We’re all well aware of the most basic of plumbing problems: clogged drains. Whether it’s your sink, toilet, or bathtub, clogs are issues we’ve all had to deal with at one time or another. Thankfully, there are a number of do-it-yourself drain cleaning methods.
Plungers
No household is complete without at least one of these. Keep in mind that different plungers are used for different purposes. Additionally, never use the same plunger on a sink that you use for your toilet (for obvious reasons). A traditional looking “cup” plunger, undoubtedly the most recognizable, works best on sinks and tubs. A flange plunger has an additional cylinder that fits into a toilet bowl for added suction. An accordion plunger also works well on toilets.
The way a plunger works is by forcing air and water pressure through the pipe to loosen a clog. You need to make sure your plunger is pressed firmly against the surface of the drain so that no air can escape. Push on the plunger until the head inverts, then pull it back into its original position. Repeat until the clog is no more and water is again flowing freely.
Snake drains
These winding tools are more effective at drain cleaning than plungers, but a bit trickier to deal with. Insert the cable and rotate the handle clockwise as you push it farther into the clogged drain. Be sure not to mistake the curve of the pipe for the clog itself. Keep pushing through gently until you get to the actual clog. Once you “hook” onto it, you should be able to break it down by pulling up and pushing down several times. After you think the clog is cleared, test for sure by seeing if you can move the snake forward further without the previous resistance.
Chemicals
We’ve said it before: one needs to be careful with this option. Chemicals tend to make for very effective drain cleaners, but if mishandled, they can eat through far more than just your clog. You don’t want to have to replace your pipes as well. Carefully read the directions of whatever chemical drain cleaner you use, and be sure to use the proper amount. Using chemicals is a quick and easy method to clear drain clogs but could damage your pipes if used incorrectly.
There are a number of drain cleaning methods available, and all are effective in their own way. Of course, some drain problems require more than these simple do-it-yourself methods. If you need the help of a professional plumber for drain cleaning in Springfield Missouri, look no further than your friends at United Plumbing. Call us today at (417)891-9777.