If you have a blockage in the pipework or drain it can be very problematic for the homeowner and inconvenient. It really needs to be dealt with right away. There are two choices, either take it on yourself, or you can call a professional plumber like a Hampstead Plumber. If you decide to try it, then, you will need a weapon. The weapon of choice for this job is the humble Drain Snake.

The Drain Snake:
The snake is a coiled spring which is normally about ¼ inch thick with a handle at one end. This tool works in a completely different way to a plunger. The snake is pushed into a clogged drain and twisted it to drive it further in. You might need to apply hard pressure when turning the handle to get it to bend around the tight curve under a sink. The snake normally drives easily until you hit the block. The action enables the tip of the snake to snag the bulk breaking it up so you can pull bits out towards you.

Tips to Prevent Blockages:
Use a sink strainer: A clogged kitchen sink is usually the result of foreign objects entering the drain. Use a sink strainer to prevent garbage and small items from entering the drainpipe.

Take care of your Garbage Disposal (if fitted): When using a garbage disposal, run cold water at full volume while the machine is chopping up the garbage, leave the water running for a full minute after you finish. This precaution flushes the garbage completely out of the small-diameter sink drainpipe and into the larger main drainpipe. Hampstead Plumbers can prevent blockages

Finally:
Don’t put any foreign materials down your sink as they can harden and block the drain.

Note:
A qualified professional is probably the best option particularly if your blockage will not clear and is causes a flooding or health risk.

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