Clogs are a common plumbing issue, but fortunately, they’re not difficult to fix. This blog post will go over the tools you should have in your toolbox when dealing with clogged drains like cast iron and steel pipe.
What Causes Toilet And Sink Clogs?
When a toilet or sink gets clogged, it can clog up our daily routines. Toilet and sink clogs can be caused by a number of things. These include toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and even children’s toys.
There are a number of ways to prevent toilet and sink clogs. Your house doesn’t have to come to a standstill because of a blocked sink or toilet. Here are some basic tools to have on hand in case of a small obstruction.
Tools To Fix Toilet Clogs
Because you’ve been spending more time at home lately, your toilets may be doing double duty. There isn’t time for a backup (or is there?). The good news is that depending on the cause of the blockage, a blocked toilet is typically a simple remedy with the correct gear, including:
Plumbing Auger
A plumbing auger, often known as a drain snake, is a low-cost gadget that can frequently be obtained at a local hardware shop and is exactly what you need to dislodge, grab, and pull that blockage out of the drain. That means you can get your hands on your favorite Lego or action figure again. You may make a DIY auger by bending a hanger if you can see part of the item, but be cautious not to damage your bowl with the metal wire.
Toilet Plunger
A toilet plunger and a little effort could be enough to clear a blocked toilet. A good one forms a tight seal around the drain in the toilet bowl. Turn off the water first, then plunge with the plunger in a downward strong-motion until the blockage is freed and the waste and water flow down. Make sure it remains that way by flushing. If it doesn’t work, try again. Are you unsure which plunger is best for you? Plungers are covered in detail in our Exhaustive Guide to Plungers.
Natural Cleansers
Natural cleansers with a concentrated bacteria combination may help break down waste in your toilet without causing damage to your pipes. Maintaining a bottle on the shelf and using it on a regular basis will help prevent clogs and remove small ones. Be patient; the enzymes will take many hours to do their job.
It may be tempting to pour liquid drain cleaners down the drain for a fast repair, but the chemicals in such cleaners may potentially harm your pipes. The acidic components in the cleaner that break up the blockage may eat away at your pipes, particularly if your plumbing system is old.
Sunk Sink
Kitchen sinks are in the dangerous position of being in close proximity to a number of things that should not be flushed.
When it comes to a clogged kitchen sink, clogged trash disposal is often the source of the issue. First, check to determine whether your waste disposal is malfunctioning. A clogged sink might be caused by faulty or overheated trash disposal.
A home plunger may also aid in the removal of a blockage. It’s better to keep the plungers you use for toilet clogs distinct from the plungers you use for the kitchen.
The blockage may sometimes be found beneath the sink in the curve. The P-trap may be unfastened with a wrench, and the water and mud that comes out can be collected in a bucket.
A clog may occur between the sink basin and the P-trap, or even farther down the system. This could be an excellent moment to break up the blockage using the plumber’s snake or auger.
If you have the correct equipment, minor blockages in your house are frequently an easy DIY remedy. Drains that are blocked or sluggish on a regular basis might indicate a larger issue. From kitchen sinks to mainline sewer stoppages, plumbing specialists can answer any plumbing problem you have, so don’t hesitate to call one if you need to.
A clogged drain can lead to wasted water if it causes an overflow. Learn about this and others in the Top 10 Ways You Are Wasting Water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to unclog a drain?
A: You need a plunger, a bucket, and something to catch the water.
How do you keep your drains clog-free?
A: You can purchase a plunger for DIY or have your drains cleaned by a professional.
What is the best tool to unclog a toilet?
A: The best tool to unclog a toilet would be an auger or plunger.
Related Tags
- why is my toilet clogged with nothing in it
- what tools do plumbers use to unclog drains
- clogged drain deep in pipe
- how to fix a toilet that keeps clogging up
- unclog drain tool