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An entire cottage
industry has sprung up around iconic brands like Drano to convince
homeowners that a chemical solution is best. Ask any plumber,
however, and you will most likely hear just the opposite – caustic
chemicals like these can be slow, harmful to the air and destructive
to your pipes. Because they are designed as free-roaming solvents,
it’s not unusual for chemical drain compounds to release harmful
byproducts into oceans and streams as well. Thankfully, simple
mechanical solutions are usually all you need to rid your home of a
stubborn clog for good.
If the clog is close to the mouth of the drain, you may be able to
remove it by hand. Many homeowners assume a stubborn clog must have
taken root deep in the bowels of their plumbing systems, but often a
bright flashlight and a screwdriver are all you need to get at the
problem. Needle nose pliers or a coat hanger can remove the clog
from there, giving you ready access to examine it more closely. If
hair, soap or anything else is at fault, consider changing your
protective screens more often. In the case of cooking grease, you
may want to run the garbage disposal a little longer in the future.
If the clog is too far or too stubborn to remove by hand, a good
plunger is the next step. Plungers work precisely the way they sound
– by “pulling” clogs free using powerful suction. If your plunging
creates squeaking noises or an imperfect seal, add more water to the
basin before you resume. Any air that makes its way into the bell of
the plunger will render it useless. Try a few hard thrusts and see
if the water begins to drain – often you don’t need to produce the
clog, as sending it downstream has the same effect.
If the plunger fails as well, it’s time to break out the heavy
artillery: a plumber’s snake. The snake is a steel cable that can be
threaded, turned and otherwise manipulated deep into the pipe to get
at the clog itself. You may need to remove the overflow plate to get
this kind of access to the pipes, but the good news is that you can
expect a quick job from there. Depending on the shape and stiffness
of the snake, you should be able to break up the obstruction and
send it downstream by feel alone.
Although the snake works nearly all the time, you may find some
clogs that resist even the most concerted efforts at manual repair.
These are the rare cases where you may need to call a plumbing
professional. Beware, however: anytime you hire contractors to go
into the walls of your home, you are in for a lengthy and expensive
process that may require additional visits to resolve. An
experienced plumber may be able to solve the problem using a heavier
gauge snake, but it’s wise to plan ahead and get an estimate should
more aggressive tactics be required.
Of course the easiest way to deal with clogged drains is to simply
avoid them in the first place. Fine screens, water softeners and
common sense can often help you greatly reduce the incidence of
major clogs. A growing number of homeowners even use boiling water,
baking soda and vinegar once a month to dissolve soap scum, grease
and other tenacious compounds. If you notice your water flow
slowing, try preventive measures such as these before you have to
resort to emergency measures. Often with regular maintenance and
careful habits, you can keep your drains and pipes in pristine
condition for years at a stretch. |
