clogged drains http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for clogged drains Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:02:46 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/clogged+drains Clog Breaking Jet Plunger Takes Care Of All Your Clogs http://www.artwoo.com/article/clog-breaking-jet-plunger-takes-care-of-all-your-clogs http://www.artwoo.com/article/clog-breaking-jet-plunger-takes-care-of-all-your-clogs#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 22:27:06 +0000 jet plungerclogclogged toiletunclog drainskitchen sinksunclog a toiletclogged toilets http://www.artwoo.com/article/clog-breaking-jet-plunger-takes-care-of-all-your-clogs clog breaking was created out of necessity and the American can do spirit.

After having managed apartments for more than 12 years and knowing nothing is worse than receiving calls at all hours for a , sink, shower or tub, the Jet Plunger clog breaking technology was invented, patented and developed as the most advanced and effective plunger ever made. There isn't a clog around that the Jet Plunger can't unclog.

Delivering a full seventy cubic inches of compressed air, the Jet Plunger is a fierce enemy to a clog. It delivers enough clog breaking power to clear a clogged drain jammed with three stories of toilet paper. And the technology allows anyone to handle the plunger with ease.

Every home should have a plunger with the capacity to unclog the toughest of clogs. Many a plumber has been called out at all hours to , toilets and sinks, only to drop an enormous, nicely prepared bill on the owner of the clogged apparatus. With a plunger like the Jet Plunger, calling an expensive plumber to or a sink is a thing of the past.

The Jet Plunger unclogs all kinds of drains and keeps them clear. For , just twist the large bell on to the clog breaker system and place it over the drain. Pull up on the handle and the one-way valve fills the compression chambers with air. Then push down firmly with a fast stroke and the clog is gone. For clogged , you can use the smaller (Sink Kit) bell and blow stubborn clogs away without splashing and making a mess. It's easy enough for kids to use.

And if you use the Jet Plunger once a month in your bathroom, kitchen, tub and shower to keep your drains open, you'll probably never get a clog again.

The Jet Plunger and its Patented Clog-Breaker technology system is made with anti-microbial additives to improve hygiene, and comes with a storage catch base with a drip pool and a pour spout. It also includes two foot holds so you don't have to touch anything. In the end, you won't know what you have done without this tool! Chris Murphy is an independent, freelance writer covering subjects of interest to his readership. For more information about this topic, please visit http://www.jetplunger.com ]]> What's In Your Drain? http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:27:05 +0000 dishwasher detergenthot greasedish detergentdrainage pipeslimecalciumpopcorn kernels http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain
Don't put food in the drain unless you have a garbage disposal unit. Even small items such as or vegetable peels. These will all plug up the drainage line. A real culprit is bread and butter that can form a paste when it is mixed with the running water and sticks to the sides of the .

Grease is one of the biggest offenders in stopping up you sink. Grease, once it is stuck in the line will form a hard material that becomes a plug in the drain. Even , once it is exposed to the cool pipes, will harden in the pipes. Pour leftover grease in a container and cool it to a solid, then put it in the garbage.

The only kind of detergent you should be putting in the sink is . Others, such as car cleaners or will clump up. Dishwasher or clothes detergent are intended to be agitated in the washer; this will not happen in the sink, so it will not break down properly.

You should never put toxic pesticides in your sink. They will congeal when mixed with the water in the line and form a solid that will block the line. Some may even corrode the pipes.

Even though or is used in some septic systems for odor elimination, you should not put ordinary calcium or lime in your sink drain. The septic products are specially formulated; ordinary calcium or lime will harden to a concrete like substance and really cause problems in the lines.

Besides cooking grease, you should avoid putting other kinds of oils, such as lubricating oils or motor oil in the drain.

Just like the edible oils, they will harden and stop up the drain. In addition, EPA regulations prohibit motor oil to be disposed of in this way. You may be subject to fines for contaminating the water.

Another product that is like grease is the oils we use for our bodies, such as baby oils, moisturizing oils, or oil based soaps. These should be put in a container and placed in the garbage.

A final item to avoid in your sink drains is hair. Using a trap on the drains will prevent hair from going down the drain, especially in the bathroom. Clean out the drains frequently.

For a totally back-up free home, avoid putting any of these products in your drains, and then put a good quality drain cleaner down the drain once a month for good measure. Focusing on latest news in air compressors, Vince Paxton is publishing for the most part for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . His writings on craftsman tools can be found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/powertools/craftsmantools.html in addition to other online publications. ]]> Plugged Up Drain No Longer A Problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/plugged-up-drain-no-longer-a-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/plugged-up-drain-no-longer-a-problem#comments Sun, 16 Sep 2007 04:15:00 +0000 garbage disposalclogged drainskitchen sinkdishwashersink drainsplungerdown the drain http://www.artwoo.com/article/plugged-up-drain-no-longer-a-problem plunger is to make purchased in any hardware store for under $10.00. The second tool is necessary for cleaning is a snake or otherwise known as a hand augur these can be purchased also any hardware store usually from but $10.00to $20.00.

For an example we're going to use a standard drain, most kitchen also include a and connected to a garbage disposal is generally connected the drain line for your . If you are going to use a plunger on your kitchen sink I first recommend that you purchase the plunger that he's used only on sinks. Now before you began plunging your kitchen sink you'll need to plug the drain for your dishwasher if you do not plug the drained your dishwasher you could force dirty sink water back up into your dishwasher. If you can either remove the hose and plug it. The easiest way is to simply use a pair of vice grip pliers to pinch the hose shut.

But if a snake and other hand to similar to a long spring you can start the end of the water and crank the cranking motion will cause the auger to spin around and around cleaning the drain If as they augur spends you may feed it down the drain in most cases the train will be plugged up at the trap which is located under the sink in most cases once the auger has penetrated to 3ft. the drain will be clear and water will begin to drain out.

