In our experience at Anytime Plumbing & Solutions, clogged drains are some of the most frequent plumbing problems affecting homes and businesses. While there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency of clogs, you will still need to deal with them from time to time. Keep reading to learn a few methods you can use to fix clogged drains when they occur and how to tell when you should call a plumber for help.
- Use a Plunger – In many cases, you can fix clogged drains by using a plunger. To do this, seal the plunger over the drain in question, then pump it up and down vigorously (to help dislodge the blockage) but carefully (so as not to break the seal). The action from the plunger is usually enough to move minor blockages and allow water to drain properly again.
- Use an Auger – If plunging clogged drains doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbing auger, also called a plumber’s snake. This tool consists of a reel of flexible cable with a hook on the end. Place the hook end into the mouth of the drain, then turn the reel to push the cable down into the pipe—the cable will bend around the curves in the pipe, allowing it to snake through until it reaches the clog. Then, twist the cable to tangle the hook into the material, and turn the handle the other way to pull the cable back. This will break up the clog and allow the water to drain more easily.
- Call a Plumber – If neither of these methods work to resolve the clogged drain, you should call a plumber for help. Similarly, you should also call a plumber when clogged drains create a big mess and when more than one drain in your building is affected.