Drains are designed to remove excess water from your house or apartment so that it doesn’t cause damage. However, if your drains become clogged with all the debris that has been coming down them, they don’t perform their function as intended. When this happens, they have to be unclogged or else your home or business will be flooded with water. Luckily, almost any clog can be removed by plunging it with a plumbing snake or other device that is designed for this purpose.

Unclogging drains may not be something you do regularly, but knowing how to do it can come in handy if your drains back up unexpectedly. There are a few things you should know before attempting to unclog a clogged drain, however, including how to tell if your drains are clogged in the first place and the best ways to avoid this situation in the first place. If you notice that one of your drains has stopped working properly or is beginning to back up, read on for more information about how to unclog a clogged drain.

WHAT IS A CLOG?

A clog is a blockage that has formed in a pipe or drain. This can happen for a number of reasons, including the build-up of hair and soap scum, a build-up of organic matter like food scraps and grease, a build-up of minerals from the water supply, or a build-up of bacteria or mold that can occur if the pipes are not properly maintained. A clog can be small or large depending on how long it has been happening and how much debris has been entering the pipes. A clogged drain can cause damage to your home or business if it is not removed, and it can also be highly unpleasant to deal with since it might require you to use specialized tools and cleaning agents that are not always easy to find.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DRAINS ARE CLOGGED

There are a number of ways to tell if your drains are clogged. If the toilet is not flushing properly, you can usually tell that it has a clogged bowl. If you hear a gurgling sound coming from your sink or shower, this can be a sign that the pipes are clogged. If you notice that the water coming out of your faucets or shower head is taking longer to reach the floor than usual, this can also be a sign that your drains are clogged. You should also pay attention to how often you notice that your drains are gurgling or running slowly. While a clogged pipe can cause water to pool in one area of the house or building, it can also make it run slower in other areas.

HOW TO UNCLOG A DRAIN

When you’ve determined that your drains may be clogged, the first thing you should do is shut off the main water supply. This can be accomplished by turning off the valve that feeds the house or the building, or by shutting off the main valve located on the side of the street or in the backyard. This is important because if the water supply is still flowing while you are working on the drains, it can cause additional damage and waste water that is better saved for another purpose. Once you’ve shut off the water supply, you can try plunging the drains with a plumbing snake or other device. This will help get rid of any loose debris that may be clogging the drains, and it may be enough to get the pipes flowing again. If the drains are still not flowing, you may need to call a plumber to come out and do a more thorough cleaning.

DANGERS OF NOT UNCLOGGING YOUR DRAINS

One of the most important reasons to unclog your drains is that it can save you money in the long run. If you let your drains become clogged, they can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your property, costing you in repairs. They can also cause damage to your appliances, including your stove and dishwasher, and they may even cause damage to your house’s foundation. A clogged toilet can also cause serious damage to both your property and your health. The toilet will back up, and the sewage will make its way into the floor and other areas of the home. This can cause a stinky mess and can even lead to serious health hazards if the sewage has come into contact with any food or other materials that may have been in the bowl at the time.

PLUMBING SNAKE TIPS

You can purchase a plumbing snake at most hardware stores, or you can make your own out of a coat hanger or other sturdy materials. When using a plumbing snake to clear a clogged drain, it is best to stick to smaller drains like the toilet or the kitchen sink. You should never attempt to clean a large-scale clogged drain with a plumbing snake. Instead, you should use a plunger or other device that can be used to clear a larger-scale clog. The best way to use a plumbing snake is to slowly push the device down the pipe until you get to the clog. Once you get to the clog, you can try to push it out the other end of the pipe with your hand or with a tool like a pair of pliers. If the clog is still not coming out, it may be necessary to use chemicals like baking soda or a chemical called Hydro-Jel to break up the clog and clear the pipe.

CONCLUSION

Clogged drains can be a major headache, and they can be a real financial burden as well. To avoid this situation, you should keep your drains clean, use the appropriate cleaning products, and check your drains regularly to make sure they are not clogged. If you suspect that your drains may be clogged, the best thing to do is to turn off the water supply and try to unclog the drains. This will help prevent further damage to your home or business and will also save you money in water bills in the long run. Now that you know how to unclog a clogged drain, you can relax knowing that there is always a way out in the end.