If by chance the clog is on the side of your sink that also has the garbage disposal you may have additional problems try turning on your disposal does it sound and normal or does it just hum? If it just homes but or does not make a noise of all your garbage disposal is more than likely jammed most disposals now come with a and Allen ranch that allows you to turn the disposal backwards this is usually located at the bottom of the disposal. Simply turn the disposal few times in reverse and this should clear the blockage if the disposal fails to start you may want to check your circuit breakers. Megan Cherry writes for http://www.pegandrail.com ]]> Moneymaking Convenience http://www.artwoo.com/article/moneymaking-convenience http://www.artwoo.com/article/moneymaking-convenience#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:01:32 +0000 sphere of influenceclogged drainplumberautomotive repairbleachdrainscompliment http://www.artwoo.com/article/moneymaking-convenience compliment of duties. Often we were raised with less need to know about many things, but rather we learn to excel with a smaller number of skills.

In previous generations it may have been more important to know a little bit about plumbing, electricity and . Today we simply call someone skilled in a particular area and have him or her fix whatever issue we may have.

For instance I don't believe most of the men in my dad's era ever paid to have someone change the oil in their automobile. Today it is rare that an individual will take care of this duty on his or her own.

If the sink is clogged we might try a chemical remover or we might 'plunge' a time or two, but then we call a to come and make our flow freely again.

A friend of mine who once had a drain that persistently clogged was visited by the same plumber every few months. Finally the plumber looked at my friend and said, "If you want to save a visit from me all you need to do is pour half a cup of down your drain every month or two. The bleach will cause any hair buildup to break apart and save you from another . This simple advice stopped the constant visits and saved my friend a lot of cash, but this wasn't something he was taught as a skill -- it came at the price of multiple plumbing visits.

There is money in being able to provide a service that seems either foreign or scary to those who need the work done.

As a people we are more inclined to embrace the idea that we don't know how to do certain things. We are also quick to make the call when we need that service performed.

A little bit of knowledge in an area can make you an expert that is sought after. Most people don't want to mess anything up so they will venture outside their when they need help. It is easier to pay for the help than trying to figure out what skills they need to learn and then learning those skills.

Since most of us aren't blessed with a neighbor who seems to know it all and is willing to help in a compassionate way we will continue to rely on outside help to accomplish things around the house.

It is in that environment that someone will be able to make money. The truth is you can gain some of your marketable skill simply by paying a visit to your favorite hardware or lumber shop and asking a few questions. Many of the experts there are more than willing to pass along a few tips to help you in present or future repairs.

It is possible for virtually anyone to learn the skills they need, but most just do not have the time or patience to become proficient at a skill they may only use once.

Your moneymaking idea could be the answer to the convenience others have come to expect.Learn to Make Money Online, How To Make Money, and Make Money From Home at MakeMoneyFacts.]]> Do You Dread Reaching For The Plunger? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-dread-reaching-for-the-plunger http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-dread-reaching-for-the-plunger#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 22:27:08 +0000 clogged toiletjet plungerproperty management businessunclogging drainsproperty managersplungersplumber http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-dread-reaching-for-the-plunger
According to a recent survey, the average American home gets a or drain between one and three times every year. Some people, such as those that manage properties, have to deal with the problem on a regular basis. If you are in the , you know about and s all too well. It sure would be nice to be able to take control of every clog and know for sure it could be handled right there and then without waiting for a plumber. In fact, it would be perfect if residents could take care of their own clogs immediately without having to notify property management.

get tired of tenants calling and saying they have tried to unclog the toilet, but it's not working and they now need a plumber or maintenance man to come out. And since property managers also experience drain clogs themselves at their residences, a couple of property managers decided recently to do something about their negative experiences with clogged toilets, sinks etc. Through trial and error over many years, they set out to find a "better way".

After four years of engineering, research and testing, their solution has now hit the market. A plunger known as The is a two-piece barrel system made of anti-microbial plastic and rubber. It works on the same principal as a traditional plunger, but in a much smarter way. In addition to , the Jet Plunger's hands-free stand also contains the mess left behind.

To use it, all you have to do is pull the inner barrel out until it reaches the stop collar, then put the device in the toilet, being sure to create a seal when covering the drain. Once in place, you push the inner barrel back in and the force of its movement sends a volume of air into the outer barrel, which is compressed by a unidirectional seal. The seal then penetrates the clog at the drain entrance and blasts it away.

The device is effective in all kinds of toilets, and even does a particularly good job in older homes. One person's comment about the plunger went like this: "Our house has smaller pipes and low flow toilets which my children are constantly clogging with toilet paper. Until I found the Jet Plunger, it was always a drag to have to get up and try to unclog the toilets. The water would turn a soupy brown and splash everywhere. With Jet Plunger, I place it over the drain, push the handle down once or twice and the clog is gone, no matter how big. No splashing, no disgusting water getting all over the place."

In addition to being user friendly -- it works by the virtue of sheer muscle, but requires very little force. Even a small child can use it and the device is environmentally friendly. There are no chemicals or CO2 cartridges to contend with.

When asked, 54 percent of Americans who had called a plumber to clear a clogged drain or toilet said they paid $50 or more for the service. The Jet Plunger retails for less than half of that cost and can be used in either the toilet or sink.

The device is a must have for anyone with a toilet or sink. You will encounter clogs and it sure would be nice to know that any clog, no matter how big can be taken care of with the new innovation called The Jet Plunger. Chris Murphy is an independent, freelance writer who covers many topics of interest to his readers. For more information about this article, please visit http://www.jetplunger.com ]]> How To Clear Blocked Drains - Part 3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-3#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:24:59 +0000 worm screwpreferablyinterceptoreffluentdebrisattachmentsvigorously http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-3
The only really effective tools for this job are a set of rods. You could try plunging with a mop or poking with a bamboo stick, but because the outlets and inlets will be hidden by you really need something more flexible.

Drain rods can of course be hired, but this is inconvenient. If your drains block regularly or you are worried that they could, it its really worth buying a set of `unbreakable' polypropylene rods and =96 they are now very cheap. Among the attachments you can get are a plunger, a , a scraper and flexible wire leader and a small wheel.

Screw two rods together and lower them into the chamber. Feel for the inlet or outlet when you think the blockage is, and try to slide the rods into it.

When you feel them go in, screw on another rod and keep pushing. Continue in this manner until you feel and obstruction.

