How to tackle the blocked drains problem
How to tackle the blocked drains problem
Do you know what the best way to unblock drains is? Using a plunger is the most effective and quickest way to solve this common household problem. The whole process of unclogging a blocked drain is pretty simple and straightforward. But don’t just shove the plunger into the drain pipe and start pumping it violently, you could make matters much worse. Ideally the plunger’s bell shaped head should be used to cover the drainpipe fully, you can then push the plunger down and then pull it up again to create suction in a slow rhythmical manner. So any material that is stuck into the bathroom, sink or tub drain should come out with the upward pull on the drains pipes plunger. Some washbasins and bathtubs are provided with overflow openings that have to be blocked temporarily with a wet cloth for the plunger to develop effective suction.
An alternative for plunger is a chemical drains clearance product, one that uses corrosive chemical to unclog the blockage of the drain. First attempt to clear the drainpipe with a plunger, only then should you try the chemical solutions as they can be hazardous for the novice. The solutions should be left alone for sometime as they loosen up the clog, then you should pour down hot water into the drainage to clear the whole thing out. Because these chemicals can be corrosive or contain bleach you should only wear clothes that you are happy to be damaged. Eye protection is not a bad idea either if you plan on plunging again in case there is any residual back splash of chemical laden water. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use to make sure everything goes smoothly.
If the plunger does not work, try detaching the drainage trap by removing the bolts with suitable tools. Now, this process can be really messy, so keep the towel and bucket handy. In order to avoid scratching the chrome surface of your pipes while at the same time getting a tight hold up them, you can cover the metal jaws of your wrench with electrical tape. With the trap opened, insert gloved hands to remove any debris that may be blocking the bends. Unfortunately if you can’t find anything, the problem probably runs a lot deeper and could be anywhere between the trap and the soil stack.
A deep blockage in the toilet can be loosened by a toilet auger. If the problem lies in your tub or sink, a plumbers drain pipe snake will come in handy. The instrument is designed in a way that it can travel deep down into your pipes. Once you have pushed deep enough, rotate the handle to screw and hook into the blockage and slowly draw it out, this should pull the blockage with it. When you are sure that all the clogging material is cleared, replace the P-trap and test the drainpipe with hot water. Make sure that everything is tight and sealed properly and test the P-trap for leaks.
If the drainpipe is still obstructed after all these measures, or if the problem reoccurs chronically, employ a competent plumber or drains contractor to fix it. It is possible that (due to acts of nature or general wear and tear) blockages in the soil stack or sewer service by vegetation or collapsed pipes will be too big a job and too specialised for the householder to do by themselves, you should then call in a company with no call out fee like Dyno Rod.