Clogged drain in NYC: what to try, and when it's a building problem
Old cast-iron and galvanized drain pipes, shared building stacks and kitchen grease make clogs a constant in New York. Here's how to clear the easy ones and spot the ones that aren't yours to fix.
Get matched with a licensed pro Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.
Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.
Is it just your drain?
- One fixture slow (a single sink or tub): usually a local clog of hair, soap or grease.
- Several fixtures slow, or gurgling: the clog is further down your branch line.
- Water backing up into your sink or tub when a neighbor runs water, or sewage smells: likely a building stack or main line problem. Tell the super or management immediately.
Safe things to try
- Pull out and clean the tub stopper or sink pop-up. Hair builds up right there.
- Use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs, and a flange plunger for toilets. Cover the overflow hole for a better seal.
- A cheap plastic drain-cleaning strip works well for hair clogs.
- Clean the P-trap under the sink, with a bucket underneath.
- Hot (not boiling) water for minor grease. Boiling water can soften some plastic pipes and crack porcelain.
Why we'd skip chemical drain cleaners
Harsh drain chemicals can damage older pipes and fittings, they're dangerous if they splash, and they're a hazard for the plumber who opens the line afterward. If you've already used one, say so when the plumber arrives.
What a plumber typically does
Snakes the line with a hand or machine auger, may camera-inspect recurring clogs, and replaces corroded traps or sections. Main and stack work in a building is the owner's responsibility, and in NYC it must be done by or under a DOB Licensed Master Plumber. Prices vary by fixture, access and severity, so get a quote first.
Prevent the next one
Wipe grease into the trash, use hair catchers, and only flush toilet paper. "Flushable" wipes are a common cause of building clogs.
Questions
My sink backs up when my neighbor runs water. Whose problem is that?
Usually it's the building's shared line, which is the building owner's responsibility. Tell the super or management right away.
Is it safe to use a plunger on a toilet that's about to overflow?
First stop the water: lift the tank lid and close the flapper, or turn off the valve behind the toilet. Then plunge gently.
Do I need a licensed plumber for a clog?
Simple clearing is often handled by plumbing businesses anyway. Anything beyond that in NYC, like pipe replacement, should be done by or under a licensed master plumber.
Related guides
Get matched with one licensed pro, free
Owners, co-op/condo owners and landlords: tell us the job and we'll introduce you to one vetted, licensed local business, usually within 24 hours. Free for you. Pros pay Five Boro Fix a referral fee. Matching service, not a contractor.