All homeowners will eventually have to face the task of drain cleaning. Here are some things to think about.
Drain cleaning is a task that will end up needing to be done sooner or later. Whenever there's plumbing,
it's only a matter of time before clogs and jammed drains happen. It's the nature of the beast. Some of the most common spots to become plugged are the toilet, the bathtub, the kitchen sink, the garbage disposal and floor drains. Here are some things to think about:
Tools to have on hand: In order to get everything flowing again while drain cleaning, a homeowner will need some plumbing tools and equipment. Some helpful ones are:
Plumber's friend: This is a handy-dandy rubber suction cup on a dowel which is quite useful for clearing clogs. Another name for this device is a plunger. They are relatively inexpensive and is a "must have" for any head of household.
Plumbing snake: No, not a reptile but a type of auger that is cranked down into the drain to push the clog through. This device is made of a coil of flexible steel and can masterfully get flow happening again. The most basic style is a hand cranked mechanism that may be 20+ feet long.
Electric auger: This is the big guns of plumbing tools. It is similar to the snake but longer and more powerful. It might be 40 feet long and when it gets powered up by the electricity, watch out clogged drain!
Steps for drain cleaning a sink: It's important to start with the least invasive method first which would be the plunger. Plunge away and hope for the best. If that doesn't work, you'll need to move to the snake and auger. Be careful of plastic pipes or they might break, causing more trouble.
Clearing a toilet: Again, the plunger is step number one. Repeatedly suction the hole and hope that the plugged up items will pass through to the other side. If that doesn't work, on to the snake and auger.
Garbage disposal: Garbage disposals can be cleared of debris by hand and then the red reset button should be pushed. Hopefully that will do the trick. If not, you may have to call in the pros. Never put veggie peels down this device as they are the perfect size to stick in the works and cause a broken appliance.
Shower or bathtub: The main material that clogs these drains is hair. Try to clear the hair from the trap and hope for the best. If this doesn't work, move to plunger than the other devices. Keeping the traps cleared of wads of hair on a regular basis will stave off clogs for as long as possible.
Preventative steps: Teach family members what to flush or put down the drains. Toilets shouldn't see items like diapers, Q-tips or paper towels. Kitchen sinks shouldn't see bacon grease or clumps of food.
Every homeowner will have to deal with drain cleaning at one time or another. Simple problems can be fixed by a DIYer but the more complicated jobs will require a plumber.