Now turn the rods clockwise (so they don't unscrew in the drain) and at the same time keep maneuvering them back and forth until you feel the block age `give'. You may have to do this for several minutes before it has any effect.

After you have cleared the blockage, always flush the chamber thoroughly with water to remove the last traces of .

Problems

Interceptor blockages are nearly always in the trap. Above this is another pipe =96 the clearing eye =96 which should be closed by a clay stopper on a chain. When confronted with an interceptor full of effluent, the first thing to try is removing the stopper. You will not be able to see it =96 you must feel for the handle with a piece of wood and try hooking it out of its socket. If you succeed and the blockage is in the trap, the chamber will clear and you can set about clearing the trap itself. Plunge it with your rods =96 using the plunging head =96 until the debris shifts.

If removing the stopper has no effect, the blockage is further down the drain; in this case rod through the clearing eye. An all too common problem is that the stopper chain breaks and the stopper falls into the trap where it acts like a butterfly valve and causes periodic blockages. If you think this has happened, call in professional help. If the stopper is simply missing from your interceptor you can buy a new rubber one.

Modern Techniques

Recently companies such as Karcher have released pressure washers powerful enough to clear drains, in some instances. They also manufacture drain kits, which are like rods, but carry a high-pressure jet of water, clearing blockages in no time. Hot water machines are also available which in the case of some blockages work better.

Summary That is it for this article, however, still to come I will tell how to clear a blocked gully, clearing a blockage in a stack and mending drains that have been tree roots. Remember kids measure twice cut once. Johan Nickson is an expert in Drains at http://www.powertooldirect.co.uk ]]> Plumbing-when To Do It http://www.artwoo.com/article/plumbing-when-to-do-it http://www.artwoo.com/article/plumbing-when-to-do-it#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:27:05 +0000 plumbing repairsplumbing emergenciesplumberapples to applesdrainsplumbersclogs http://www.artwoo.com/article/plumbing-when-to-do-it plumbing repairs and ended up paying more since the had to fix the repairs. Recognizing when the job is too big or too complicated for the ordinary homeowner is not easy-handyman egos are too easily bruised. However, are notoriously expensive so you want to make sure you really need one before you call him. There are a number of things you can do to make sure you will keep your costs of plumbing repairs at a minimum. First of all, don't compare the prices of plumbers based solely upon their rates. Make sure you know all of the costs involved. One plumber may have lower advertised rates, but charge mileage which will increase the price of the job. Some plumbers start the clock when they get to your house, others may start it as soon as they leave their shop. Find out if they charge by the quarter hour; if they charge by the hour, you may have to pay for a full additional hour even though the job only went a few minutes over. Make sure you are fully aware of the real rates, so that you are comparing . Another good idea is to ask around with friends and families for a reputable plumber instead of relying on advertisements.

Keep your plumbing jobs down altogether by taking good care of your plumbing. Most are caused by backups. Avoid having items such as grease or hair, which are responsible for most , go into your . Putting vinegar, followed by boiling hot water down the drain is said to cut through grease clogs. Use a mesh catch in all of your drains to catch hair and avoid it going down the drains. Use a drain cleaning product once a month to keep the drains clean.

If you do hire a plumber to install a fixture, save money by buying your own fixtures. A plumber will add a premium to any fixtures he has to obtain for you. Just make sure you agree upon the type of fixtures you will use. Some plumbers won't guarantee certain cheaper brands.

If you keep all of your plumbing fixtures properly maintained, you can almost eliminate the need for a plumber. Make sure fixtures are attached properly and tightened. If you do call a plumber, make sure you know exactly what the problem is so the plumber can fix it and get out; don't forget he charges by the hour so you don't want to spend precious time discussing the problem. Keep a list of plumbing problems, so that if you have to call a plumber for one thing, you can have him fix everything in the same visit. Ray Walberg published normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , an online publication with topics around truck tool storage and pickup tool boxes. Writing for detailed writings like http://www.insidewoodworking.com/boxesstoragecabinets/kennedytoolboxes.html ,the author showed his capability on ]]> How To Clear Blocked Drains - Part 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-1#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:24:58 +0000 storm water drainwaste water systemsoil pipeswaste pipesplumbing fittingssoil waterunderground pipe http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-1
Two pipe systems are still very common on house built before the second world war. There are two separate waste stacks running down the outside of the house and#8211; one for waste water and one for soil.

The from your run into the waste stack either directly or via a hopper head (now obsolete but still very common). Pipes from ground floor fittings often connect to the stack under ground. But if they are far away from the stack they run instead into a separate gulley and#8211; a kind of underground U trap. This joins the from the waste stack at an inspection chamber, covered by a manhole.

Soil from the WC always runs to the soil stack direct. The underground pipe from the stack joins the waste water pipe at the inspection chamber. Rainwater may be collected at a gulley to join the . It may run from the gulley to the inspection chamber via a separate pipe. It may be dispatched to a separate gravel filled pit or soak away. Or, in areas where water is in short supply, it may run to a separate .

From the inspection chamber, the combined waste and flows towards the main drain, normally in the road. Before it gets there it may well pass through another chamber and#8211; the interceptor and#8211; containing a large U trap. Interceptors were once used to cut houses off from the main drains; this is no longer done, so they are no longer fitted. But you may find that you share an interceptor with one or more neighbouring properties. Interceptors are easily distinguished from ordinary inspection chambers by an air inlet terminal nearby.

The single stack system is the one now in common use. As its name implies, waste water and all connect to the same stack. Until recently the stack had to be inside the house but the rules have since been relaxed to allow outside stacks. Ground floor appliances too far away from the stack to connect to it have their own sub stack or run to a closed (back inlet) gulley. All underground pipes run in a straight line to a meet at an inspection chamber.

There are as many variations in drainage as there is in plumbing. Houses with a two pipe system which have been modernized may also have an internal single stack or sub stack. Some larger houses have the one pipe system in which a single stack runs on the outside of the building. Some early single stack systems have additional old style gullies.

There may also be more than one inspection chamber: they must be installed where ever pipes join and where the gradient or direction of the drain changes.

