You don\u2019t have to be a plumber in Alexandria, Va., to keep your pipes flowing smoothly. If you\u2019re a die-hard DIYer, here\u2019s what you need to know about rootering a main drain. First, make sure the problem truly is the main pipe. Clogs typically occur in smaller pipes close to the drain because of the simple fact that they\u2019re narrower and more easily blocked. Before you undertake the task of rootering a main pipe, make sure the blockage isn\u2019t easier to remove than you think. Try plunging, snaking and some good old-fashioned hot water to see if that helps eliminate the problem.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ascertained that the problem is in the main pipe, you\u2019ll need to go at it from the cleanout plug. Find the nearest plug that\u2019s below the clogged drain. Newer homes have many of these (frequently under sinks), but in an older home there may only be one plug somewhere in the basement. Once you\u2019ve found the plug, put a bucket beneath it. If the clog is below the cleanout plug, wastewater will pour out when you remove it. Use a wrench or large pliers to unscrew the plug \u2013 and be sure to stand back!<\/p>\n
Once the plug is off and any wastewater has been expelled, begin by snaking the drain. Simply feed a snake into the cleanout until you hit resistance, and then pull back the tape to remove the clog. Replace the cleanout plug and run hot water through the drain to break up what\u2019s left of the clog. If the water still runs slowly, try plunging. If necessary, use the snake again.<\/p>\n
If you can\u2019t find the cleanout plug or can\u2019t remove it, look for a house trap in the basement. A house trap is a U-shaped section of pipe with a cleanout plug on each of the legs. Remove the plugs and snake the trap, then run the snake through the drain line on either side of the trap and remove any blockages.<\/p>\n
Of course, it goes without saying that if after all that work your drain is still clogged, it might be time to call a professional plumber in Alexandria. We\u2019ll be waiting for your call.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
You don\u2019t have to be a plumber in Alexandria, Va., to keep your pipes flowing smoothly. If you\u2019re a die-hard DIYer, here\u2019s what you need to know about rootering a main drain. First, make sure the problem truly is the main pipe. Clogs typically occur in smaller pipes close to the drain because of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-plumbing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n