| CLEARING STOPPAGES IN FIXTURES There are several methods you can use to clear stoppages. All of the methods take time and require a certain procedure to accomplish the job. Clearing a lavatory stoppage (plain plunger). 
FIGURE 2. PLAIN PLUNGER METHOD
Before using a plain plunger to clear a stoppage, place a wet cloth in the overflow opening. Then: - Remove the stopper or set it in a fully open position.
- Place the plunger over the drain opening and push it up and down several times.
- Then, lift plunger off the drain opening.
- If the water in the bowl flows down the drain, the stoppage is cleared.
- Turn on the water to double check that the stoppage is cleared.
- If the stoppage is cleared, replace or reset the stopper.
If the stoppage is not cleared, use a drain snake. Clearing a lavatory stoppage (drain snake). 
FIGURE 3. DRAIN SNAKE METHOD-DRAIN OPENING To clear a stoppage with a drain snake: - Remove the stopper.
- Push the snake into the drain opening until it meets resistance.
- Turning the handle in one direction only, push and pull the snake until it moves freely in drain.
- Then run water into the drain opening.
- If it flows freely down the drain, the stoppage is cleared.
- Remove the snake and replace the stopper.
Clearing a lavatory drain line. 
FIGURE 4. DRAIN SNAKE METHOD-DRAIN LINE
If the stoppage is not in the trap but in the lavatory's drain line: - Remove the trap.
- Push the drain snake into the drain line.
- Turn the handle in one direction only. Push and pull the snake until it moves freely.
- Remove the snake and replace the trap.
- Run water into the drain to make certain that the stoppage is cleared.
NOTE: - If the stoppage cannot be cleared, the stoppage is in the building's drainage system.
- Sink stoppages are cleared in the same manner as lavatory stoppages.
Clearing a water closet stoppage (cone plunger). 
FIGURE 5. CONE PLUNGER METHOD
A stoppage can be removed from a water closet with a cone-type plunger. - Place the plunger over the trap and push it up and down often until the water level returns to normal.
- Throw a piece of toilet paper in the bowl and flush the water closet to assure that the stoppage is cleared.
NOTE: If a plunger cannot clear the stoppage, use a water closet auger. Clearing a water closet stoppage (auger) 
FIGURE 6. AUGER METHOD
To remove a stoppage using a water closet auger: - Push the auger into the water closet's trap until it meets resistance.
- Turn the auger clockwise as you push and pull until the stoppage is cleared.
- Remove the auger by turning it counterclockwise.
- Throw a piece of toilet paper in the bowl and flush the water closet to assure that the stoppage is cleared.
Clearing a urinal stoppage (P-trap) 
FIGURE 7. CLEARING A P-TRAP URINAL
A urinal with an exposed P-trap that has a stoppage is cleared in the same manner as a lavatory. Use a plain plunger first, then the drain snake. Clearing a urinal stoppage (seal trap) 
FIGURE 8. CLEARING A SEAL TRAP URINAL
A urinal with a seal trap that has a stoppage is cleared by using a cone plunger first. Then use the drain snake that has a rounded end or the water closet auger. Clearing a bathtub stoppage (P-trap) 
FIGURE 9. BATHTUB WITH P-TRAP
- Remove the pop-up stopper with its linkage.
- Unscrew the overflow cover and pull it out with its linkage.
- Push the snake down into the overflow opening until it meets resistance.
- Turn the snake handle clockwise pushing the snake until it turns freely. The stoppage is cleared. Remove the snake from overflow opening.
- Turn on the water to check that the stoppage has been cleared.
- Replace the overflow cover.
- Replace the pop-up stopper.
- Make sure the pop-up stopper works properly after replacement
Clearing a bathtub stoppage (drum trap) 
FIGURE 10. BATHTUB WITH DRUM TRAP
- Remove the drum trap cover with a wrench.
- Remove the gasket from the trap.
- Push a snake into the trap's lower pipe to search for the stoppage. If a stoppage exists, clear the stoppage.
- If there is no stoppage in the lower pipe, remove the snake.
- Push the snake into the trap's upper pipe and operate the snake to remove the stoppage.
- Replace the gasket if the gasket is worn or damaged.
- Screw the cover on hand tight and tighten it with a wrench.
- Turn on the water to check that the stoppage has been cleared.
Clearing a shower floor drain stoppage with a hose. 
FIGURE 11. HOSE AND WATER METHOD
- Remove the strainer.
- Hook up a hose for a water source where possible.
- Place the other end of the hose into the shower drain.
- Stuff large rags around the hose to form a tight seal.
- Turn water on full force, off and on again. The surge of water will clear the stoppage.
- Remove the rags and run water down the drain to make sure the stoppage is cleared.
- Replace the strainer.
Clearing a shower floor drain stoppage with a drain snake. 
FIGURE 12. DRAIN SNAKE METHOD
- Remove the strainer.
- Push a snake into the drain opening until it meets resistance.
- Turn the handle in a clockwise direction, pushing and pulling the snake until it moves freely in the drain. Remove the snake.
- Run water into the drain to make sure the stoppage is cleared.
- Replace the strainer.
NOTE: A floor drain stoppage is cleared in the same manner.
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