Having a clogged in a Drain in your home can be a stressful experience. We take things for granted when they are working well. It is when things do not work as they should that we really realize just how important they are for us to live comfortably.
For anything major or if you don't fancy getting dirty it is best to have a plumber fix it rather than DIY. Some clogs can be difficult to identify the location of and remedy. Plumbers have the skills and experience to ensure that the blockage can be removed without risking damaging your pipes and plumbing system.
For simple sink blockages there are quick fixes, for others here are the steps to fix your house drain so that it works as good as new.
The first step is to identify where the clog most likely is. This can be done by identifying which areas of the home are affected by the clog. For example, if only one drain in the home is affected, then you can be sure that the clog is further down in the system from that drain, but it is not where multiple pipes finally meet and allow the waste water to leave the home. Of course, this is a best-case scenario. However, if there are multiple drains that are affected at once you will need to identify where each one meets before reaching a point where a drain is still working properly. This will tell you where the clog most likely exists.
If you are dealing with a clog that only affects one drain, then it is ideal to start with a Chemical drain unblocking cleaner. There are countless products that are available on the market that can work to break up the material that is causing the blockage.
You may want to do some research on which product is best depending on the type of drain blockage as there are different chemicals that are ideal for breaking up food materials and grease while other chemicals are better at addressing blockages caused by hair and body care products.
When you use chemical drain cleaners it is critical that you very closely follow all the directions and warnings provided on the product. These chemicals can be very hazardous to inhale, have contact with the skin or accidentally get into the eyes. They also can react with other chemicals, so they only should be used if you have not already attempted to use a different chemical to loosen the clog. Following the directions closely is important to ensure that you do not cause harm to your health or home.
If you follow the instructions on the chemical drain cleaner and still do not get the results that you need it is time to move on to trying to use a snake to loosen the clog. If there is still fluid slowly going down the drain you will want to wait until all the liquid has gone down. This makes it safer to use the snake as it minimizes the risk of the liquid splashing into your face, eyes and onto your skin.
You will also want to estimate how far down the clog is. Plumbing snakes come in a wide variety of sizes depending on the need. In most cases a 25-foot snake should be sufficient but knowing what you need before you begin can help to reduce the number of trips that you will need to take to the store.
Just like using a drain cleaner, it is important to effectively use the snake. Some will come with specific instructions on how to best use it. Others will expect that you already have the knowledge you need to use it. If you have never used one before it is ideal to take some time to watch videos like the one below before putting them to use.
It is also ideal to be sure that you have the right personal protection gear such as heavy-duty gloves and eye protection. This will help to reduce the chance of any type of injury while performing the task.
If after trying the snake you do not have any luck it is likely best to have a plumber address the issue. If you do not have a plumber that you typically use, then you will want to take some time to be sure that the one you choose has a good reputation. Taking this step will ensure that your issue is taken care of quickly and for a fair price.
