Plumbing Professionals Use to Unclog Drains
A clogged drain is a nightmare for anyone. It’s hard to clean, a noxious smell permeates the air, and water often drains slowly. In some cases, you may be able to unclog your own drain with DIY methods, but this can sometimes be difficult and if you’re dealing with a serious clog, it’s best to call in a professional plumber for assistance. A typical plumber has a wide array of tools to help them clear and repair your pipes. Some of these are specialty tools that plumbers use for specific jobs, while others are tools homeowners can find around their homes.
This simple method is probably the most common way people try to clear their own drains. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar creates a bubbling reaction that works to loosen a clog. You can pour this solution down your drain and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes before you use more hot water to rinse the clog away.
When plumbers, drain cleaners and other conventional cleaning methods fail to remove a stubborn clog, you may have to resort to using a wire drain snake. This type of snake is a long, flexible cable that you feed into the drain, cranking its handle as it’s guided through the pipe. In most cases, a manual drain snake is sufficient to clear minor clogs and dislodge debris. However, if a clog is deeper than the pipe opening, it’s time to call in a professional plumber to unclog your drain.
What Are the Tools That Plumbing Professionals Use to Unclog Drains?
The power auger is another clog-clearing tool that plumbers use to break through tough clogs in larger drain pipes. These pipes, found in sinks, toilets, and showers, can be a pain to unclog because they collect a lot of soap scum, lint, and slimy bacteria that crystallize inside them over time.
A plumbing professional will always inspect the pipes and other drainage systems in a home to make sure that they are functioning properly and free of damage. This is a great preventive measure and can alert you to potential problems before they become costly repairs.
There are several do-it-yourself clog removal strategies you can try at home, but some of them won’t work and may cause further damage to your plumbing system. Some of these include the use of a plunger, a combination of baking soda and vinegar, and a hot-water treatment.
Many home remedy articles suggest that vinegar or Cola drinks can dissolve clogs and help to clear your pipes, but this is usually a quick fix for a mild to medium-sized clog. A plumber might use stronger acids to dissolve more stubborn clogs. When it comes to unclogging your drains, the best approach is always to try all of the options available before calling a plumber. Whether you try these tips or hire a plumber, remember that the only way to solve a clogged drain is with consistent and repetitive action.