A clogged sink drain or toilet can be a real nuisance and even the simplest clogged drain cleaning task can involve technical issues that can make the job challenging for the average home owner to tackle alone. Clogged pipes and drains should be cleared properly and professionally or you will find that they frequently will quickly become clogged again. In addition, a homeowner can inadvertently cause damage to their plumbing or create a clog that is even more difficult to remove.
Having said that, depending on the type and severity of the blockage in the drain there may be some simple techniques that you can try before calling on the services of a plumber. Stoppers and strainers in the sinks and bathtub regularly accumulate grime and hair so the first step when you notice that the water is not draining properly is to remove them and give them a good cleaning.
If cleaning the stoppers doesn’t make a difference we turn to the trusted plunger. There is a reason this simple tool has been around for so long and that is because it is highly effective. A little petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger can help make a good seal. Put the plunger into the clogged sink or toilet and carefully but firmly push down on the plunger to force the clog to break loose.
If the plunger doesn’t work, the blockage may be too servere or too far down the line to get to yourself. More specialist tools will be required and you may decide that this the time to call in a plumber. A plumber will know exactly how to remove the entire clog, leaving your pipes in good condition and your water draining freely.
