For all the problems it can cause, your drainage system works on a simple principle. Gravity moves wastewater down pipes to your main drain and out to your septic tank or municipal sewer system. It’s not surprising that a lot of the tools that keep your drain clear and working are also fairly simple. Some tools are so simple that you probably already have them lying around the house for another purpose. Here are some to consider.

Wire Hangers

Wire hangers are in fact good for something, and they can be used to keep your drain clear or unclog it in a pinch. The easiest way to unbend a wire hanger is to find a wire cutter, snip it around one of the “shoulders,” and then straighten it out. If the drain is wide enough, you may even be able to use the part with the hook to clear it. One caveat is if the drain is made of metal and you’ve been using harsh chemicals to clear it, then those chemicals may have softened it. This means that the wire can puncture it, so proceed with care.

The Plunger

Invented in 1874, the plunger is the one indispensable tool that helps to maintain your drains. Plungers are inexpensive and come in different sizes. They clear drains using suction and pressure and are often the first line of defense when clogs appear. They can be used to clear your toilet as well as your sink, tubs, and showers. Plumbing professionals recommend using a type of plunger called a flange plunger for the toilet. This plunger has a flap, or flange, in the cup that creates a vacuum that makes the suction more powerful.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt, and Boiling Water

Baking soda, vinegar, salt, and boiling water are mild enough to be part of routine drain maintenance and tough enough to remove even somewhat stubborn clogs. These ingredients naturally remove greasy residue without hurting the drain pipes. Especially powerful when used together, they keep the drain not only clear but sweet smelling. Some professionals recommend flushing baking soda down your bathtub or shower drain once a week.

Pipe Wrenches

Like plungers, pipe wrenches come in different sizes. Sometimes a clog is so persistent that you might have to open up a trap or the cleanout plug to deal with it. This calls for some kind of pipe wrench, including the powerful Stillson wrench. There’s also the basin wrench, which allows you to get into tight areas, like the space right beneath your sink.

Call Our Professionals for Drain Maintenance

Clogs seem inevitable in any plumbing system, but there are many tools you can use to fix them or at least make them less frequent. If you need more information about dealing with a drain clog and effective drain maintenance, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbers at Almighty Plumbing in Antioch, California.