Any home or facility can develop a plumbing problem unexpectedly. Being prepared can help to get the issue under control as quickly as possible to prevent major damage from occurring. Every building with indoor plumbing should have the following on hand to swiftly manage plumbing disorders.
Plunger
An old fashioned manual drain plunger is often the first tool to grab when plumbing goes awry. A backed-up drain, toilet, or sink can often be promptly unclogged with the help of a plunger. Place the suction cup over the drain opening and press firmly on the hand-held pole to exert pressure into the pipe. Then pull back to suction out any debris or buildup. This movement should be repeated several times until the clog is loosened and flushes away or can be manually removed.
Snake
The traditional, whip-like snake tool comes in various sizes and lengths. They may be made of plastic, rubber, or metal with jagged edges that are inserted into a clogged drain to loosen the accumulated hair, spittle, toothpaste, or other substances that keep the water from flowing through the water pipe. The teeth of the snake can be pumped up and down to grab the clump of debris and loosen it as well as pull it from the drain.
Natural Drain Cleaners
You could keep a commercial drain cleaner on hand to chemically dissolve clots in the water line. However, these are often toxic and may corrode the plumbing especially when used habitually over time. Another alternative is to try a combination of more natural substances like vinegar and baking soda. When mixed, these products create a source of foaming action that can dislodge clumps of debris lodged in a sink, tub, or toilet drain. Other natural products are available as well.
Professional Plumber Contact Information
Because a plumbing issue can sometimes lead to flooding and serious damage, it is a good idea to keep readily available the contact information of a local licensed plumber. You might want to introduce yourself to the plumber and explain your plumbing structure as well as any future needs you might have, such as updates or occasional inspections. The plumber can then be somewhat familiar with your potential plumbing needs if a situation should arise.
Solid plumbing is an important part of modern living. Leaks, drips, and pipe damage can cause problems that are inconvenient and often expensive to fix. Be ready for possible future issues to keep them from getting out of hand.
