With more time spent at home lately, our home’s plumbing has been pulling extra duty which may lead to more backups that we simply do not have the time for. The good news though is that minor clogs are often easy fixes with the right tool. We’ve pulled together this list of simple tools you can have on hand to solve minor clogs yourself, save money, and get your home’s plumbing back up and running properly in a timely manner:

Toilet Plunger

While you don’t need to be superman or superwoman to use a toilet plunger, this tool does require some muscle. A good toilet plunger creates a tight seal around the toilet bowl drain to help unclog a toilet. Your first step is always to turn the water off first before using the plunger in a downward vigorous motion until the clog is released. Flush to be sure the waste and water flows down. If it does not flow down, continue until the clog is released.

Plumbing Auger/Drain Snake

This is an inexpensive tool that can be found at any local hardwood store. It helps you to dislodge a clog, snag it, and bring it out of the drain. If you have littles like we do, this is especially helpful to recover legos that accidentally made its way down the drain or their favorite action figure that just wanted to save the day. If you can see the object that is causing the clog but don’t have this tool, you can try to create a home-made auger by bending a hanger. Be careful though not to scratch your toilet or sink with the metal wire of the hanger.

Sink Plunger

A blocked garbage disposal is often the root cause of a clogged kitchen sink. Your first point of action should always be to check to see if you have a broken or overheated garbage disposal. Your next course of action is to use a household plunger. It is best to designate one plunger for your sinks separate from the plunger used for toilets. Sometimes, a clog can be in the curve under the sink. In these instances, you can use a wrench to unfasten the P-Trap and a bucket to catch the water and any other debris that may come out. If the clog is further down the system, you can use a plumbing auger or drain snake to try and break up the clog.

Natural Cleaners

Cleaners made with a concentrated mix of bacteria can break down a clog without harming your pipes. Keep a bottle of natural cleaner handy and use it periodically to both avoid clogs from occurring and solve minor issues. Be patient when using as the cleaner needs several hours to work. While it may be tempting to dump liquid drain cleaners for a quick fix, the chemicals found in those cleaners can actually damage your pipes and eat at them overtime – especially in older homes.

Need help from a licensed Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

Minor clogs are often easy DIY fixes with a few simple tools. If your home’s plumbing system shows signs of repeated clogs or other issues, this may be a sign of a much larger problem. Whether they be minor or major issues, our experts at Warrior Plumbing are here to help with any concerns you have. Simply contact us to ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly.