Tools For Unclogging Drains

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by Scott Rodgers

Clogged drains are a fact of life. Nearly everyone has dealt with the revulsion and frustration that comes with a stopped-up shower or bathtub.

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.

If the clog is close to the mouth of the drain, you may be able to remove it by hand. Many homeowners assume a stubborn clog must have taken root deep in the bowels of their plumbing systems, but often a bright flashlight and a screwdriver are all you need to get at the problem.

Equipments like needles, nose pliers or clothes hanger can help you remove the clog. Also, make sure that your protective screens are clean from hair, soap etc. and you should change them regularly to avoid minor clogs.

There are other plumbing tools that can be used if the clog is too far to remove by hand. One common tool is the plunger. It works on the principle of suction. But always remember that a plunger works best with water so add plenty of water in the basin before you start. Apply force with the plunger and see if the water starts flowing smoothly.

If the plunger fails to solve the problem, its time to go for some other plumbing tools, like a plumbers snake. It is a long flexible steel cable that can be inserted into the pipe to catch the clogs. Remove the overflow plate first and then move the snake inside the drain to quickly remove the clog. A plumbers snake is a fast solution for this problem.

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.

As we all know that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, the simplest solution for clogged drains is to avoid them in the first place. Keep a check on the substance flowing down the drain. Use fine drain screens, water softeners to avoid any major clogs. Also, you can use a mixture of boiling water, baking soda and vinegar once a month as a cleaning agent for drains. This will keep them running for a longer period.

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