February 28, 2020

Uh oh! You’ve got a clogged drain. Before you call us at Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, try one of these DIY drain clearing methods.

Use Traditional Tools

Nowadays, plumbers and HVAC technicians use technology to get the job done. We utilize advanced equipment that can knock out any drain clog and even clear away years of mineral buildup. However, there’s still something to be said about traditional plumbing tools like a plunger and auger.

Plunger

The most important thing when it comes to plungers is to make sure you’re using the correct type. Some plungers are specifically designed for toilets. You’re going to want the simple cup plunger for sinks or bathtub drains. For toilets, you would want a flange or accordion plunger.

Plungers work by creating pressure that moves water around the clog, dislodging it. So, you’ll want to run some water so that the cup of the plunger is covered. You only need to go straight up and down for the plunger to do its job.

Auger

If that doesn’t work, feel free to try an auger. These are more involved and can be intimidating if you’ve never used one. This tool involves placing a cable down your drain and breaking up the clog using the auger handle. Important note: The type of auger I’m describing should only be used on sinks and not toilets!

Final Note

There’s no need to use toxic chemical drain cleaners. These can damage your pipes and damage the environment as well. If you’re not able to clear a clog yourself, it’s okay to ask for help. Our pros can use our top-of-the-line technology to clear your clog and clean your drains to prevent future clogs.

If you’re not able to clear your clogged drain with these tips, give us at Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning a call at 916-970-9543 or fill out an online contact form and we’ll clear your drain.

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