When you have a clogged drain in your bathroom or kitchen, your first and most urgent priority is getting the drain cleared before there’s a mess or water overflow. Here are a few tips you can use to try and clear the drain before the plumber arrives, which could save you the trouble of an emergency service call.
- Use a plunger. Plungers are your best first line of defense in clearing clogged drains. They are designed to produce physical pressure that dislodges clogs and sends them on down the drain. Smaller cup-style plungers are common for sink or tub drains, while larger bellows-style plungers are usually intended for use on toilets. Position the plunger over the drain and make sure it seals well around the drain opening. Work the plunger up and down several times to create pressure in the drain pipe. Try the plunger several times; the clog may need repeated applications of pressure to work it loose.
- Insert a drain auger. Drain augers are flexible lengths of pipe or wire that are inserted into drains to physically cut through a clog. The auger has a wire cutting head on the end that bores into the clog as the auger is turned. You can find household augers (sometimes called snakes) in lengths up to about 50 feet. Carefully work the pipe or wire into the drain, turning it slowly as it moves further down the drain line. Also be careful when withdrawing it so as not to damage either the auger or the pipe.
- Use a drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available that can effective remove clogs by dissolving them. Be careful when using these substances as they can be harmful to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Consider a gentler but equally effective option, such as baking soda in the drain.
With more than 50 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Arpi’s Industries Ltd. is a premier choice for heating, cooling, and plumbing customers in Calgary and the neighboring cities. Contact us today for more information on dealing with a clogged drain and getting the water flowing again.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about clogged drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide.
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