The only way to really be one hundred percent sure on how your drains are laid out is to piece them together on a sketch plan, using the above information as a guide. Johan Nickson is an expert in Dewalt Power Tools at http://www.powertooldirect.co.uk ]]> How To Clear Blocked Drains - Part 2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-2#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:19:59 +0000 manhole coversmanhole covercast iron manholeassume that thisstackwaste pipegully trap http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-2 Manhole Cover

You have to lift the manhole cover to check the drains, so this is always the first job. It's not east: cast iron are heavy, so get some help. Frequently the cover is rusted in its frame. Scrape around the join with a screwdriver then tap the cover gently with some wood =96 the vibration should release it from its seating.

Special keys are available for lifting covers but if you don't have one, a strong hook or piece of steel bent in a vice will do just as well. Some covers have handles consisting of small bars across indents. In this case, loop several turns for string or wire through the bars then around a stout piece of timber. With someone on either side of the cover use the timber as handles lift, and swing the cover free.

As a last resort, use a garden spade to lever up the cover over a fulcrum made from wood or bricks. The easiest way is to life one end first and support it across the opening on a broom handle or similar. You can then lift the other end onto another support and use them both as rollers to push it clear of the opening.

Some covers are secured by screw bolts, in this is the case soak them in penetrating oil before attempting to undo them. Remove the bolts with a spanner or wrench.

On all manhole covers, a little grease smeared around the frame before replacement will stop future rusting.

Locating Blockages

Your first check is always to see if the trap on the fitting itself is blocked. If your sure the blockage is in the drains, adopt the following procedure. Open the manhole nearest the house. If this is empty, the fault is in the fitting , the or the . If only one fitting on a stack gives trouble, the fault is in its own waste pipe. If several do the blockage is in the stack probably low down, towards the chamber.

If the manhole is full of effluent, do not immediately is where the blockage is. Try if possible to lift all other manholes between there and the main drain in the road =96 particularly if the drain includes and interceptor which give more trouble than ordinary inspection chambers. It may be that the last one in the line has blocked causing effluent to back up as far as the first.

Work Wear

I would also suggest at this point that wearing good quality workwear well worth it. Clearing blocked drains is a dirty job, so wearing your going out jeans is a no-no. I would suggest something like a pair of Snickers Workwear pants or some other good quality brand such as Jobman or Mascot.

Summary

That is it for this article, however, still to come I will tell how to unblock Inspection Chambers and Interceptors, and as an added bonus get you a walk through on how to clear a blocked gully. Johan Nickson is an expert in Snickers Workwear at http://www.powertooldirect.co.uk ]]> The Need For Colon Cleansing http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-need-for-colon-cleansing http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-need-for-colon-cleansing#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:04:55 +0000 colon cleansingcolon cleansecolon therapyrefined carbohydratesclogged toiletsaturated fatsbeneficial http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-need-for-colon-cleansing colon therapy has existed in some form since antiquity (ancient Egyptians have been documented to use enemas), modern is a relatively new idea. Some may therefore wonder if cleansing is really necessary, when for thousands of years people lived perfectly well without it.

The fact is, a is unnecessary - if you eat a perfect diet. In previous centuries, there were no chemical pesticides and fertilizers, no processed foods, no or artificially . People ate far less animal protein, and far more fiber. They maintained a diet that kept their colons healthy, and therefore had no need for intervention in the form of cleansing. Today, things are sadly very different.

Our bodies are designed to consume natural foods, and food is therefore most to us when it's eaten in its purest (most natural) form. Every time we refine, filter, saturate, preserve, irradiate, pasteurize, sweeten, homogenize, or otherwise "improve" our food, we are actually destroying vital nutrition in our food. When we eat dead food, our body has no idea what to do with it. Unable to even recognize it as food, the colon views it as a contaminant and starts to produce mucous to trap it. But, with the constant buildup of more and more material, our body is unable to keep up; all that mucous and undigested food eventually just gets stuck.

According to the US Health Service, more than 90% of Americans have a clogged colon. This staggering statistic is a clear demonstration that colon cleansing should be an urgent priority for every single American. Our colons are design to eliminate waste, and if they get clogged, all that waste builds up inside our bodies. Imagine what a would look like if you continued to defecate in it. Disgusting? Of course - and that's what's happening inside you when your colon is clogged!

A colon cleanse is the modern, natural solution to a modern, unnatural problem. But it's not the whole solution. Poor diet leads to many more problems than just a clogged colon: all of your internal organs are stressed. Although colon cleansing can make you feel lighter and more energetic immediately, and may have other effects as well, it is no substitute for healthy food and exercise. On the other hand, diet and exercise are not enough to clear your colon once the problem has started. And with the difficulty of sticking 100% to natural foods, regular colon cleansing provides needed maintenance for those times when we slip a bit. Sandra Holt is active in the field of health and wellness and recommends Almighty Cleanse (http://www.getalmightycleanse.com) for optimal colon health. ]]> How To Clear Blocked Drains - Part 4 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-4 http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-4#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:24:59 +0000 gully trapgulliesstack systemsinspection chambercaustic sodacoat hanger wirematch http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clear-blocked-drains-part-4 Gullies Gullies, particularly the old open sort are very common sources of blockages. If the blockage is in the trap, you can usually clear it from the gully itself. But if all else fails, rod in a plunging motion up the inlet in the that leads to the gully.

Small gullies can be baled out by hand. Life the grid then wearing rubber gloves, scoop out the debris into a bucket. Check that the outlet is clear with your finger: if it isnand#8217;t try poking some up it.

Gullies receiving sink waste get clogged with grease. This can usually be shifted with boiling water or scraped out by hand. If this does not work, try pouring down a solution of . But take care and follow the instructions to the letter and#8211; caustic soda is dangerous.

Deep gullies and blockages on the other side of the trap can be shifted by plunging and#8211; you can get an attachment like a sink plunger that screws onto the end of a ordinary drain rod. A household mop makes an effective standby as do old rags wrapped in a plastic bag and tied to a broom handle, but only if there is enough bulk to fill the gully neck completely.

You could try threading a garden hose around the bend in the to flush the blockage with water. In this case stop up the gully itself with polyethylene bags rammed tightly in place and#8211; the extra pressure this creates will help the was do its work.

