Drains and Plumbing

Using a Plunger to Unclog Drains in a Bathroom or Kitchen

Before resorting to any drain opener, try the mechanical method for opening drains. The simplest mechanical method of opening any clogged drain is to use a plunger—often called the Plumber's Helper, and with good reason.

It's amazing how well a plunger can work to remove clogs, as long as it's operated with some determination. Many people don't use the plunger correctly, failing to get a good seal, which will prevent the plunger from working the way it should.

Experts can tell you that the plunger works best on the suction (up) cycle as opposed to the pushing (down) cycle. It's easier to pull the clog free from the drain than it is to push it through the drain: once the clog has budged, it's more likely to be broken up, but shoved further into the drain, it may just pick up more detritus and become more firmly lodged in the pipe.

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Natural Drain Cleaner for Clogged Drains

The first thing you need to know before working on a clogged drain is that the drain cleaners you see advertised on TV or on the supermarket shelves are made of dangerous chemicals that will eat through rubber gloves, skin, certain kinds of pipe, wood and anything else they touch. If their fumes are inhaled, they can cause damage to the lungs, nose and mouth. If they are eaten, they will kill, even in small amounts. Even when they are used "properly", they can ruin septic systems, pollute groundwater, and destroy pipes.

For a more healthy and safe alternative, try a natural drain cleaner, such as Drainbo, that is made from natually occuring bacteria that will fix a clogged drain, but won't hurt your drain pipes or the environment.

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