If the drain has a solid top, pry it up from the edge instead.

Make sure you’re wearing your rubber gloves before putting your hands in the water. There may be objects hidden under the water or in the clog that could cause irritation.

Drain rods can be purchased from your local hardware store. If there’s a solid obstruction, pull out the rod and use the corkscrew attachment instead of the plunger.

If the drain still runs slow, use your drain rods until it works again. If you can’t get it to work, you may need to call a professional.

If your drain is completely clogged, consider using drain rods or a snake to break it apart first.

Baking soda and vinegar is a great natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners.

Wear an oven mitt while you pour the water in case it spills down the side of the pot. Boiling water will kill any grass near your drain if it spills on the soil.

Drain covers can be purchased at your local hardware store. Clean your drain screens periodically to remove any obstructions. If the drain is in an area with a lot of foot traffic, lay down a flat rubber drain screen over it.

If you have severe storms, check your drains the following day to see if there is any debris.

Enzyme cleaners come in liquid or granular form and can be purchased online or from your local hardware store.