Diagnose Plumbing Clogs
Drain clogs can be both disgusting, intimidating and (unfortunately) inevitable. All drains will eventually develop a clog that, on first glance, can leave you feeling a little helpless. But before you call a professional plumber, there are easy fixes you can do without professional help (saving some big bucks in the process). Here are some common clogs and ways to clear them yourself.
1 - Clogged Toilet
Toilet clogs are caused by flushing items that are not biodegradable or dissolvable and get stuck in the pipes. Luckily, though, they’re usually a fairly easy fix. The easiest solution is to whip out the plunger. Fairly reliable, a plunger can generally be trusted to loosen the clog. If this method doesn’t work, or you don't have a plunger readily on hand, don’t panic; there are other ways to clear the pipes. A drain snake can be can be fed into the toilet and used to break up the clog, or you can try an unraveled coat hanger with a rag tied at one end as an alternative. Homemade remedies can also be used, such as dish soap and hot water, or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.
2 - Clogged Sink
We’re constantly using the sink to wash down dirt, soap, toothpaste, and more, so it’s really only a matter of time before a clog develops. A blocked drain can be tricky to handle, since there are so many different kinds of clogs that can build up. Most minor clogs can be cleared with a plunger. Simply run hot water down the drain to soften to clog and pump the plunger on the drain (on both sides of the sink if you have two drains) like you would with a toilet clog, hopefully loosening the drain blockage in the process. If the clog persists, remove the trap to see if the clog can be easily cleared. If not, you can turn to a drain snake, homemade or chemical drain cleaning solutions, or call a plumbing company to use rooters.
3 - Clogged Bathtub
If you're experiencing a shower clog, the most likely culprit is a nasty combination of hair and soap. Shower clogs can seem imposing, but often times they’re not all that hard to take care of. First unscrew the top of the drain and check to see if the clog is close to the surface and simply be picked out. If it’s not easily in reach, you have the options of using a drain snake, an unraveled cloths hanger, hot water and dish soap, a plunger, or natural/store bought drain cleaning solutions. A plumbing company can also be called to use rooters to dislodge the drain blockage.
Clogs can be tricky, but more often than not they can be easily fixed on your own. With the right tools, the job becomes something to be far less afraid of. If you encounter a particularly stubborn blockage or a recurring clog, however, be sure to contact a preofessional plumber for assistance
Do you have any questions? Contact Any Hour Services today to discuss any drain cleaning issues you have. We’re happy to help!
Nov 6th 2017
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