Ways to Avoid Calling the Plumber

It is common knowledge that hiring a plumber is going to place a strain on your check book. Sometimes you can't avoid the assistance of the plumber as the plumbing job is just too difficult. However, most of the time you can fix the plumbing yourself if you know how. Follow these do-it yourself tips when your drain is clogged and you don't want to call the plumber.

Plumbing deals with water and water can suddenly fill your house if you aren't careful with the plumbing. Make sure that you know where the main shut off valve is located in case you spring a leak. Also figure out where the shut off valve is on the pipes you are currently fixing.

Kitchen drains tend to clog up due to a buildup of grease over time. One way to fix the issue is dump hot grease down the drain. It will cause the hardened grease to liquify and move down the pipes. If pouring grease does not do the trick then you might have something blocking the drain.

Begin with the basics by examining the drain for minor blockages like food. Remove the sink stopper and strainer to give them a thorough cleaning. Check to see if quickly cleaning these materials fixes the problem. If not, you will need to work with stronger plumbing tools like snakes and plungers.

First try using a snake tool. It generally works well when trying to unblock a drain. A snake consists of a long thin piece of corrugate pipe. It is inside of a device you hold in your hands. The snake extends and retracts the pipe so you remove any blockage.

You stick the end of the snake into the drain for a few inches and then start turning the handle. This moves the head of the snake around so that it can grab hold of anything that is blocking the drain. If you find nothing, then you extend the snake further into the drain and turn the handle some more. You repeat until you find the source of your clogged drain.

Once in awhile a snake will not unclog your drain. When this happens you need to try a chemical drain cleaner. Make sure to first use a plunger before you use any chemical drain cleaner. You don't want to use a plunger after using chemical drain cleaner because the chemical drain cleaner might splash onto your face and eyes causing harmful irritation.

When plunging the drain it is vital to have water covering the drain. This will help you to have a sufficient seal to help with the plunging action. Make sure to place a cover or seal over any drain vents or other sink drains. Plung 15-20 times in a row before stopping and removing the plunger. If the sink still will not drain then repeat this process another 2-3 imes. Next use the chemical drain cleaner. If all of this fails then you will have to resort to calling your plumber for assistance.

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About the author: Dwight Nga is the chief writer at For Plumbing, it's one of the webs most up to date Plumbing sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.