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There's More Than One Way To Unclog A Drain
Dinner Guests are due in an hour, you gourmet meal is under control, and your
finished washing the pots and pans. That's when you discover the sink won't
drain. One of life's irritations suddenly becomes a major disaster. Don't panic,
some simple steps can save the evening.
While there are many methods to clear a clogged drain, the simplest ones often
do the job.
Hold off on using chemicals. Chemical drain cleaners are caustic and it's best
to try other methods first. If you do use a chemical, don't use a plunger
because the cleaner can splash back to burn your skin or eyes.
Kitchen sinks often are clogged by grease. For slow running drains, try pouring
a few quarts of boiling water to loosen the mass. Then run hot tap water for a
few minutes to flush the pipes.
If flushing doesn't work, nest try a plunger. Be sure the cup is flat around the
drain hole to develop suction as you pump the plunger. About 10 to 12 pumps of
the plunger should be sufficient.
If plunging fails, try to auger with a wire( a coat hanger will do) of purchase
an auger available at your local hardware store.
An inexpensive expansion nozzle for your garden hose will allow you to use water
pressure to free a clog. The nozzle, screwed onto the hose, is inserted into the
drain. It expands inside the drain so water won't flow upward.
Finally, if all those methods fail, the trap may need to be cleaned. Some have a
clean out plug at eh bottom of the bend in the trap. If not, the trap must be
removed.
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