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When a clog happens do you have the right tool that can fix it? And no, we aren’t talking about a plunger. In this blog you’ll find a list of plumbing tools and an explanation of when to use each one.
Whether it’s water not draining from your bathtub or your child’s pronouncement that they tried to flush their favorite toy down the toilet, figuring out how to fix a clog causes a headache on its own. After discovering a clog, the hours after are usually spent experimenting with plungers and a concoction of chemicals. Though when it comes to removing clogs an auger–also known as a snake–is your best weapon.
Augers are available in a wide range of price points and power points, making it easy to find one that fits your needs. They’re just the tool you would want on hand when confronted with a clog. So here are a couple recommendations for the best augers for tackling common household clogs.
Clog Location: Toilet
Tool Recommendation: Milwaukee Trapsnake 6-foot Toilet Auger
When the toilet is backed up or threatening to overflow, the first thing homeowners grab is their trusty plunger. A plunger works well for removing waste clogs, but if the clog is more serious plunging could just add to the problem. If plunging your toilet doesn’t work after a couple of moments, you need an auger like the Milwaukee Trapsnake.
Not only is this 6-foot toilet auger budget friendly, it also is easy to store. This model is available in a manual or battery-powered option and features a telescoping extension that helps you feed the cable through the toilet’s trap. Like most augers, this device has a “forward” and “reverse”, making it easy to maneuver through the drain to break up clogs. With all of these user-friendly features this tool is perfect for the do it yourself homeowners.
Clog Location: Sink Drain
Tool Recommendation: Milwaukee M12 AirSnake Air Gun
Sink clogs can be caused by a multitude of things, from grease and food in the kitchen to hair and toothpaste in the bathroom. Nine times out of ten sink clogs are simple fixes and require nothing more than disconnecting the P-trap underneath the sink. However, problems arise when the clog lies beyond the trap–that’s when you need an AirSnake.
The Milwaukee M12 uses air to remove the most stubborn clogs. It does the job so well that it even works through drain covers. The AirSnake’s pressure can be adjusted from 0 to 50 psi (pounds per square inch), which lets you use the appropriate pressure for dislodging any size clog. Finally, with added attachments you can use the AirSnake to clear clogs from toilets and showers too–talk about power and versatility!
Clogged Location: Tub or Shower Drain
Tool Recommendation: 20-inch Hair Snake
When you find yourself standing in water up to your ankles during a shower, that’s a good indicator that it’s time to clear the drain. Clogs can be caused by almost anything, with hair being the most common culprit. When situations like this arise, you can often unclog the drain with a generic 20-inch hair snake. These inexpensive plastic rods feature tiny hooked barbs that grab onto hair masses and easily remove them from the drain.
If these tools aren’t doing the trick, maybe you need a professional! Give Terry’s Plumbing a call today to schedule an appointment to get your drains clear again.
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