Note that in some drainpipes rodding eyes are provided at places where blockages may occur.

Blockages in Stacks These are rare in single and simple two pipe arrangements, but common in older, complicated drainage layout. Fortunately there are often clearing eyes at junctions and direction changes.

Soak eye covers in penetrating oil before attempting to remove them. You can then either insert a rod with a head to the stack diameter, or else feed in a screw clearing wire. Use the same procedure as for an inspection chamber. Clear the hopper from above with a worm screw rod.

Tree Roots These can work their way throught a joint in a drain pipe, in which case no amount of plunging will shift them. You may be able to clear them partially with a powered screw augur similar to the type used by professional drain clearers and#8211; they are available at some hire stores. But a more satisfactory solution is to excavate the drain at the site of the problem.

Find out how this is by making a note of how many rods in takes to reach the obstruction. Then lay out the same rods at ground level in the same direction and see where they end.

Dig down to the pipe, hack away and pull out the offending roots, then make good the damage to the joint with a strong mortar mix of one part cement and two of sharp sand.

Summary So there you go, four articles on how to clear blocked drains. I hope my writing has some how managed to help you with any drain related problems. Johan Nickson is an expert in Power Tools at http://www.powertooldirect.co.uk ]]> 7 Cleaning Kitchen Hints And Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cleaning-kitchen-hints-and-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cleaning-kitchen-hints-and-tips#comments Mon, 25 Dec 2006 14:27:15 +0000 chlorine bleachclogged drainsembarrassedorganize your homekitchen sinkfood stainssoft cloth http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-cleaning-kitchen-hints-and-tips
How to clean a porcelain :

**Stop up the sink and fill sink with warm water, then add . Let water soak in sink for one hour. For more stubborn stains, line sink with paper towels saturated with chlorine and let them sit in the there for 8 to 10 hours. WARNING: Do not use chlorine bleach for sinks that are cracked or too porous, this will cause the bleach to leak through and damage the iron base, which leads to rusting.

How to clean a steel sink:

**Wash sink with hot sudsy water. Avoid abrasive cleansers.

**Clean and polish with glass cleaner.

**Remove scratches or pit spots by rubbing sink gently with very fine steel wool. Buff with a .

Get rid of kitchen sink odor -- once every week pour one handful of baking soda down the drain and run hot water for a minute or so. You can also pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse with hot water.

Avoid -- never pour cooking grease or coffee grounds down the kitchen drain.

Hardened -- the quickest way to get rid of hardened food stains is to pry them up with an ice scraper. If you have more patience, you can soak stains with soapy water, which will dissolve them.

Clean countertop stains -- most countertop stains can be cleaned up with baking soda and a damp soft cloth. For persistent stains add a little chlorine bleach to a damp cloth and wipe.

Deodorize your cutting board -- to remove smells from your wooden cutting board, rub it with a freshly cut lemon, rinse and dry. Donna Monday Are you to have friends and family over because your home is always so messy? Say goodbye to clutter forever after you learn the fast, easy way to . http://lnk.in/nomoreclutter5 ]]> Making A Great Swimming Pool http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-great-swimming-pool http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-great-swimming-pool#comments Fri, 11 Aug 2006 06:27:15 +0000 swimming poolchemical feedersodium hypochloritechemical feederscalcium hypochloritediatomaceous earthdrains http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-great-swimming-pool swimming pool is one place where we all want to be on a hot day. Swimming is such a relaxing exercise, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Kids love splashing, while adults love swimming in the water. Swimming is an excellent sport, and reduces fat as well. A perfect swimming pool adds a lot of class to a beautiful home. If you are in the process of getting a pool or redoing your old pool, read on!

Swimming Pool Basics:

Typically, a swimming pool has the following major components:

• Basin • Motor pump • Water filter • • • Returns • PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements

A good pool will have all the following components, so that the water is moved continuously from the filter, cleaning it, sometimes through the heater also, so that regular temperature is maintained. The water is consistently cleaned using the , with the help of chlorine, as it keeps water free from any bacteria.

Doing up a great pool:

The drain system is best laid at the lower end of the pool with the surface slanting towards it, so that the water can flow easily through the drains. The drains should be covered with grates so that while swimming, people do not have their hair or swimsuits caught up in them. A strainer is attached at the mouth of drains so that any debris is caught. A good pool must have powerful pumps that can help water flow through the filter and chemical feeder; to and from the swimming pool.

High rate sand filters are the best kind of filters that will clean the water perfectly. They use sand to clean water of any debris present. Some pools may also use the filter, or a cartridge filter. This filter cleans very fine particles of debris. Ideally in any pool, the water should pass the filter every 30 minutes, and for the largest ones, every six hours.

The pump and filter should also be connected to a fresh water line. or make great chemical cleaning agents. An automated chlorine feeder should be hooked to the filters for good chemical filtration.

Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate should be used as per the requirement, to keep the pH under control right from 7.8 to 7.9. After filtration, the water should be sent back to the pool. A great pool requires the best of the filters, chemical filters, drains and pumps.

Most people look at the pool and think that that is the most important part of the set up, but in fact equally important is the pumps room, where pumps and filters are installed. A pump room is where the water quality is maintained. There are some other issues that one may face while getting a pool done. Some of these are:

When to dig a pool?

Contrary to popular thought, winter, not spring or summer is the right time to get a pool dug up, as the ground is not soggy. Soft ground is difficult to dig and is not easy on heavy equipment as well.

Sides caving in:

The sides of the hollow dug must be sloping so that the sides do not cave in. The ideal ratio should be a 1-foot vertical drop for every 3 horizontal feet. Steel enforcements may also be used to keep the pool in shape.

Algae in the pool:

Algae can be very harmful to a swimming pool, and requires chemical treatment and a lot of filtering, backwashing, scrubbing, and skimming. Whatever kind of algae it is, quick treatment is essential, as algae is quick to take over the pool.

Kids safety:

Kids are sometimes unpredictable, so a cover on the pool or a fence around it will help to keep the pool area safe.

Winter:

If the swimming pool is outdoors and the winters are harsh, it is a good idea to put antifreeze in the key areas after draining the water and putting a cover over the pool.

A swimming pool is an ideal feature for your home; just remember a good pool requires extensive preparations, and once these are done, maintenance is very important. Stefan Rockhaus is a contributing author for http://www.your-online-guide.info For more info visit http://www.supreme-swimming-pools.info and http://www.supreme-swimming-pools.info/sitemap.php ]]> How To Save Money On Ink And Refill Ink For Printer Cartridges http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-on-ink-and-refill-ink-for-printer-cartridges http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-on-ink-and-refill-ink-for-printer-cartridges#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:27:05 +0000 refill ink kitsprinter cartridgessyringebubblesink cartridgeink flowsutmost care http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-save-money-on-ink-and-refill-ink-for-printer-cartridges refill ink kits are so popular since they are the most economical way of printing today. There is no difference between the normal ink and refill ink for which is found in the re-fill kits.

How Ink and Refill Ink For Printer Cartridges Kits Can Save You a Pretty Penny

In order to get the best of the ink and refill ink for printer cartridges from the re-fill kits, the following measures should be followed:

1. Take the ink of all the colors you need and then draw it out with the help of the which comes with the re-fill kit. When you do this procedure be sure you are over the sink or a big stack of newspapers, lest you will stain anything when and if the ink drips out from the syringe. Check very carefully from the instruction given with the kit, exactly how much ink will be required so you can draw the right amount of ink for the re-fill.

2. Make a tiny hole near the label of the ink and/or refill ink for printer cartridges where you will have to inject the ink you drew from the re-fill kit. Depending on the amount, inject the ink slowly into the empty chamber. It is very important that when you push in the ink and/or refill ink for printer cartridges that this is done with and patience; otherwise the ink will get ; and if bubbles are formed, then the cartridge will not print.

3. In case the ink and refill ink for printer cartridges gets dried up and clogs the cartridge, then you should hold it upside down and swing it abruptly a few times. This should get the ink flowing again. If this does not work still, you should clean the clogged heads with a good cleaner by soaking the heads if necessary. This would ensure that the clogged ink is removed and the freely again.

4. Once the has been refilled, you should run the cleaning cycle a couple of times so that if any gap that was left in the cartridge while filling it up can be found and rectified. Ola Norrman is webmaster of http://inkandrefill.com/, which provide deep information about ink, cartridges and refill. You can learn and print out almost anything about ink, cartridges and refill, from Ink Jet Ink to DIY refill. ]]> Natural Skin Care Remedies, Get a Healthy Glow For Little Money http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-remedies-get-a-healthy-glow-for-little-money http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-remedies-get-a-healthy-glow-for-little-money#comments Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:50:15 +0000 acne and pimplesnatural skin careclogged poresmild soapsensitive placeskin care productsnatural glow http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-remedies-get-a-healthy-glow-for-little-money skin care products these days we seem to forget that taking care of your skin does not need to be as expensive as the advertiser make you belief. When you are still young, you do not need to use much cosmetics, because your skin will still have its own healthy and . But also, when you are a little bit more mature it is not at all true you need all those expensive products to produce that lovely look.

There are many simple remedies that can help you to get a fresh and healthy looking skin. These remedies can also help you if you suffer from irritations like .

The most important tip is to keep your skin clean

are the primary causes of skin irritation, when your pores are clogged bacteria get a change to grow and this can cause irritations like pimples and acne. If you have a sensitive skin and are prone to have skin breaks and acne, there is just one very important thing to remember: Keep you skin clean! The best natural skin care remedy is to make sure you wash your face for a minimum of two times a day to prevent clogged pores.

Patting your skin

If you already have irritations in your face, you need to wash your face with a good natural product and after the washing you need to pat your skin carefully dry. Do not under any circumstances rub your skin dry when you have and irritated skin. When you rub it, it will only make it worse. Rubbing makes that your pimples or acne get infected and the infection will also spread to other places on your skin this way.

Your face is the most of your skin and it is visible for anyone to see, so when you clean it this is the part you should be careful about. Use a natural and clean water. You should never use alcohol based products or astringent on your face. When you want that naturally healthy looking glow, clean water and a mild soap are the absolute best. you should not use soaps with moisturizers when you have a oily skin, this will make your skin oilier and because of that more prone to irritation.

A Diet For Your skin

The natural aging process lets our skin loose its natural tightness when we are growing older, you can help tone your skin by eating a balanced diet. Experts say that your food is one of the most important remedies to keep your skin tight is to eat healthy and balanced. Vegetables, fruits and drinking plenty of water can make your skin have that healthy glow. And eating healthy is not just good for your skin, people who eat healthy tend to be less prone to sickness to.

As you can see there is no need for expensive products, if you want to keep that young and healthy glow. You just need to use your common sense and go for a proper cleaning and a healthy diet.Julia Schwartz loves to write about skin care. Some of the subjects she mentions on her website are antiaging skin care and beverly hills skin care.]]> Simple and Inexpensive Alternatives http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-and-inexpensive-alternatives http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-and-inexpensive-alternatives#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:57:23 +0000 tea tree oiltoilet bowlsvinegar and waterclogged drainsbaking sodacouple tablespoonsshower curtain http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-and-inexpensive-alternatives
Even the years before us, maybe since the time of our grandparents even, these people would tell us that simple things are the one that truly matters.

Almost all type of household cleaning chores can be accomplished with the use of vinegar, olive oil, and essential oils. These items are affordable, readily available and is really gentle for your household items. You can save yourself from the toxins your chemical based cleaners have, and save money from your budget too.

As a cleaner and deodorizer, baking soda is an excellent ingredient. With your laundry, you can mix a cup of baking soda with water for gentle scrubbing, or you can combine a in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner.

Alternately, you can set out a small dish of baking soda, instead of covering up smells with harsh perfumes. Aside from these uses, vinegar can also be used to soften fabric when added to the rinse cycle. As an added bonus, it will leave your dishes sparkling in the dishwasher, and it cleans glass to a streak free shine all the time.

Here are some other tips you can try at home:

Wood will look moisturized and shiny when applied with olive oil
To wipe off excesses from the furniture, you can use vinegar or lemon oil and wipe it off.

