Clogged drains are one of the not-so-fun certainties of home ownership. Over time, clogs can happen in the kitchen or bathroom – often due to a build up of food particles, hair or soap scum. In most cases, minor clogs happen in the mouth of the drain and can be eliminated with a plunger or drain cleaner that can loosen the blockage. However, if they’re not treated, they can cause more serious problems.
What You Can Do First
So you have a clog. A simple first step is to use a toilet plunger. With a fast motion, plunge up and down several times to forcefully loosen debris. Turn on the faucet to see if the water is draining with ease. If not, repeat the plunging.
If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to try a chemical drain cleaner. These products are especially useful for hard-to-reach clogs that can’t be loosened with a plunger. Because drain cleaners contain oxidizing chemicals, such as lye, they are caustic and shouldn’t be used in poorly ventilated spaces. Open a window or turn on the fan before using them. If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can also try a combination of baking soda and vinegar as a natural drain cleaner.
When a Clog Is More Serious
If the plunger and the drain cleaner both fail to eliminate the clog, the next step may be to use a snake or auger tool. You can find these items in a hardware or home improvement store. Both augers and snakes are beneficial when the clog is within the sewer line. If you’re hearing gurgling sounds from the drain or pipes, or multiple drains are backing up, you’re likely dealing with a sewer line problem.
You’ll want to locate the sewer line access port which is often identifiable as a Y-shaped access port close to your home. Stand clear when opening the access cover as raw sewage may spew out. To unclog the blockage, feed the snake or auger into the section of the pipe where you think the clog is happening. You may need to move it back and forth several times to break up the clog.
Call the Experts at Cool Blew
Of course, not everyone wants to take this DIY approach to eliminating a clog. We get it! That’s why we offer professional clog removal. Our team of licensed plumbers have the equipment to break up clogs and clean your drains, pipes and sewer lines so that you won’t have to deal with a backup again.
Need emergency plumbing assistance or drain cleaning? Call the experts at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900.
