Drain Cleaning
Drains are necessary to our way of life but until they go wrong, we rarely think of them. When a drain does go wrong, usually because of a blockage, it can cost quite a lot of money to unblock or repair unless we understand something about it. By knowing even a little about drain cleaning and having some of the right tools on hand, you can save yourself time, trouble and money.
If you have some idea of how the drains in your home work, you will not be afraid to tackle some basic drain cleaning when necessary. Having some knowledge of each drain in your home will also help you to know if the job is too big for you to tackle. Even if you do need to call in the experts, you will have a better idea of how to cope until they arrive.
When you start learning about your home drainage system you will see that each drain works on the simple principle that water runs down hill. When a drain isn't working, it is usually because something is blocking the water from obeying that law of gravity. Once you can establish where the blockage is, you may then be able to do the required drain cleaning.
It helps to know that each fixture in the drainage system, such as toilet, shower, bathtub and washing machine, has its own drain line that joins up with other nearby drain lines under the floor before continuing on to the main line. Before joining with the other drain lines, each individual drain line goes through a trap. This is the S-shaped, or curved piece of pipe under a drain. Drain blockages, often caused by grease and hair, occur most frequently at the trap or before it. If you have the right tools, you may be able to do the drain cleaning yourself.
The last thing you want to do when embarking on drain cleaning is to flood your home. In a major emergency you may need to close the main shutoff valve that is usually located close to the water meter. If you are dealing with only a small drain blockage to a fixture, and if the fixture has its own individual supply shutoff valve, you may need to turn off only the water supply to that single fixture.
Even before you find yourself faced with a drain cleaning problem, make sure you know which fixtures have their own shutoff valves, as well as the exact location of the main shutoff valve. Show other members of the family its location too, in case an emergency happens when you are not at home, or in case you need another pair of hands when that emergency does occur. Knowing these things in advance can save valuable minutes if you have to work quickly.
Another handy piece of advance knowledge when you are about to tackle drain cleaning relates to just what work you are allowed to do without a license. Code checks for the type of work you are permitted to do are available on the Internet, or you can obtain information from your local plumbing code official. By knowing in advance whether you are permitted to do the work or not you can save time, either by getting started on the drain cleaning job or calling in the experts immediately instead.
Every home should have at least one plunger. Also known variously as the plumber's friend, plumber's helper and plumber's mate, the plunger should be the first tool in your hand when drain cleaning is needed. Both toilet and sink plungers are available from hardware centers and a variety of other stores.
Inexpensive as well as indispensable, a plunger can usually get rid of minor blockages without too much trouble. Whether you are dealing with a toilet, sink or tub drain, you should try using the plunger when you suspect a blockage before attempting any other solution. Either a toilet or sink plunger is simple to use and does not require a great deal of strength.
A sink plunger consists of a rubber cup that is attached to a wooden stick and fits over a sink or similar opening, forming a seal. By pushing the cup against the drain and then pulling it up quickly the user creates suction that can loosen or break up a blockage. A toilet plunger works on the same principle but is designed to fit into the bottom of a flush toilet and has a flange that enters the exit pipe, also forming a seal. By flipping the flange inside the toilet plunger you can adapt it for use as a sink plunger if necessary. A word of warning: if you have first tried a chemical drain cleaner, don't use a plunger immediately as some of the cleaner could splash into your eyes.
If the plunger does not work, it's time to turn to the plumber's snake. Officially known as an auger, the snake consists of a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew auger at one end. Because it can be rotated in a spiral into the drain, the snake is useful for reaching blockages that are too far into the drain for the plunger to have an effect.
When the snake reaches the blockage, the user can rotate it to break up the obstruction or, if that doesn't work, to pull it out of the drain. A closet snake or closet auger is also available for use on toilets. Shorter than the drain snake, it is designed with a rigid end that is easier to push down a toilet.
Various other types of the plumber's snake are available for both residential and commercial use. Some are larger than others, and also more expensive. Some are hand operated, others are electrically powered. For most home owners, a smaller drain snake, about 50 feet long and half an inch in diameter, is usually sufficient. If you particularly want an electrical snake for a once-only drain cleaning operation, it would be more economical to rent one rather than go to the expense of buying it. When using a motor-driven snake, take care not to spin it too quickly and be especially careful when removing it from the drain. There is a risk that it could whip around like a real snake, and strike you.
While your plunger and snake should always be close at hand in case of the need for drain cleaning, there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your drains clean. The cleaner each drain is, the less trouble you should have with blockages. Regular drain maintenance will also minimize the unpleasant odors that can originate from a drain that needs attention.
