Plumbing Clogs: Do This if Your Plunger Keeps Failing
If you're constantly plagued by stubborn clogs in your toilet or kitchen sink drain, you might use a plunger to break up the junk. But if your plunger repeatedly fails to clear the drain, you need to use something significantly more powerful than a plunger. Learn what tools you can use to clear up your drain below.
Auger or Snake
Augers, or plumbing snakes, are coiled, flexible devices that are about 1/4 inches thick in width. Some augers may be thicker and longer, depending on their purpose or brand. For example, if you need to unclog your sink, you may wish to use a 1/4-inch auger to do the job. To use an auger properly, you insert it into the drain. After you insert the snake, gently push the device down the drain. The device will either break up the clog or pull it out of the pipe. If an auger doesn't remove the clog from your sink or toilet, there could be tree roots or paper stuck in your drain. You'll need a hydro jetter the drain to unclog it.
Hydro Jetter
Hydro jetters are significantly more powerful than plungers and augers. Jetters use water to quickly penetrate and remove clogs. Hydro jetters also clean the inner surfaces of pipes after they unclog them. The cleaner plumbing pipes are, the less stress they undergo over time. You don't want to hydro jet the drain or pipe yourself. The equipment or device requires a plumber's expertise to use. A plumber will also need to inspect the drain and pipe for anything that might cause additional problems for you, such as cracks and leaks. If a plumber's inspection reveals cracks and leaks in your pipe, they'll repair the problem before going further. If the pipe appears in good shape, a plumber will begin the hydro jetting process. Depending on the size and location of the clog, a plumber may need to access your home's sewer cleanout to remove it. Sewer cleanouts connect to different plumbing pipes in your kitchen and bathroom. By hydro jetting the sewer cleanout, a plumber may be able to clear out the clog quickly.
A plumber may also hydro jet the pipe directly. However, it may cause water to spill out into your home. If a plumbing contractor must access the pipe directly, they'll inform you about it immediately. If your plunger or auger fails to remove the clog in your home, contact a plumber immediately and sign up for hydro setting services today.