Tips and Tools To Clear the Clog

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Toilet backup and the damage it caused.

“The toilet is clogged,” shouts someone in your family. Your first thought is to call a plumber out to your home in Northeast Dallas, TX. However, that is not always needed. Easily tackle this job yourself with the right tools, knowledge and a short trip to the hardware store.

What Tools Do I Use?

There are many types of tools to quickly and inexpensively fix a stopped toilet, sink or bathtub drain. Understand the differences between them:

• A plunger is your first line of defense, as it is a cheap and fast way to clear a clog. It is a good idea to keep one in the house at all times for emergencies.
• If the plunger does not work, use a cable auger. Otherwise known as a snake, this coiled, flexible tool is available in different lengths and reaches clogs further down the pipe.
• Use a closet auger specifically for toilets. The curved and solid design of this snake lends itself to fitting into the bowl.
• For an especially tough clog, buy or rent an electric power auger. This impressive snake easily powers through blockages without relying on your strength to turn the handle. 

What Steps Do I Take?

If the plunger does not work, use the drain auger in the following ways:

• For a sink, remove and check the sink trap for obstructions. Thread and turn the snake clockwise through the drain pipe in the wall. Crank until the clog is free, reattach the pipe and run the hot water.
• In a stopped up bathtub, remove the overflow plate, feed the snake through and turn clockwise until the clog is clear. Replace the plate and run hot water down the drain.
• For a clogged toilet, place the curved end of the snake into the bowl, push and twist clockwise until clear and flush the toilet.

When you invest a small amount of time and money on the correct tools, you become the expert of clogged drains at your house in Northeast Dallas, TX. However, if you notice water damage or indications of a pipe break immediately call a water restoration specialist to assess the situation.

For more information please visit us at http://www.SERVPROnortheastdallas.com/.