You can spray and other mildew prone areas with (mixed with a little ) that can act as a natural fungicidal agent and disinfectant. Use undiluted vinegar in or add water for an all-purpose cleaner.

For , you can sprinkle it with a little baking soda followed by vinegar. When you experiment with natural cleaning products, the biggest adjustment to cleaning green is the difference in method. You can see that natural products clean just as well, but often require some time to sit. On the other hand, the patience is worth your health and the money you will save in the process.

If you want an alternative to the fancy and costly floral air fresheners, your option is to look into the wide range of essential oils available.

While it may seen that essential oils are also pricey, you only need to add a few drops to your spray bottle to get all the benefit and scent that will last a long time.

There may be some products you may want to replace but don't want to make yourself however. It would be helpful to know that there are many companies providing safe and natural products, and some can be found in your grocery or department store, but organic markets are your sure bet when it comes to options and pricing. Here, you can purchase laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and dish soap with the savings from all the other expensive cleaners you used to buy at the supermarket.Not many people know the advantages of using natural cleaning products to help them with their cleaning tasks. Learn all the information you need to know about organic cleaning products.]]> Blocked Pipes Can Be Caused By All Sorts Of Household Products http://www.artwoo.com/article/blocked-pipes-can-be-caused-by-all-sorts-of-household-products http://www.artwoo.com/article/blocked-pipes-can-be-caused-by-all-sorts-of-household-products#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:27:06 +0000 airtight containerkitchen sinkspipescalcium chlorategreasedishwashing liquiddetergents http://www.artwoo.com/article/blocked-pipes-can-be-caused-by-all-sorts-of-household-products kitchen sinks, and the following list of dos and don'ts gives an overview of the basics. Giving a little thought before you go ahead and rinse anything and everything down your sink may save you a lot of drain and pipe unblocking in the not so distant future.

1. Don't rinse foods down your sink unless you have an incorporated garbage disposal unit. Vegetable peelings, pasta shells, breads and butter can form a blockage in the pipe between your sink and the outside drain. Mixing water with the food can make it particularly sticky and more liable to cling to the sides of the pipe.



2. of any kind, hot or cold, clings to the inside of your and causes blockages. Grease thickens very quickly when exposed to the cool pipes underneath your sink going to the outside. Grease should be left to cool and harden in an and then be disposed of in the garbage.



3. , designed for sink use, is the only detergent you should be washing down your plug hole. designed for dishwashers or clothes washing will block your pipes, particularly if used in large quantities. This is because the strong agitating forces that break down these thick detergents in a dishwasher or washing machine will not be present in your sink or pipes.



4. Never pour toxic pesticides down your sink. They can congeal when mixed with cool water, forming hard deposits in the sink line, as well as eating away at the pipes and causing leaks.

5. Some people that have septic systems pour down their kitchen sinks to eliminate odor. You should always use a product that has been specially designed for sink use rather than powdered calcium chlorate. When this is mixed with water it forms a cement-like state which can easily plug your drainage system.



6. As with kitchen grease, never wash oils used for mechanics or cleaning down your sink. Lubricating oils for joints or hinges, and motor oil are two of the major culprits. As well as blocking your pipes, disposing of outside oils in this way is bad for the environment. Environmental Protection Agency regulations state that it is illegal to put motor oil in anything other than a designated container.



7. Harmless looking products such as baby oil, liquid eyeliner, moisturizer and oil based soaps can all cause blockages if washed down your sink in any quantity. Play it safe and dispose of these in the garbage.

8. Hair is another common cause of blocked drains. Use a hair trap on your plug holes and regularly clean out the drain to ensure a blockage does not occur. Every month you should put a purposely designed drain cleaner down your pipes to make blocked drains a thing of the past. Concentrating recent findings in cooking, Jack Blacksmith published mainly for http://www.kitchencabinetstips.com . Sharing his passion in publications like http://www.kitchencabinetstips.com/sinks.html ,the columnist improved his expertise on topics relating to kitchen sinks. ]]> Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage http://www.artwoo.com/article/protect-your-skin-from-sun-damage http://www.artwoo.com/article/protect-your-skin-from-sun-damage#comments Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:25:05 +0000 natural skin careorganic skin careproper skin caresun damagenoticeablesun blockskin aging http://www.artwoo.com/article/protect-your-skin-from-sun-damage Proper skin care should start when we are young children. We all want to look and feel our best and good skin care is a significant contributing factor. can improve the texture of all skin types, at a minimum cost. By using cleaners and soap plus using the right makeup can help with your skin. In addition, skin care is linked to other factors, including diet and exercise. Using natural skin care products is using products that created using natural ingredients.

When looking at someone's skin you can see the pores with the naked eye, they are not large but you can see them, if a pore got clogged you will see the black spot and it will be very . is 90% of the time due to and 10% due to genetic factors. The pores of normal skin type are visible but not large or clogged although occasionally they may break out in spots. Intrinsic or biological aging is due to genetic factors. The pores of normal skin type are visible but not large or clogged although occasionally they may break out in spots. Sun induced skin aging can be prevented by following simple rules, put on and don't stay out in the sun for long periods of time. The first step to taking care of your skin is preventing damage. Skin aging is a result of programmed events, which are represented by modifications at the cellular and molecular level. Sun damage can prematurely age your skin and everyone has this threat looming over them.

involves using organic products. When you hear everyone talking about organic this is when foods are grown with out chemicals like pesticides or any type of insecticides. Organic skin care involves using organic products. Today most people realize that organic is better - better for the environment and better for you.

It use to be that women only cared about the way they looked and their beauty, today both men and women are now hypnotized about their appearances. The word beauty is denoted by how healthy your skin is. Beauty is only skin deep but a beautiful heart and mind, deserve beautiful skin.

All it takes to preserve that youth and beauty is a little effort and a good image skin care system.



Several rejuvenating products are now available on the market. If your skin or complexion is not improving with the over counter products consult a professional to diagnose the problem.

