Clearing a drain is an age-old problem in homes and buildings. Ever since plumbing was invented, things getting stuck in plumbing has been an ongoing problem over time. Part of the issue is just plain usage. Material that normally flows fine in a drain system does aggregate and, when there’s enough of it, can turn into a clump that blocks flow. That can build over time, making the blockage worse, or enough to stop flow altogether.
However, in many cases, the more likely culprit tends to be something sent down a drain that didn’t belong in there in the first place. It doesn’t break down easily, or the material gets lodged in the drain line, usually in a corner, and starts to trap more things, creating a blockage. Fortunately, not every blockage needs professional equipment to fix. The mild to moderate blockages can be fixed, depending on their severity. Here’s how to clear a clogged drain without plumber’s tools.
The Snake
One of the best home maintenance tools one can have is a plumbing snake. This device basically operates cable and grabbing end that can easily fit down a drain, ergo why it’s called a snake. The device uses a twisting motion to make its way forward as the user propels it through the entrance of the drain. Because the snake is flexible, it’s able to go through u-bends and deeper into a drain, much farther than a person can reach with a basic tool, hanger or similar.
Once the snake has reached the blockage, it can use either the grabbing end or blades on it to break up the blockage. Doing so if breaking causes the smaller pieces to flow easily down the rest of the drain until it widens, and the water weight pushes the remainder past the problem point. On the other hand, if it uses a grabber function on the end, the snake can latch onto the blockage material and allow it to be pulled back to be removed from the drain line. This is a common approach with a toy, for example, or something inorganic that won’t break down in the drain over time.
Other Alternatives Possible
There are other options with regards to clearing a drain as well. The standard plunger uses suction to move blockages enough that they loosen, and then water pressure moves the blockage through the pipe. This works well for software blockages but not so good with hard problems.
Natural home remedies also include baking soda down sink pipes with hot water. The bank soda acts as a dissolver, which again can help break up minor blockages. However, this potion does take some time to work. The hot water helps break up coagulated grease and fat that might have clumped up, also allowing water pressure to push the remainder through the drain line easier.
Finally, there are chemical treatments like Draino, but these use harsh chemicals that can end up in the sewer system and are environmentally hazardous. It’s better to use these products sparingly versus for every blockage that occurs.
Know Your Limits
Again, not every drain blockage needs a full ensemble of plumber’s tools. The trick is knowing what a homeowner can handle and when it’s time to call for professional help. In any case, never stick a hand down a drain. It might seem to fit at first, but this is a fast way to get stuck, making a drain problem a real sticky situation fast. It’s also a good way to get a skin infection. Instead, if a drain problem is a real challenge, call a licensed plumber for help.
