Posts Tagged ‘clogged drain’

Why Vancouver Drains Get Plugged

Posted on: August 30th, 2012 by Damon Cuthbert
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Vancouver drains tip. If you see dirty water all of a sudden, do not panic. It could be the simplest of solutions. Sometimes the city flushes their systems, breaking up debris and sending it into your home. Fixing this requires flushing the drains and strainers until the water runs clean again. If this municipal flush caused a problem like a drop in water pressure though, that could mean your drains need to be flushed to clean out mud and debris. Or it may also mean your drainage system has root intrusion and may need a roto-rooter machine to cut out the roots. In extreme cases you may have to replace the perimeter drains or even have the pipes leading to the sewer system replaced.

In Case of a Flood

If water is flooding your home, immediately switch off the main electrical power. If water comes into contact with any electrical components, it can become a fatal situation. Once the power is off, then deal with the flood water. Put your own and your family’s personal safety first, and show each member of the family how to shut off the power.

To help you find a good plumber, you should get recommendations from people whom you trust. Asking a friend or a neighbor is usually more trustworthy than picking a random plumber out of the phone book. You need a competent plumber, otherwise you could be in for a much bigger problem down the road. Another resource is our website CertifiedLocalPro.com. We only host local plumbers with excellent track records.

The Main Water Shut off Valve

Make sure you know where your home’s water shutoff is located. You never know when there might be an emergency involving a broken pipe or damaged connection that requires you to turn off the water right away. In addition, knowing where the shutoff is located is vital before you start any plumbing project, in case anything goes wrong.

For a clogged drain try using a plunger first, as your clog may simply be a build-up of hair and debris. If this doesn’t work you may have to clear the drain with a snake. Feed the snake into the drain line as far as it will go. Turn the crank gently which will either collect the blockage or loosen the clog. Remove the snake, and run water down the drain to see if the clog has been removed. You may have to use the snake a couple of times, before the clog is cleared so don’t give up!

How to Retrieve a Lost Ring

If you drop a small item like a ring or earring into a sink drain, hope is not lost. By carefully removing the U-shaped trap underneath the sink, you can probably retrieve the item. Be aware that the trap will be full of water, though, so have something under it to catch the spills.

If all esle fails call one of the Vancouver drains contractors listed on our site and they will dispatch a technician right away if it’s an emergency. If it can wait we usually book an appointment that’s convenient for both.

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How to Snake A Clogged Drain

Posted on: September 22nd, 2009 by Damon Cuthbert
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Snake A Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is a real nuisance, but something that is a very common residential problem. If you have a good idea where the problem is and you are somewhat handy, then you could rent a plumber’s snake and fix the problem yourself.

A plumbing snake is a long flexible tool used to remove clogs in pipes that can’t be forced through with a plunger. Most snakes have a coiled wire with space between the coils at the far end. The near end is attached to a crank that rotates the wire as you push it down into the pipe.

The far end of the snake digs into the clog kind of like a corkscrew. If you are able to snag the clog and recover it, you can pull the offending plug out. The alternative is to break up the clog and push it through the drain.

If you decide to rent a plumbing snake, take a few measurements first. There are a few choices, and you want to get the right snake for the job. Here are a few tips on how to use a plumbing snake.

  • Prep The Area: Make sure you have towels and a bucket to mop up any water. You will probably want to use gloves, because the snake cable can get messy.
  • Feed Plumbing Snake in: Feed the snake’s head into the drain and  turn it clockwise as you push it into the pipe.
  • Find the Clog: Keep turning the snake and sliding it in until you hit the clog. Stay close to the entrance of the pipe as you feed the snake into the drain.
  • Snag the Clog: Once find the clog, turn the head of the snake until you feel it latch on to the clog. Once you have a good hold on the clog, pull the snake out carefully. If that doesn’t work you can push and turn the snake to chew away at the clump until you break through and break it up. If you are able to pull the clog out, it will probably cause a mess. That’s what the towels and bucket are for.
  • Clean up the Drain: You will want to get rid of any remaining pieces in the drain. Do this by running hot water down the drain for a few minutes. This should wash away any remaining chunks and pieces.

If you can’t find the obstruction on your first try, run the snake in through the branch pipe. If you can’t find the clog in the branch pipe, the blockage may be in the main waste and vent stack, or in the sewer line. In that case, you’ll have to call a plumber.

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