A clogged drain is no fun and it can seem like a daunting task in order to get in unclogged and have things flowing properly once again.
While there are many household remedies to unclogging a drain, using a pressurized can of air, a pressure washer, or any other intense form of high pressure is not recommended.
While the initial shot of pressure may appear to work by knocking off large chucks of the blockage, it could create further problems down the road. It may even blow particles of the blockage back at you, which wouldn’t be ideal.
Chances are, anything that is knocked off or removed by the high pressure will make its way further down the pipe and create similar (or worse) problems later. High pressure can also rough up pipe walls, which will later make things stick to them instead of smoothly traveling through them.
Depending on what drain is clogged, what is actually causing the clog, and how serious it is, consider other options for removing it.
If the drain is slow, but not completely clogged, flush it with hot water for five to ten minutes. Next, try an environmentally safe drain opener and flush with hot water again.
If it is completely stopped, try and suction cup or a plunger. If the drain is still clogged, try using a snake, a drain auger, or even a piece of wire through the pipe.
If none of these suggestions work, you might have to remove portions of the pipe to release whatever is blocking the pipe.
Once the pipe is cleared of the main clog, it is always a good idea to flush it with boiling water to make sure the clog is gone and that any remaining debris is rinsed down the pipes and doesn’t stick around for another clog.
(Flickr Photo by leosaumurejr)
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