Thank goodness for the household drain system. It removes wastewater from sinks, tubs, showers, and even a wet basement, dumping it into the sewer or drainage system exiting your home. But what do you do when the drain system doesn't drain? You call a meeting of the Fix-It Club--pronto!

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical drain system.

A household drain system consists of the drain assembly at the sink, tub, shower, or floor and the pipes that conduct it out of the house. Most drains include a trap (a U-shaped pipe) below the fixture to trap sediment and to create a barrier that prevents drainage odors from traveling back up the pipe, through the drain, and into the room. Household drain systems also include a ventilation system to allow gases and odors to escape through a home's roof.

What Can Go Wrong?

By far the most common problem with a drainage system is clogs. Fortunately, most clogs occur in the trap. In fact, that's the intent of the trap, to give household drains a place to collect sediment in a location that's easily accessed and cleaned. Less frequently, sink stoppers can get out of adjustment and pipes under the sink or in a wall can leak.

Fix-It Tip

The most common cause of clogged drains in bathtubs and showers is hair and soap sludge. Periodically use a drain cleaning product to dissolve these impediments and send them down the drain where they belong. Make sure you carefully follow instructions on the product's container.