The benefit of using the in-depth approach is that the Dermalogical skin care products can be selected to meet the needs of each person. The skin care industry is changing very quickly, right now everyone is talking about the dead sea skin care and just a couple of months ago it was Alpha Hydroxy Acids. David Marc Fishman owns a skin care website at http://www.skonskinn.com ]]> The Muir Lock Monster Released http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-muir-lock-monster-released http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-muir-lock-monster-released#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:25:00 +0000 contactstorm water drainsmonster technologymonster liesenvironment pollutionpollution damageoil spill http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-muir-lock-monster-released environment pollution damage to human health will soon be intolerable and threats to ecosystems will continue to grow.

All of us share both the responsibility for creating the problem of oil and other chemical spills and the responsibility for finding ways to solve the problem.

One solution is the patented Muir Lock by Petro Barrier Systems. It is a proven, proprietary containment system that provides worry-free, economical protection for drains, sumps and .

One of the exceptional features of its products is that they serve a dual function. They are capable of both filtering out small amounts of oil and completely stopping the flow of oil into the water system in case of a major spill. PBS' innovative technology incorporates a unique filter material that permits the flow of water, but traps any oil contaminants that may be present. Therefore if the water entering the product is only slightly contaminated, the Muir Lock dormant, and the filtering section removes the oil, while allowing the water to continue to flow freely. However, in the case of a large , the Muir Lock Monster is awakened! The oil immediately begins to chemically react with the active absorbent material, which rapidly congeals upon with the oil, effectively "locking" the device. A solid barrier is created, which prevents any oil from entering the water system. This system of containment allows for easy clean up or recovery of the spilled oil.

The Storm Drain Barrier is the recommended product for the protection of drains in case of major oil spills. If a spill produces more than the normal sheen, or if there are trace amounts of oil present in the water exiting into the storm drain, it will create a barrier which will stop the hydrocarbons from flowing any further.

For the standard storm drain, the barrier comprises of four types of barriers:

- Three of these barriers are designed for filtering and plugging the water.

- The remaining is a by-pass that instantly plugs the barrier when activated by the three filtering barriers becoming blocked. If the plugging is caused by oil, the by-pass barrier will stop any further flow of liquids. However, if grit and silt or other non-hydrocarbon material causes the block, the by-pass barrier will allow water to continue to flow freely.

Examples of non-point sources of storm drain pollution include the following:

- Sediments from construction, forestry operations and agricultural lands;

- Bacteria and microorganisms from failing septic systems and pet wastes;

- Nutrients and pesticides from agricultural areas, golf courses, athletic fields and residential yards;

- Oil, grease, antifreeze and metals washed from roads, parking lots and driveways;

- Toxic chemicals and cleaners that were not disposed properly;

- Litter thrown onto streets, sidewalks and beaches, or directly into the water by individuals.

There is a range of standard products by Petro Barrier Systems designed to fit into standard floor drains and storm water boxes. And in case of customers with specialized needs when it comes to their containment requirements PBS is also able to custom manufacture and tailor its products to meet their particular needs.

To conclude, oil may provide the ingredients for thousands of products we use every day, but it carries with it some potential problems. That's why prevention becomes more and more important.

We have to take appropriate steps to protect our nature from oil's harmful effects. Keith Tomlinson is President of Excalibur Communications, the company that provides 1-800 call capture, conference call and web marketing services to a wide range of clientele in North America. Visit http://www.petrobarriersystemsinc.com to find out more about environmental protection products. ]]> How to Use a Sewer Snake http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-a-sewer-snake http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-a-sewer-snake#comments Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:08:21 +0000 toilet augerprofessional plumbersstrong drainhand crankcleaning chemicalsbest weaponwater down http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-a-sewer-snake water down the drain doesn't work. Sending down - to clear the muck away doesn't work. When your drain is clogged and the material that's causing the problem is stubbornly sticking in place, it may be time for you to use a sewer snake. In this article, we'll describe what a sewer snake is, when you should use one and how to use it safely.

What Is A Sewer Snake?

A sewer snake is a long hose that you can send down a drain to clear away clogs. They have an auger at one end and typically use a at the other end (for home use) to power the auger. The auger on the end of the snake drills through the clog, breaking it apart and helping to remove it from the drain.

They can also be called plumbing snakes or augers. You can buy a hand-powered sewer snake or a motorized version. If you intend to buy a motorized snake, you'll have a choice between a hand held model or a "drum auger." The drum auger is actually meant to be used by . It's a heavy-duty piece of equipment and is generally more than what is needed by most homeowners. For home use, you can also buy a "" which are specifically-designed to clear clogs and obstructions from your toilet's plumbing.

When Should You Use A Sewer Snake?

Most clogs that you'll find throughout the plumbing in your home won't require the use of a sewer snake. Easy clogs can often be cleared away with hot water or a drain-cleaning chemical that you can buy at your local store. However, when there's a clog that stubbornly refuses to break loose, a handheld sewer snake is likely your .

How To Use A Sewer Snake

First, you should wear gloves while working with a sewer snake. Make sure you use gloves that won't slip easily. Have a bucket and some towels handy before you begin. It's likely that the floor near where you're working will become wet as you're trying to unclog the drain. The towels also provide a surface on which to place the debris that your sewer snake removes.

Push the snake into the drain while cranking the handle clockwise. You'll be able to tell when the auger contacts the material causing the clog. When this happens, pull back a bit while continuing to work the auger into the material. Doing this helps it dig into whatever is causing the clog and break it loose. Once the blockage is cleared, try to pull the debris back up the drain with the auger end. That way, you can ensure the debris won't cause a clog further down the drain.

Using a sewer snake isn't hard. But, it can be messy. So, be sure to have plenty of towels nearby as you're working on the clog. In the end, your sewer snake should be able to clear just about any type of debris that might be causing a problem. Ideally, you'll be able to remove the material by pulling it out of the drain. If you're unable to break through the debris, consider calling a professional plumber. Chances are, you're going to need his tools.John Molar knows a thing or two about pipes. After clogging his own several times, he decided it was cheaper to buy a Sewer Snake and fix the problem himself. When he's not unclogging a pipe, he spends time working on his website about the Ridgid Pipe Threader and Ridgid Seesnake.]]>