Sewer Snakes and Other Drain Machines

If you have a slow draining or clogged drain, chances are it is simply caused by blockage of food particles, oil, grease and debris collecting in your pipes. Before you use a sewer snake or other last resort option, there are many options that you should try first that will usually solve your problem without the use of a snake or other drain machines that a plumber might use.

There are many different options available to fix a clogged or blocked drain. Plumbers use a variety of tools depending on how extensive the problem is. Before renting a plumbing snake or hiring a plumber there are many other things that you should try first before calling out an expensive plumber

Vinegar - Vinegar is a great home remedy for clearing a clogged drain. Boil six cups of water and pour it down the drain. Immediately follow with 3 cup of vinegar. Put a rag in the sink and block off the drain for five minutes to keep the fumes in the sink. Unplug the drain and run the hot water to see if your drain is unclogged. If not, repeat the process as many times as needed.

Cola - Most brands of cola contain a chemical called phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid is a great natural way to unclog your drain. Pour a two liter of cola into your drain and clog up the drain with a wet washcloth. Allow the cola to sit in the drain overnight. In the morning run the hot water to see if the chemical has unclogged your drain. If not, repeat the process until drain clears.

Baking soda - Add three-quarters of a cup of dry baking soda into the clogged drain. Follow with six cups of boiling water. Clog the drain with a wet rag, and then allow the baking soda to sit for 15 minutes. Unclog the drain and run the hot water to see if the drain is unclogged; if the drain still draining water slowly or not at all, repeat the process.

Boiling Water - Sometimes boiling water is enough to unclog the drains if the problem is oil and grease buildup. This should be your first step in attempting to unclog your drain.

Snake Auger - A snake auger should be your last resort if the other options have not worked until this point. You can buy a snake auger at your local hardware or home improvement store.