|
     
|
|  |
Ways to Avoid Calling the Plumber
by Dwight Nga
http://www.forplumbing.com
It is common knowledge that hiring a plumber is going
to place a strain on your check book. Sometimes you
can't avoid the assistance of the plumber as the
plumbing job is just too difficult. However, most of
the time you can fix the plumbing yourself if you know
how. Follow these do-it yourself tips when your drain
is clogged and you don't want to call the plumber.
Before starting any plumbing project, it is a good idea to
first know where the main shut off valve is just in case
things take a turn for the worse. Plus, know where the
shut off valve is on whatever it is you are working on too.
For a stopped up kitchen drain, it is always possible that
a grease build up is the cause of the problem. A simple
way to fix this clog is to pour scalding hot grease down
the drain. This will help dissolve the grease and flush
the grease down. If this does not work, you are most
likely dealing with a blockage of some kind.
Kitchen drains tend to clog up due to a buildup of grease
over time. One way to fix the issue is dump hot grease
down the drain. It will cause the hardened grease to
liquify and move down the pipes. If pouring grease does
not do the trick then you might have something blocking
the drain.
Begin with the basics by examining the drain for
minor blockages like food. Remove the sink stopper and
strainer to give them a thorough cleaning. Check to see
if quickly cleaning these materials fixes the problem.
If not, you will need to work with stronger plumbing tools
like snakes and plungers.
First try using a snake tool. It works quite well
when trying to unblock a drain. A snake is made up of
a long thin piece of corrugate pipe. It is inside of a
device that fits in your hands. The snake extends and
retracts the pipe so you remove just about anything
blocking your drain.
Using the snake is as easy as sticking the end into the
drain a few inches. Turn the handle to manipulate the
direction of the snake head. This will allow you to clamp
onto whatever is blocking the drain. Keep proceeding
down the drain until you find a blockage. Repeat this
process by turning the handle until you find the blockage.
Once in awhile a snake will not unclog your drain. When
this happens you need to try a chemical drain cleaner.
Make sure to first use a plunger before you use any
chemical drain cleaner. You don't want to use a plunger
after using chemical drain cleaner because the chemical
drain cleaner might splash onto your face and eyes causing
harmful irritation.
When plunging the drain it is crucial that water covers
the drain. This will help you to have a good seal
to aid with the plunging action. Make sure to place a
cover or seal over any drain vents or other sink drains.
Plung 15-20 times in a row before stopping and removing
the plunger. If the sink still will not drain then repeat
this process another 2-3 imes. Use the chemical drain
cleaner next. If all of this doesn't work then you will
have to get out your phone book and call a professional
plumber.
Submit An Article
|
©
COPYRIGHT 2005 ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED watercolored.com
|
Get Exposure For Your Site! Advertise with us.
Click
Here For Details
on a Great Deal! |
|
|
Would you like
more information on watercolor?
Sign up here for our mailing list. You will get great information
before it becomes available on our website!
|
|
