A clogged drain is something you will experience at some time in your life. While there are various ways to clean your drains you will likely have to do one of these three things: either use a plunger or snake your drains to clear the blockage, or call a Glendale, CA Plumber. You need to understand when to do what.

When To Plunge

Your toilet may be backing up, or you hear strange sounds from your tub. This could indicate a blocked drain. Always try to take out the plunger first. If your toilet is backed up, a good plunge may be the best option to provide immediate relief. It is possible that your clog is more complicated than you expected.

Not to go to the supermarket and buy chemical drain cleaners. These will only do more damage to your pipes than they can solve the problem.

The other concern when using a plunger to unclog a clogged drain at home is that it might not be the right plunger for the job. There are three types that will work for certain clogs.

These are just a few of the many plungers available:

  • CUP PLUNGER: This type of plunger can be found in most homes and is what you think of when you think about a plunger. The cup plunger is used to unclog the bathroom or kitchen sinks. It comes with a wooden handle, and a circular suction cups. Flat surfaces are best for this cup plunger as it will create a vacuum that will collect any clogs.
  • TOILET PLUNGER: Although it looks like a cup plunger, this plunger has a similar shape to one. However, it also features a cylindrical rubber flap which folds out of the cup. This flap is designed to fit over the drain of your toilet, allowing for more effective suction. It’s best to keep the toilet plunger and the sink plunger apart, as they can be messy.
  • ACCORDION PLUNGER: This type of plunger, made of hard plastic, also has a cylindrical flap at its bottom. The best use for this plunger is to clear clogged toilets. However, the hard plastic material could cause serious damage to the bowl.

If you don’t believe you have the right tool to plunge, it is a good idea for you to call a plumber.

When To Snake

A drain snake, a popular plumbing tool, allows you to attempt to clear a blockage that’s further down your pipes. The snake works by reaching the blockage with its long end and cutting through it to break it down.

There are two types available: drain snakes and snakes. The drain snake you may have at your home is typically made of plastic with barbs. This allows the snake to be inserted into the drain to remove any blockage. This drain snake can be used if the blockage is not too far from the surface.

The second type of drain snake, made from metal, is flexible and coily. This drain snake is used most often by professional Glendale, CA Plumbers. These are some of the reasons it is so important that plumbers use this tool. Your plumbing system is intricate, so it is crucial to avoid damaging them during a clearing. There are often times when the clog is deeper down in the pipe. In these cases, additional tools will be required to reach the clog with the drain snake.

You should also consider the size of the drain snake that you will use if you think you have a clog. The wrong size can make it difficult to pass wires through bends within your pipes. The drain snake can cause long-term damage to pipes if it isn’t used properly.

When should you call a plumber?

You might be tempted to repair a blocked drain by yourself. It is frustrating to not be able to get immediate relief. Most of the time, it’s best to call in a professional Glendale, CA Plumber to help you. A clog may be causing problems in your mains sewer line. You should contact a plumber immediately to resolve the problem. The intricate and costly components of your home’s plumbing system can cause problems that could cost you more in the long-term. A professional Glendale, CA Plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and prevent it from happening again.