Get matched with top drain cleaners in Blasdell, NY

Plumbers use a variety of tools to help unclog the toughest of drain clogs, but the most common tools they use are drain snakes and augers. They try a plunger or drain snake to start, then move to heavy-duty augers, and finally try using a hydro jetter to blast away the clog with high-pressure water. Hiring a plumber to unclog a drain costs $125 to $300, largely depending on the extent and location of the clog and which of these methods is best for clearing it.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

Yes—your local septic company can clean your septic leach lines with a sewer jetter, a device that pumps high-pressure water through the lines to blast out any clogs and scum buildup. Unless there’s a clog or blockage in the lines, however, you do not need to perform this maintenance regularly. Do not attempt to clean your own leach lines, as you could easily damage them, leading to very costly repairs.

The first rule of plumbing is nothing but water, toilet paper, number one, and number two go down the drain. 

To prevent clogs, get yourself:

• A compast pail where you can clean plates, drain grease, and toss scraps and paper towels. 

• Drain screens for the shower, tub, and bathroom sink to stop hair, jewelry, toys, etc. from going down the drain.

• Trash cans for everything that shouldn’t go down the drain, like dental floss, hygiene products, and cat litter.

P.S.: If you do drop your priceless ring down the drain, take a deep breath, and then follow these steps to retrieve jewelry from your drain.