   • Consider installing a drain cover: If the urinal doesn't have a drain cover or if the existing one is damaged, consider installing a new one. This proactive measure can help prevent future blockages by stopping debris from entering the drain.

4. Plunging

   • Position a plunger over the urinal's drain: Place the plunger over the urinal's drain, ensuring a tight seal. A good seal is crucial for effective plunging and dislodging the blockage.
   • Use a bucket to prevent splash-back: To avoid any mess or splash-back, place a bucket underneath the urinal while plunging. This not only keeps the area clean but also prevents contamination.

5. Test

   • Flush the urinal to check for clearance: After plunging 7-8 times, check to see if the blockage has cleared by flushing the urinal. This step helps confirm the effectiveness of your efforts.
   • Consider a drain auger for persistent problems: If the blockage persists after plunging, it may be necessary to use a drain auger. This tool can reach deeper into the drain to tackle more stubborn obstructions and should be considered for more challenging blockages.

Method 2: Snaking the Drain

1. Get the Right Tool

   • Opt for a drain auger, also known as a drain snake: When dealing with tougher blockages, it's crucial to have the right tool. Choose a drain auger, which is sometimes referred to as a drain snake. This tool is specifically designed to handle stubborn obstructions in pipes.
   • Avoid drum-less variants for urinals: When selecting a drain auger, ensure it has a drum or container to house the cable. Avoid drum-less variants, as they are less suitable for urinal blockages.

2. Initiating

   • Pull out 2-4 feet of the snake's cable: Before beginning the snaking process, pull out a length of 2 to 4 feet of the snake's cable. This step is not necessary for electric variants, which feed the cable automatically.

3. Snaking

   • Insert the cable into the drain: Carefully insert the cable of the drain auger into the urinal's drain. The goal is to feed the cable into the pipe, gradually working it deeper to reach the blockage.
   • Rotate the handle: As you insert the cable, rotate the handle of the drain auger. This action helps to advance the cable into the pipe. If you encounter resistance, continue turning the handle until the cable breaches the blockage.

4. Retrieving the Snake

   • After 15-30 feet: Once you've advanced the cable approximately 15 to 30 feet into the drain, it's time to retrieve the snake. This distance should be sufficient to reach most blockages.
   • Turn the handle in the opposite direction: To retract the cable, turn the handle in the opposite direction. This action pulls the cable back towards you. As you do this, inspect the cable for any debris that may have been dislodged from the blockage.

5. Test

   • Flush the urinal multiple times: To ensure that the blockage is fully cleared, flush the urinal multiple times. This step helps confirm the success of your efforts and ensures that water flows freely through the drain.

Method 3: Using Muriatic Acid on Stubborn Clogs (Consult a Professional!)

1. Safety Precautions

   • Use rubber gloves: Prioritize your safety by wearing rubber gloves when handling muriatic acid. This strong acid can cause skin irritation or burns, making gloves essential.
   • Wear long sleeves: To protect your arms from potential splashes, wear long sleeves. This extra coverage prevents accidental contact with the acid.
   • Wear a mask: Due to the potency of muriatic acid and the potential for noxious fumes, wearing a mask is crucial to protect your respiratory system.
   • Use protective eyewear: Shield your eyes from accidental splashes or fumes by wearing protective eyewear.
   • Note: Muriatic acid should be the last resort: It's important to emphasize that muriatic acid should only be used as a last resort due to its abrasive and potentially hazardous nature. Exhaust all other methods before considering its use.

2. Preparation

   • Mix 1 part muriatic acid with 10 parts water: Prepare a diluted solution of muriatic acid by mixing 1 part acid with 10 parts water. Always add the acid to the water, never the other way around, to prevent dangerous splashes or reactions.

3. Applying the Solution

   • Gently pour the mixture into the urinal's drain: Carefully pour the diluted muriatic acid solution into the urinal's drain. Exercise caution to avoid spillage or splashes.
   • Let it sit for 1-10 minutes: Allow the acid solution to sit in the drain for a period of 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the blockage. Longer times may be necessary for stubborn blockages.
   • Flush multiple times to rinse out the acid and any debris: After the designated waiting period, flush the urinal multiple times with water to thoroughly rinse out the acid and dislodge debris. This step is essential to ensure that no residual acid remains in the system, preventing potential damage or ongoing chemical reactions.

Conclusion: Keeping urinals clog-free is essential for a hygienic and odor-free bathroom. Following these methods can effectively address blockages and maintain a clean restroom environment. Always prioritize safety and use harsh chemicals as a last resort. It is always best to contact an experienced Atlanta plumber before attempting invasive repairs.