Dealing With Clogged 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.
More than mere inconveniences, such clogged drains may actually represent a very real health risk. Standing water is one of the most active breeding grounds for mold, mildew and fungus, and pathogens like these can easily compromise your immune system.
Many a times, you will find that the clog is very near to the mouth of the drain, in such a case you can remove it by hand easily. But if it is deep inside the drain, you can use a bright light and a screwdriver to find out where exactly the clog is lying.
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 does not help you to remove the clogs, you can go for other more complicated tools like a plumbers snake. It is a flexible steel cable that can reach deep inside the drain to catch the clog. You might have to turn and twist it a little to get hold of it. Remove the drain screen first and then start working. It is an effective method of clearing drains.
Although the snake works nearly all the time, you may find some clogs that resist even the most concerted efforts at manual repair. These are the rare cases where you may need to call a plumbing professional.
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.
More than mere inconveniences, such clogged drains may actually represent a very real health risk. Standing water is one of the most active breeding grounds for mold, mildew and fungus, and pathogens like these can easily compromise your immune system.
Many a times, you will find that the clog is very near to the mouth of the drain, in such a case you can remove it by hand easily. But if it is deep inside the drain, you can use a bright light and a screwdriver to find out where exactly the clog is lying.
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 does not help you to remove the clogs, you can go for other more complicated tools like a plumbers snake. It is a flexible steel cable that can reach deep inside the drain to catch the clog. You might have to turn and twist it a little to get hold of it. Remove the drain screen first and then start working. It is an effective method of clearing drains.
Although the snake works nearly all the time, you may find some clogs that resist even the most concerted efforts at manual repair. These are the rare cases where you may need to call a plumbing professional.
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.
About the Author:
Scott Rodgers is a well-known writer who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His excellent knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from Little Neck Plumbers (Need one? click here!) to Moss Point Plumbers (Need one? click here!).
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