Drains can clog because of a buildup of debris for a period of time, and this can either reduce or block the water flow in your drains. Additionally, clogged drains can promote bacteria growth, which can bring serious health issues, especially if the problem is not addressed. Therefore, if you have a clogged drain in your house, consider hiring a plumber to check where the problem is. However, there are some few ways which you can unclog the drains without the assistance of the plumber. Some of these ways include the following.
Plunger
You can easily fix your clogged drain using a plunger. The plunger is faster to use, and it can save you valuable time, and help you avoid the mess of using other tools. Although many people think that they know how to unclog a drain using a plunger, most don't do it correctly. To use a plunger, you need to place its rubber head against the drain to create a seal, and then start pushing it until its head inverts. Continue with this process until you notice that water is flowing down the drain.
Snake Drain Auger
This tool can assist you to reach for material clogging your drain that is deep into the pipes. Even though using the snake drain is very effective, it requires some skill. All you need to do is to remove the cover on your drain and then insert the snake drain into the drain as you rotate its handle clockwise. Continue pushing the cable down the drain until you start feeling some resistance, which might be the clog.
However, you should not confuse the pipe bend with the clog. When you reach the clog, try hooking it by pulling the cable slightly up and then down until you feel no more resistance. Now, pull the cable slowly to prevent the clog from falling back. Once you pull out the entire cable, pour hot water into the drain to check whether you have solved the problem.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
If the above methods fail, consider using chemical drain cleaner. However, you should exercise extra caution when using these cleaners since they can be harmful to your skin. These cleaners are fast-acting, and they have very powerful elements that unclog your drain instantly, thus saving you valuable time. One good thing about these cleaners is that they usually prevent the clog from reoccurring again. Don't forget to run water down your drain in order to clear out any chemical remains in your drains.
Natural Drain Cleaners
These cleaners present a good option for people who don't want to use chemical drain cleaners. The natural cleaners are also ideal for people with children in their homes as this reduces the risk of the children being exposed to the chemicals.
Some of the natural cleaners include:
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Lemon juice and baking soda
- Running boiling water down the drain
For more information, contact a company like Plumb-It Inc.
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