Drain cleaning can be done yourself, if you have the right tools. Although, we recommend you leave it to the professionals if the clog is located further down the line. If you want to attempt DIY drain cleaning methods first, try one of these four ways using tools you likely have around your home.
Tools You Can Use To Unclog A Drain
Most people will have these tools available in their home to use for drain cleaning:
1. A Plunger
The plunger is one of the most basic DIY drain cleaning tools. It uses suction to push water down the drain and dislodge any blockages. Also called the ‘plumbers buddy’, it creates a seal around the toilet or sink, forcing air and water down the drain, which is typically all that is required to clear simple blockages.
2. A Simple Wrench
Small and medium-sized adjustable or fixed wrenches work great for basic plumbing tasks. They ar useful to have anything that can unscrew sticky, difficult bolts on a sink or toilet. They may also be used to grip, press, and tighten loose nuts.
3. Drain Cleanser In Liquid Form
Though you’ll notice a wide range of colors and brands, most are rather similar, at least in the hands of inexperienced users. The majority are basic, which is the polar opposite of acids, and dissolve stuff that is clogging the drain, such as hair, grease, or soap scum. Experts warn against utilizing acids, as well as combining various kinds of acids together since this might result in severe reactions.
DIY drain cleaning is a process that can be done with no special tools. Vinegar is one of the most common ingredients used to clean drains, but it’s not required.
4. Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that you insert into the drain to reach blockages that are hard to remove. Drain snakes are also called drain augers or plumbers snakes. If you have a clogged drain and want to try to clear it yourself, you may be able to do so with a drain snake. Drain snakes are available in hardware stores and home improvement stores.
5. Compressed Air
These drain cleaners are mechanical instead of liquid. These systems send compressed air bursts down the toilet. To make this technique successful, you must ensure that all other nearby drains are stopped up so the air does not escape. However, this is the least likely tool homeowners will have access to. This can be in the form of compressed air or C02 spray cans.
Some Plumbing Tools You Might Not Have
It’s probably a good thing that not everyone comes equipped with professional plumbing tools. Imagine the harm that uneducated or inexperienced homeowners might do if they had ready access to instruments like huge pipe wrenches, tube cutters, and a propane torch.
Being a good plumber entails more than simply unclogging people’s drains; it also entails knowing when and how to use significant force and when to use a soft, precise touch, since ‘doing it wrong’ may result in serious, perhaps permanent damage.
However, there will be times when homeowners may handle small plumbing issues such as drain cleaning without seeking expert help or declaring them full-fledged emergencies. They can also utilize tools, albeit ideally not the large ones.
Make A Request For Assistance
When amateurs recognize a problem is above their ability, one of the finest tools they can employ is the phone. To get from A to Z, enlist the help of a plumber. This can certainly save you time and money in many situations.
Drain cleaning is an important part of keeping your home running smoothly. You need to clean out the drains regularly to prevent clogs and backups. The “homemade drain cleaner with vinegar” is a DIY method that can be used in order to clean out the drains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool do you use to clean a drain?
A: A plunger.
What is the best homemade drain cleaner?
A: You should use a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and salt to clean your drains.
How can I naturally clear my garbage disposal?
A: Garbage disposals can clog, so you need to clean them too. There is a way that most people do it which is by grinding up some ice cubes at your disposal and then running hot water over the ice while letting it clear out any debris stuck in there.
Before the water gets to your drain, you will have physical contact with it first. You want to make sure it is safe to drink and clean with. For more on this, see The Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System.
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