If you deal with plumbing clogs on a regular basis, you might find yourself struggling with bent wire hangers, chemical drain cleaner, and unfamiliar pipes. Unfortunately, unless you are a trained professional, all of your efforts might be in vain. Most people don't realize it, but it is possible to damage your plumbing by making a few missteps. If you use the wrong chemicals or you push a little too hard, you might end up dealing with damaged pipes or your clogging problem could get worse. Fortunately, you might be able to use this blog to help you to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.
If you own an older home, plumbing problems can become so persistent you start to invest in significant plumbing supplies out of pure necessity. There are a variety of tools and liquids available to remove drain clogs. But there's one method of removing stubborn drain clogs that's increasing in popularity due to its efficacy and ease of use.
Compressed air clog removers are available for rent at many equipment rental locations or for purchase online and at some hardware stores. Investing in this product can become helpful with recurrent clogs. But there are a few usage tips to keep in mind before using compressed air to clear your clog.
Wear Protective Gear
The rush of air down the drain can unleash the clog—or force trapped water to fly back up the pipe and all over you. It's important to wear protective gear when using the compressed air to protect yourself from dirty or septic waste.
Sufficient gear should include, at a minimum, a face shield that covers your eyes and mouth and elbow-high rubber gloves. You should also wear clothing you can throw away or a plastic painter's coverall.
You should also make sure that no one has used a drain cleaning chemical in the sink in the past few days. The cleaner could still be sitting in the pipe and could come back at you with the water.
Plug the Second Sink
Is your problem in a double basin sink where the clog is only in one side? Shooting compressed air down that side without doing anything to the other sink will splatter you and the room in water.
Head to the hardware store and find a rubber sink plug that fits tightly into the strainer. Firmly press the plug into the side that doesn't have the clog before you attempt to use the compressed air on the clog.
You should also follow this tip if you're trying to unclog a bathtub that has an overflow drain. Make sure that drain is plugged before using the air.
Never Use Too Much Pressure
It's tempting to turn the compressed air machine up to its highest setting to shove the annoying clog away quickly. But it's important that you don't' exceed the pressure recommended in the manual.
Too much pressure can cause damage to your pipes or cause the sink strainer to completely fail, another situation that can cause a flood of water in your room. You don't want to have to buy a new sink and plumbing just because your sink had a clog. For more information, contact companies like C J Plumbing & Heating.
Share24 June 2015
