Sometimes there are some drains you might find that are very tricky or are very difficult to drain. Different jobs will require different tools and here are a few different tools to help you out.
The first and most common used tool is the plunger or more commonly known as a force cup or “plumber’s friend”. These tools consist of two cups (one inside of the other) are most commonly used to clean bathtubs/toilets and sinks. Most of the time, this is all a plumbing job requires for any junk filled pipe, as the suction power is usually enough to clear it out.
The next tool that some plumbers will end up using for pipes that something stuck in them is what is called an auger. This is what is most commonly referred to as the snake and is usually one fourth of an inch long which different variations in length. One of the two augers that are commonly used are stored in a funnel shaped container and the cable is usually lead through the pipe by spinning it. The other type of auger has a z-shaped handle as it is cranked to make it’s way through the drain. Sometimes a professional might even use a drill or power tool to help snake the auger through the drain. There is also a tool called a closet auger which is mostly used for cleaning toilets and is very effective because it’s more rigid than a regular auger.
Another solution to be used for a tool are chemicals. Sometimes when basic tools just simply won’t do the trick, a plumber will break out chemicals and these work by being poured down into the drain and because they weigh more than water, they will sink down into the drain even if the sink or tub is full of water and usually will unclog the drain. Most of these chemicals contain an acid that will easily dissolve hair. There is also a hydroxide element which will make even the worst case of built up grease turn into a soft soap and will easily slide it’s way through the drain unclogging it. Toxic chemicals for cleaning drains should always contain a warning and should always be used by a professional and with caution.
Sometimes some of the most complicated clogs can be solved by some of the simplest tools or with a little drop of chemicals but these are just a few of the arsenal of tools that can be used to unclog a dirty or built up drain.
