Blocked Drains And Some Simple Ways To Fix It

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.

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.

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 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.

You should always take preventive measures before you have to resort to emergency measures. Use fine screens and water softeners to reduce the possibility for clogs. You can even use boiling water, baking soda and vinegar one a month to keep your drains clean. Often with regular maintenance and careful habits, you can keep your drains and pipes in pristine condition for years at a stretch.