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It is sealing putty used for a variety of tasks including to seal basket strainers, garbage disposal rims and tub drains.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

The holidays brought housefuls of people to our homes - and often plumbing problems produced by the volume of food, waste and, in particular, items disposed not suitable for pipes or flushing. Now that the hullabaloo has died down, it's time to fix those plumbing woes. By taking stock in a few key tools and tips and gaining some basic plumbing knowledge, you can avoid having to call a plumber and save a few of those already tight, post-holiday dollars.

Know your pipes' limits

Knowing how your plumbing works will help you to better diagnose a problem and either solve it yourself or resort to calling a professional, if necessary. Invest in a do-it-yourself book on plumbing to help "un-complicate" your home's plumbing system.

Use the correct tools

A good plunger is a must for both toilets and sinks, and should be tried and exhausted before resorting to other means. A plunger will unplug most clogs, especially in the toilet, but there is a right way to use one: When plunging, compress the plunger slowly, then pull it vigorously toward you on the upstroke. This draws the clog upward.

Snakes are suitable

If the plunger isn't doing the trick, another option to try is a snake. Made of bendable steel, a snake is maneuvered into a drain with a crank handle that can sometimes be attached to a power drill. It can reach clogs up to 25 feet away and break them apart with a gentle twist or tug. While this may sound like advanced plumbing, a snake is extremely easy to use and will cost you about $30.

Use caution with chemicals

If elbow grease and conventional methods aren't solving the problem, you may need to try a drain-clearing chemical. Most drain-clearing chemicals are made for hair and grease, but will do the trick on that slow-moving kitchen sink Just be careful not to get hurt when you use them and keep them away from children. Follow the instructions on the bottle exactly to avoid damaging the pipes.

Turn to a plumbing pro

Some plumbing problems are caused by a bigger, more complex issue, so if your efforts aren't making things any better, calling a pro is the next best route. A good plumber should be able to identify the problem and take the necessary course of action. Check your local phone listing for plumbers in your area and be sure to ask questions about licensing, insurance, fee structure and experience when you call.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

You can liquefy both hair and grease in less than 60 seconds with odorless Insta-Flo drain cleaner. It’s non-acid formula won’t harm fine fixtures, porcelain, chrome trim, polished brass, plastic or metal pipes so it is ideal for showers, bathroom sinks, grease traps, septic systems and sewer lines.

Is it a really tough clog?
Enlist the help of enzymes with Enforcer Drain Care. Instead of caustic chemicals, the enzymes in Enforcer Drain Care will slowly clear the blockage away. Mix Enforcer Drain Care with a cup of warm water and pour it down the drain. Leave it overnight. You may have to do this three or more times for best results.

Still struggling?
Consider the Power Plumber Pressurized Drain Opener. This tool attacks the clog instantly without harming your pipes. No harsh chemicals, acids or lye and ideal for drains, sinks and toilets. You also may need to take drastic measures and get out the Plumbing Snake. The snake is kind to PVC but cruel to clogs. Embrace the oncoming mess with goggles and gloves.

The first thing you need to do is shut off the power to the garbage disposal at the main circuit breaker. That's very important. You are dealing with electricity and water here, so don’t mess around.

• Use a flashlight to look into the garbage disposal through the sink drain. If you can see any foreign object blocking the blades from turning, use tongs, pliers or another tool to grab and remove the object.
• Locate the hex-head wrench that came with your garbage disposal. If you cannot find it, find a hex-head wrench that fits into the hole in the bottom of your garbage disposal.
• Insert the hex-head wrench into the hole in the bottom of your garbage disposal and turn the wrench back and forth. This manually turns the flywheel to free it from obstructions.
• Insert a wooden spoon handle or a broom handle into the garbage disposal through the sink drain and manually turn the flywheel until it moves freely.
• Turn the power to your garbage disposal back on when you think the problem is solved, and test the results.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.