Tools For Unclogging Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems at home. It can be a real mess and a very frustrating situation but everyone has to face it at some point or the other.

Clogged drains can also lead to serious health problems as standing water is the best place for mold, mildew, mosquitoes, fungus etc. All these can be very harmful and can affect your immune system.

If the clog is close to the mouth of the drain, you may be able to remove it by hand. Many homeowners assume a stubborn clog must have taken root deep in the bowels of their plumbing systems, but often a bright flashlight and a screwdriver are all you need to get at the problem.

Needle, nose pliers or a coat hanger can remove the clog from there, giving you ready access to examine it more closely. If hair, soap or anything else is at fault, consider changing your protective screens more often.

If the clog is too far to remove by hand, a good plunger is the next step. Plungers work precisely the way they sound ” by pulling clogs free using powerful suction. Add good amount of water to the basin before you start. Try a few hard thrusts and see if the water begins to drain.

If the plunger fails to solve the problem, its time to go for some other plumbing tools, like a plumbers snake. It is a long flexible steel cable that can be inserted into the pipe to catch the clogs. Remove the overflow plate first and then move the snake inside the drain to quickly remove the clog. A plumbers snake is a fast solution for this problem.

At times you might experience some tougher clogs that might not be removed by these manual methods. For such cases, it is always recommended to go for a professional plumber.

You should always take preventive measures before you have to resort to emergency measures. Use fine screens and water softeners to reduce the possibility for clogs. You can even use boiling water, baking soda and vinegar one a month to keep your drains clean. Often with regular maintenance and careful habits, you can keep your drains and pipes in pristine condition for years at a stretch.