Every plumbing system will develop a clog; it’s inevitable. Whether your kitchen or bathroom sink or a toilet has developed a blockage, you more than likely can clear it yourself without having to call in a professional. (Note: if you try a few times and nothing budges, it’s time to call in a plumber because too much force too many times can damage a fixture or a pipe.)
Before starting, see if you have the following tools: A plunger; a long, flexible steel cable that’s wound around a spool called a cable auger (also known as a plumber’s snake); and a closet auger (this one is used for toilet clogs).
To take care of a clogged sink, fill the sink with water and start working the plunger up and down a few times and then pull it quickly off the drain opening. If it’s a double-bowled sink, stuff a wet cloth into one drain while plunging the other; for a bath sink, stuff that rag in the small overflow hole that’s near the lip of the link.
Toilet clogs usually take place at the tight part of the top, up-curving trap. You often can remove a clog using a plunger, but if not, you’ll need to use the closet auger.
Your first step is to place the auger’s end into the toilet bowl with its bent tip aiming up. Push down on the handle, hold the shaft steady and start to crank. The cable will start to make its way up into and through the trap.
Keep cranking until the entire cable is inside. Retrieve it by pulling up and cranking at the same time.
Flush the toilet; this should clear the drainpipe.
If it’s still a bit clogged or sluggish, take the auger and run twice more through the trap, once on each side (left and right sides)
If you try these DIY tips and still find the sink or toilet clogged, it’s probably wise to call upon a reliable and professional Dallas plumbing company. Call Plumbing Dynamics at 214-929-3431 or send us an e-mail using our online contact form.
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