Tips to work out that obstructed drainage issue
Tips to work out that obstructed drainage issue
What are some easy home solutions for eliminating plugged drains in your bathroom? The quickest and simplest thing to use to undertake the problem is your regular plunger. The entire process of opening obstructed drainpipe with a plunger is simple and straightforward. The plunger will not work if you vigorously push it up and down very but not like a pneumatic drill. 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. The suction created with the upward movement will pull back the clog that is stuck in the drainage of your tub, sink or toilet. Some tubs and sinks have an overflow outlet; remember to plug this outlet with the help of a wet towel or sponge before using the plunger.
You can also use chemical cleaners you can buy in the shops to unclog your drainpipe, these uses certain chemicals to open up the blockage in the drainpipe. First attempt to clear the drain with a plunger, only then should you try the chemical solutions as they can be hazardous for the novice. Let the chemicals stay in the drainage for some time and then wash them out with hot water, do this slowly to ensure that the water is flowing away. Use rough clothes that cover your body fully as things could get a bit mucky and some of the strong chemicals may spill on you and burn exposed skin. After chemical flushing, you may try the plunger again – this can cause the chemical/water mix to splash back on you – eye guards are highly advisable here. The chemical product comes with specific manufacturer’s instructions; it is important to read and follow them carefully.
Another thing that you can do, if the plunger doesnt remove the blockage, is to use the pliers and pipe wrench to open the nuts that hold the P-trap in place. Now this is going to get messy so be prepared with a towel and bucket to clean up the mess. Chrome plated fittings can be protected from scratches by taping up the teeth of the pliers or wrench; that should also give you a firmer grip on the nuts of the trap. You will be able to check the drains P-trap for any obstructions in the pipe opening after you remove it. If the plunger, the chemical or trap removal does not help, then the blockage could be much deeper in the pipework.
A deep blockage in the toilet can be loosened by a toilet auger. With a bathtub or sink, however a drainage snake should be used. Because of their size and length, drain pipe snakes are well designed for getting at obstructions in small spaces in difficult to reach places. By twisting the adjustable handle to drill into the blockage, you then pull the obstruction up and out of your drain pipe. After removing the clog, reassemble the P-trap and let hot water flow into the drain to double check it works properly. Everything should be sealed properly after the whole process is over, the P-trap and pipes should also be checked for any leaks.
If none of the steps you have taken work, it is time to bring in an expert plumber. Professional plumbers can identify and solve serious issues like aged pipes caving in, tree root invasion, blocked sewer line or soil stack; these should not be attempted by the homeowner as you will not have the right tools to solve the problem.