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How to Avoid Drain Surgery

...or Proper Plunging for Do-It-Yourselfers

Clogged Sink Drains & Toilets

Be alert to warning signs of a sluggish drain. It's always easier to open a drain that is slowing down than one completely stopped up.
While we're always more than happy to solve your plumbing problems, there are times when you want or have to do it yourself...like unclogging drains and toilets.
Here's some free professional advice. Before you take the plunge, read and apply these plumber-proven tips for unclogging drains and toilets using a plunger:

• Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain. You run the risk of splashing caustic water on your face and in your eyes.
• Don't make the mistake of pumping up and down 2 or 3 times and expecting water to whoooooosh through. It rarely happens.
• Use a plunger with a suction cup large enough to cover the drain completely.
• Fill the clogged sink or toilet with just enough water the cover the cup.
• Coat the rim of the cup with petroleum jelly creating a tight seal.
• Block all other outlets with wet rags (overflow, second drain in double sink, adjacent fixtures, etc.).
• Insert the plunger into the water at an angle so no air remains trapped under it.
• Pump vigorously using 15 to 20 strokes holding the plunger upright.
• If at first you don't succeed, repeat the process 2 or 3 times.
• Use a different plunger for your kitchen sink than you use for your toilets.

If this still doesn't work, contact us.
Remember, our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a real live person. We offer Emergency Express Service, guarantee our work, AND guarantee our plumber will be on time.