Clogged drains can be a hassle to deal with, but it’s essential to know how to manage them before they become out of hand and what steps you can take yourself if you don’t have access to a professional plumber.
Most clogged drains are fairly straightforward to resolve, though some may require professional assistance. This article will help you determine which issues require more effort and when it’s best to call a plumber instead.
Plunger
Plunging for drain cleaning and unclogging is an efficient, cost-effective solution to get rid of clogs. Additionally, it can prevent more serious issues like pipes bursting or sinks/toilets flooding.
Different plungers exist, but certain types are better suited for certain clogs. Generally speaking, plungers consist of a rubber cup attached to either an all-wood or plastic handle.
To use a plunger, place the cup over the drain to form an airtight seal and submerge it under enough water to completely submerge it. Then rapidly and forcefully pump the plunger up and down about 10-20 times.
Repeat this process until the clog is released or your sink starts draining normally again. If all else fails, call a plumber to come out and assess what’s causing the issue. They likely have other tools and equipment to clear out the blockage; they may suggest using a drain snake – an instrument designed specifically to go under a clog and dislodge it.
Wire Drain Snake
A wire drain snake is a long metal cable that you can send down a pipe to clear out obstructions and inspect its insides. It’s an invaluable tool for clearing out blockages from pipes.
These snakes come in various sizes to fit different clog types. Some even feature cameras that let you see what’s going on beneath the waterline so that you don’t waste time trying to figure out what’s wrong.
Once the snake is in the drain, push it as far down the pipe as possible and rotate the handle slowly and steadily. Doing this allows you to feel resistance in the pipe and determine whether there’s a bend or clog.
Once you reach the clog, take one end of the snake and slowly pull it up again. This should help it un-kink and realign itself, eliminating any clogs you might have missed.
Chemical Clog Remover
If your sink, toilet or shower are clogged, the initial step to solving the issue is clearing out the drain. You can do this with a plunger or snake; alternatively you could use chemical clog remover to help get the job done quickly and effectively.
Chemical clog removers work by creating a chemical reaction with the clog that dissolves it. They can cause serious harm to skin and eyes if you accidentally splash them on yourself, so always wear safety goggles when using these products.
Chemical drain cleaners come in a variety of strengths and types; some safer than others, so it’s essential to read labels and learn how each works before using it.
Caustic drain cleaners use sodium hydroxide, which melts grease clogs and soap scum. Oxidizing cleaners use household bleach, nitrates, and peroxide to break down organic material within a clog.
Call a Plumber
Have you ever attempted to unclog a drain yourself, you know how time-consuming and frustrating the task can be. Not only must you spend considerable effort cleaning and trying to identify the cause, but you also risk damaging your plumbing in the process.
Therefore, it’s always preferable to call a plumber for all your drain cleaning and unclogging needs. A licensed professional will come directly to your home with the necessary tools and experience to locate and clear any blockages within your pipes.
They can take digital pictures to pinpoint the precise spot of the clog so they are certain to clean it thoroughly. Doing this saves you both time and money in the long run!
Call Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ for help with unclogging a drain or cleaning your drains in the Phoenix, AZ area.
