Blocked Drains And Some Simple Ways To Fix It
Written by Scott Rodgers   
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 12:51
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems at home. It can be a real mess and a very frustrating situation but everyone has to face it at some point or the other.
by ScottRodgers


Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems at home. It can be a real mess and a very frustrating situation but everyone has to face it at some point or the other.

Apart from the mess and the inconvenience it causes, clogged drains can affect your health as well. Stagnant water can give rise to mold, mildew, fungus, mosquitoes etc which can be really dangerous for 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.

If you are unable to catch the clog with these equipments, do not worry. There are other plumbing tools specifically made for clearing clogs. Like, the simplest one is a plunger. It works on the concept of hydraulic pressure. Add a lot of water in the basin before you start plunging. After one or two tries check if the water begins to drain quickly.

If the plunger does not help you to remove the clogs, you can go for other more complicated tools like a plumbers snake. It is a flexible steel cable that can reach deep inside the drain to catch the clog. You might have to turn and twist it a little to get hold of it. Remove the drain screen first and then start working. It is an effective method of clearing drains.

Though most of the times you would be able to get rid of the clogs with these methods but there can be times when these solutions do not work and you have to call a professional plumber. Also, it is better to leave the more complicated issues for the experts only.

Of course the easiest way to deal with clogged drains is to simply avoid them in the first place. Fine screens, water softeners and common sense can often help you greatly reduce the incidence of major clogs. You may even use boiling water, baking soda and vinegar once a month to dissolve soap scum, grease and other tenacious compounds.

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