Step 1 · Preparation and Safety

Begin by prioritizing safety. Put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential backsplash of dirty water and a pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands clean and dry. Locate the main line cleanout access port. Because backflow or spills are possible, place a shallow bucket or lay down several old towels around the cleanout opening to protect the floor. Gather all your necessary tools, including the correctly sized drain cleaning bladder, a durable garden hose, and a pipe wrench if the cleanout cap is too tight to open by hand.