Drain Clogs
Sink Drains
It’s always best to prevent clogs before they happen. Be alert to the warning signs of a sluggish drain. It’s easier to open a drain that’s slowing down than one that’s stopped completely.
· Run scalding or hot water down the drain to break up grease buildups.
· If the hot water doesn’t work then there may be an object or hair in the drain.
Clearing Drains with a Plunger— you thought it was simple but did you know
A Plunger often fails to work because it’s incorrectly used? Don’t make the typical mistake of pumping up and down two or three times, expecting the water to whoosh down the drain. Though no great expertise is needed to use this simple tool, here are a few tips to guide you:
· Choose a plunger with a suction cup large enough to cover the drain opening completely.
· Fill the clogged fixture with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
· Coat the rim of the plunger cup with petroleum jelly to ensure a tight seal if you cant get it to seal.
· Block off all other outlets (the tub overflow, second drain in a double sink, adjacent fixtures near the clog) with wet rags.
· Insert the plunger into the water at an angle so no air remains trapped under it.
· Use 15 to 20 forceful strokes, holding the plunger upright and pumping vigorously.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
If water is draining somewhat, but plunging has failed to open the drain completely, you may want to try using a drain cleaner. Routine use of chemical drain cleaners to prevent clogs may eventually damage your pipes but these cleaners can be helpful in opening clogged drains. Whenever you use chemicals, do so with caution and in a well-ventilated room. Be sure to take these precautions:
· Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain; you risk splashing caustic water on yourself.
· Wear rubber gloves and eye protection to prevent the chemical from burning your skin or eyes.
· Don’t use a chemical cleaner if the blockage is total, especially if the fixture is filled with water. It won’t clear the blockage and you’ll face another problem of how to get rid of the caustic water.
· Never use a chemical cleaner in a garbage disposal or a toilet.
· Read labels and match cleaners with clogs. Alkalis cut grease; acids dissolve soap and hair.
