Plumbing Tools The Top 10
When it comes to nominating plumbing tools, the top 10, then up there amongst the stars has to be the sink auger.
It’s also known as a drum auger, or canister auger. DIY bods and plumbers alike swear by it. And it has a simple function: it breaks up and clears clogs in sinks and tubs. It doesn’t work in toilets, so when it comes to unlocking them, get a special toilet auger.
Now, in case you’re wondering what a sink augur looks like, it’s not that complicated. It’s a round, drum canister, with a crank handle and has wound inside it a flexible cable, complete with a steel augur bit right at the end. As the drum turns, a thumbscrew ensures that the cable and augur bit also turn.
Right, so how do you use it. Pick up the drum auger and loosen the thumbscrew. Remove the sink stopper and carefully extend the auger cable right into the drain. Once you feel the cable is right up against the clog, pull out about another feet of cable and re-tighten the thumbscrew.
Start turning the crank handle and continue until you feel the auger bit end has worked though the clog. This is usually the end of it if the clog is situated in the sink trap. And once the water begins to flow properly again, drain through some hot water and cleaning chemical.
If the cable has gone past the trap and still the clog hangs on, then you will need to remove the trap.
Start by getting under the trap and undo the appropriate nuts with a spanner, ensuring you catch all the waste water which comes out. Repeat the process with the auger described above and again work the bit end until you feel the clog. Tighten the thumbscrew and begin cranking. And once you have worked through the clog, don’t forget the hot water and chemical cleaner.
And once the job is completed, don’t forget to reward the plumbing tools top ten gadget by giving it a good clean, let the cable dry and treat it with a special steel lubricant. It can then go back in the cupboard until the next blockage and you need its help.
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