Knowing The Signs of Plumbing TroubleKnowing The Signs of Plumbing Trouble

A clog is the last thing any homeowner wants to have happen to his or her plumbing system. One wrong move and you could have a back up that could make a mess all over your bathroom or kitchen. Luckily, most clogs are easily removed with a little bit of effort, but sometimes you might need to bring out the big guns. If you want to try and remove a clog in your kitchen or bathroom by yourself without the help of a professional plumber, here are a few things you'll need from the plumbing supply store as well as some tips on how to properly use them.

Plunger

This is the one plumbing tool that most home owners already have, but did you know that you might have been using it wrong all of these years? Some homeowners put as much muscle and speed into the act of plunging as possible but this could actually make the problem worse if you are not careful. Remember, you want to pull the clog out, not push it deeper and if you are plunging too fast for a proper seal to form, that might be what you are doing. Press down firmly but not too hard, ensure there is a proper seal around the entire drain and then pull upward. Speed has nothing to do with it.

Closet Auger

This tool is built specifically for removing hard to remove clogs in toilets. The auger end is intentionally bent at an angle so it can get around the curves inside your piping. Take time to push the auger through the piping, gently adjusting direction when you encounter resistance. Once it is all the way in, you can start using the hand crank. The long steel cable is usually strong enough to break through even the most stubborn of clogs.

Cable Auger

The cable auger is more commonly referred to as the plumber's snake. It is similar to the closet auger except that the steel cable is wound around a spool attached to the hand crank instead of being encased inside a long shaft. Closet augers are only designed for toilets, but cable auger's can be used for almost any clog. You can get cable augers in lengths up to 100 feet or more, so if your clog is deep down in the system, this is the way to go. After snaking the auger through the piping, gently turn the crank. 

If you want to fight a plumbing clog on your own you'll need the right tools. You likely already have a plunger but have you been using it correctly? Technique is more important than speed, make sure the plunger forms a seal around the entire drain. Closet augers can snake deep down into a drain to tackle hard to reach clogs while closet augers are designed specifically to get through the curves of a toilet trap. To find out more, speak with a business like Day's Plumbing Supply Inc.