Top 5 Tools Used for De-clogging Drains
Clogged toilets, sinks, drains, and tubs can happen without notice. Sometimes the clog is due to poor plumbing, but many times it can be fixed with some plumbing tools. Here are the top 5 tools for de-clogging your pipes.
1. Plunger: A plunger is a very handy tool to have when there is a clogged sink, toilet, or drain. They can dislodge smaller clogs and problems, and you don’t have to worry about dismantling your pipe or traps to try it out. It is the first tool you should try when de-clogging your drain.
2. Snake: A snake, also known as an auger, is very handy when there is a clog. Snakes are a coiled spiral cable that you put down your pipes to push clogs outs. They usually come with a handle to crank the cable down the drain, though professional plumbers use more advanced methods by having them attached to a drill to spin the cable.
3. Toilet snake: A toilet snake is very similar to a regular snake, but it is used specifically for fixing toilet clogs. They are more rigid than the other snakes, and they only have a short cable. It also is fitted with a rubber sleeve so the snake won’t hurt the porcelain of your bowl as it is cranked.
4. Sewer tape: Although sewer tape is not as effective as a snake, it can dislodge clogs that a plunger can’t. The name sewer tape may be a bit misleading. It actually is a flat, metal band with a hook placed on the end of it to uproot the clog.
5. Drain Cleaner: A drain cleaner is a very popular tool used by many people when they find a clogged sink. Liquid drain cleaners use chemicals to unclog the drain. They are very useful because buildup in pipes can make it hard for water to drain, and back up. The drain cleaners have chemicals that dissolve everything on its way down the pipe. Grease and hair are a common problem with building up and getting stuck in the pipes. Drain cleaners almost always contain a combination of chemicals in it to dissolve hair and grease, and many other possible grime.
While drain cleaners do combine chemicals with their ingredients, it is important that you don’t try to do this yourself. Chemicals can react very badly to each other and should never be mixed. Remember to use safety practices while using any type of chemicals, even ones that seem as safe as drain cleaners.
It’s important to have a trustworthy plumber to take care of your plumbing needs and air conditioning, and heating