Pouring strong salt brine down the kitchen drain at regular intervals, for example, will help to stop grease building up in the drain and will also get rid of odors. There are numerous other handy hints on Internet sites and in home-style books and magazines for keeping drains clean and fresh-smelling. Some people elect to use a drain cleaning solution regularly. With its ability to erode drain-clogging items such as hair, grease and organic waste, it can make life easier when used properly. Once a month is the usual treatment. Before you use it, however, read the directions to make sure it is safe for the type of pipes in your home.
Once you have an idea about how the drains in your home work, you can carry out some simple drain cleaning maintenance to try to keep them free of blockages. In the bathroom, run hot water down the drain each week to keep the flow moving well. Because hair and soap chips are among the main offenders when it comes to drain clogging, fit strainers on the tub and shower to protect the drain. Don't forget to clean the strainers regularly. As part of your drain cleaning you can also pour boiling water down the shower drain once a month to help to dissolve any soap build-up.
Keep the toilet free of anything that doesn't belong in it. A toilet drain will clog up if you put the wrong things into it, so be careful not to use it as a trash receptacle. The toilet is not the place for dental floss, tissues, paper towels, tampons, sanitary napkins or cigarette butts. These items can clog up the drain, especially if you have a septic system. Putting a small trash can next to the toilet is one way of reminding the family that there is a place for everything. Explain the necessity for keeping the drain clear and ask them all to co-operate. If you use a septic system, you should have your septic tank pumped out every three to five years. Don't plant trees or shrubs with deep root systems near the drain field as they can damage the pipes.
While every drain in your house gets a regular workout, the kitchen is one room that is probably in constant use, with resultant need for ongoing drain cleaning and maintenance. One easy way to help with drain cleaning is to pour a few gallons of boiling water down the kitchen drain each month. This is more effective than tap water because it is hotter and will help to dissolve any grease or soapy materials. By doing this regularly, you will have less need to get out the plunger or snake to unclog the drain. There will also be less need for emergency drain cleaning if you do not pour things down the drain that don't belong there. These include grease, fats and coffee grounds.
Chemical cleaners may sound like the easy answer to drain cleaning but if you have metal pipes they can cause the pipes to corrode. Environmentally safe drain cleaners are available and are well worth investigating. On the whole, though, by trying to avoid getting vegetable matter and grease in your kitchen drain, you should have few problems with drain cleaning that your plunger or snake can't solve.
With a plunger and snake close at hand you will be ready to tackle not only blocked sinks and toilets but also the somewhat less usual clogged shower drain. Before you get out the tools, check the strainer cover over the shower drain to make sure it is not blocked by hair. If not, fetch a flashlight, remove the strainer cover and shine the flashlight down the drain in case you can see an obstruction such as a lump of hair. If so, you may be able to remove it with a makeshift tool such as a wire coat hanger with its end bent into a hook shape.
If this does not succeed, place the plunger over the drain opening and work it up and down. This may clear the blockage but, if not, try the snake. Feed it into the drain until it meets the blockage then turn the snake's handle clockwise so that its tip catches the obstruction. Continuing to turn the handle, pull the cable carefully out, hopefully bringing the clog with it. If this also fails to work, you probably need a plumber to help with your drain cleaning.
Floor drains take away the wastewater from such household items as washing machines, water heaters and central air conditioners. Usually located in garages or basements, they operate with a long drain pipe that accumulates laundry lint, soap scum and bacteria that eventually crystallize inside the pipe and can cause blockages. Some serious drain cleaning is required when this happens, with an electric power auger or snake your best tool for the job.
If you don't have your own power snake, don't worry. You'll find it quite easy to rent one for your drain cleaning task. When you do, make sure you get one with at least 50 feet of cable to facilitate the work. Check that it has a foot-pedal switch so your hands will be free for the drain cleaning work.
Remove the strainer over the drain hole and look for a clean-out plug on the side of the drain basin. If there is one, you can take it off with a wrench and feed the cable down the pipe. If there is no clean-out plug you will need to snake the cable through the trap. After feeding several feet of cable down the drain, start up the cable power. With the motor on clockwise rotation, push the snake into the pipe until it meets the blockage. At this point stop the motor, set the rotation to anti-clockwise, back out some cable, switch to clockwise and feed the cable forward again. Continue this backward and forward action until the blockage is cleared. Remove the cable, flush the drain with hot water and remember to replace the clean-out plug to prevent gases escaping into the home.