DIY Tools

The most used tool in DIY plumbing and drain cleaning. A handheld tool that applies pressure on a clog to dislodge it from a pipe or drain.

When using a plunger its all about the seal. When dealing with a toilet clog use a flanged plunger. the flange fits into the drain and prevents any forward pressure from escaping.

when unclogging a sink fold the flange inward and use the flat face. Just cover the entire drain and apply pressure.

 If your plunger isn't clearing the drain it usually means.

• The clog is too densely compacted and requires a toilet auger or commercial snake.

• The forward pressure is being vented off before reaching the clog.

You get what you pay for, a cheap over the counter drain cleaning method. Although it may unclog your drain some times liquid drain cleaners can end up doing damage to the pipe. Over time a product like drano eats away at the pipe and can solidify, become a far more costly fix. You do have the option to try one these natural DIY drain cleaning liquids.

 Use a ½ cup of each ingredient, let sit for an hour and flush with hot water. Note that drano or these DIY recipes usually don’t work for clogs where the water is not draining at all.

• Baking soda + vinegar ( I recommend sealing the drain with a plunger until the mixture settles in the toilet bowl).

• Baking soda + Lemon juice

• Baking soda + Salt

• Baking soda + Borax + Vinegar

• Baking soda + cream of tartar + Salt

If drano or these natural liquid drain cleaners aren’t working the clog can’t be dissolved or is to far for the liquid to reach. A drain cleaner will have to snake the line. Also remember to always tell your drain cleaning technician if you’ve used any drain cleaning products. They can be very acidic causing skin and eye irritation.

A Toilet Auger is a hand-driven snake and your last angle of attack before a drain cleaner has to remove the bowl.

Pull the cable into the handle and then put it into the bowl. Remember to angle it upward into the drain. This helps to align with the drain and prevent the cable from scratching the porcelain. Now work the cable into the toilet while turning the handle to break up or remove any obstructions.

If your toilet auger doesn't clear the drain its an indicator that.

• the blockage is further in the pipe, and will require a commercial snake or water jet. 

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You’re absolutely right about the risks of using a bent hanger as a drain snake. It can cause more harm than good. The drain weasel is indeed a much safer and more effective alternative for unclogging sinks. Its flexibility allows it to navigate through drain traps without damaging the pipes, and the small thorns help grab and remove clogs efficiently.

Here’s a quick guide on how to use a drain weasel:

• Insert: Push the drain weasel into the clogged drain.

• Spin: Start spinning the handle to help it follow the pipe.

• Remove: The small thorns on the sides will grab the clog, making it easier to pull out.

If the drain weasel doesn’t solve the problem, it might be time to call a professional. The clog could be too far down the line or made of material that the weasel can’t grab.

Do you have a specific clog issue you’re dealing with right now? Maybe I can help with more targeted advice!