CLOGGED Drain? Part I: Your options.

You have 3 Options: 1 Traditional Plunger Try this first. If it works, you’re done! 2 Commercial Chemicals Not recommended. Corrosive and bad for the environment. 3 Snake it! Best option. Economical and Eco- friendly. Continue to learn how.

  If you plunge to no avail, you may be tempted to buy drain cleaning gel, crystals, foam, and/or liquid. .  These products can be expensive, ranging from $4 to $15 a bottle, with no guarantee that they will solve your problem.

Why Snakes, Not Chemicals Chemical drain cleaners are: Easy to use Easy to use Corrosive Corrosive Bad for the environment Bad for the environment Dangerous to people Dangerous to people Costly when faced with a stubborn clog Costly when faced with a stubborn clog Ineffective on clogs far away from the drain opening Ineffective on clogs far away from the drain opening Drain snakes and augers are: Relatively easy to use Relatively easy to use Free of harmful corrosives Free of harmful corrosives Environmentally friendly Environmentally friendly Safe when used according to instructions Safe when used according to instructions Cost-effective Cost-effective Effective on clogs far away from the drain opening Effective on clogs far away from the drain opening

Choosing a Snake  There are a number of hand augers (snakes) ranging in price from about $10 to $100 or more. The price is usually determined by how it is powered. Hand-powered. Drill-compatible. Self-powered.

 I recommend getting one that you can attach to a drill. I got mine for under $25. (Drill not included.)

CLOGGED Drain? Part II: How to solve it.

Safety First  If you have already used chemical drain cleaners, do not proceed without reading all safety warnings on the product you purchased.  Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive. They can cause injuries to the eyes and skin and can be harmful in other ways.  Using an auger on a drain may cause splashing. Protecting yourself against this is advised before moving forward.

Supplies  Auger or snake (preferably drill-compatible)  Cordless or electric drill (to power the auger)  Rubber gloves (for hand protection)  Safety goggles (for eye protection)  Towels (for cleanup)  Two buckets (one for water, one for supplies)

1. Connect the auger to the drill. 2. Remove the drain stopper. 7 Easy Steps

3. With some water in the sink, slowly push the snake down the drain opening until it meets resistance.

4. Push and pull while engaging the drill, turning the snake in one direction only until it moves freely in the drain.

5. Slowly back the snake out. 6. Remove the snake. Yum! Look at that glob of hair.

7. Run water into the drain opening. If it flows down the drain freely, the drain is cleared.

Using a snake on your drain has advantages:  It saves money. A drain auger is a one-time expense that can be used multiple times, as opposed to drain cleaning liquids and other products that you pay per use.  It saves time. With an auger, you can usually unclog a drain in the same amount of time or less than you’d have to wait for drain cleaner to start working.  It is safer. If you use an auger, no harmful chemicals are released into the environment and you can’t come in contact with them.