Clogged drains are a common problem. There are procedures that can de-clog a sink, shower, toilet, and tub that will work as long as you perform them properly. In general, a clogged drain can be dealt with in four ways: using a plumbing snake, pouring drain cleaner chemicals, trying a toilet plunger, and repairing the plumbing trap. As always, we recommend calling a local plumbing services provider to fix your problem.

Using a Plumbing Snake – This is a flexible or coiled wire that a plumber gently drives through a drain in attempt declog it. There are many types of plumbing snakes, ranging from tiny models to big, two-person machines called rotating power snakes. Power snakes should only be used a by a professional.

Using a Drain Cleaner – Drain cleaners are popular because they’re like magic bullets. Pour them into a drain and just wait for the clog to disappear. However, drain cleaners don’t work all the time and using a drain cleaner before trying other methods of clearing the drain clog may cause problems. Many drain cleaning products are caustic or toxic. We recommend calling a plumbing service provider for a professional inspection and recommendation for the best drain cleaning method.

Using a Toilet Plunger – This is best used for simple blocked drains. There should be plenty of water around the plunger, because the blocked drain needs to be filled with water. The rubber cup of the plunger also needs to fully cover the drain. Working the plunger at the fixture causes a column of water to push on the blockage, hopefully removing it. Unfortunately, this approach might not work if the blockage is only partial.

Repairing the Plumbing Trap – Sometimes, all that’s needed to clear a drain is using a wire on its end to remove hair from the fixture. However, corroded, leaky, or damaged traps need to be disassembled and removed. The process for doing this can be tough because the other parts must not be damaged. It’s best to leave plumbing fixes to a professional for quicker and better results.

Our plumbing services can help homeowners deal with all kinds of problems, including clogged drains. A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can tackle any drain and plumbing crisis, and provide peace of mind to our customers. We’re proud of our top-quality services and fast response times. Call us at (732) 993-7200 to learn more about our services and products. We serve Wall and Freehold, NJ, and other areas in New Jersey.