Seasoned homeowners understand the importance of tools. Tools are necessary when addressing unexpected problems that arise around the home. However, many overlook how necessary simple drain cleaning tools are until they are faced with a messy problem. A clogged sink or toilet creates a huge inconvenience. Toilets fail to flush or they overflow, dirty water backs up in bathtubs, and sinks fail to drain. Fortunately, minor blockages can be handled with a few simple drain cleaning tools.
Types of Common Drains
There are several types of drains in your home. Sinks, showers, tubs, laundry rooms and toilets all connect to the main sewer line. Wastewater exits your home through these drains and travels through the main sewer line. The wastewater then empties into your septic tank or city sewage line.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
A drain blockage may be simple to fix. However, it may also be associated with a more serious problem (such as a collapsed sewer line or one overtaken by tree roots). More serious problems require a professional plumber. Many circumstances can lead to an obstructed drain. For example, if small toys find their way into the toilet, excessive grease collects in a sink’s P-trap or hair clogs the pop-up assembly in your bathroom sink drain or tub—you’re likely to experience an obstructed drain.
Common Drain Cleaning Tools
Fortunately, drain cleaning tools are available. These tools can handle minor plumbing issues around your home. New homeowners would be wise to add the following drain cleaning tools to their tool collection:
- Plungers: A plunger is a necessary household item. The device incorporates a handle affixed to a rubber cup that creates water pressure to clear blocked pipes. The versatile device can be used to clear sink drains, tub drains and most often, to unclog stopped up toilets.
- Simple snakes: Snakes are your backup when the plunger fails to unstop the toilet or clear the sink drain. This basic device incorporates a long, coiled wire with a corkscrew/auger tip. The device is fed through the drain and into the drainpipes where it cuts, pushes or attaches to the clog, allowing its removal.
- Adjustable wrenches and pliers: While not a specific drain cleaning tool, wrenches and pliers might be necessary if you’re trying to disconnect sink drains or P-traps to reach the blockage.
- A wet/dry vacuum: A vacuum is a valuable household tool that makes cleaning up after overflowing toilets and sinks a quick project. It also comes in handy for removing smelly, standing water in sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
Professional Drain Cleaning
Minor blockages can often be addressed easily by these tools. However, a plumbing professional should handle major blockages or failures in your main sewer line.
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