Clogged up drains can be removed
Clogged up drains can be removed
Do you know what the best way to unblock drainage is? Using a plunger is the most effective and speediest way to solve this common household problem. The whole process of unclogging a blocked drain is pretty simple and straightforward. The plunger will not work if you vigorously push it up and down very but not like a pneumatic drill. To achieve the desired effect, the drain pipe should be totally covered with the head of the plunger and then the bell-shaped rubber must be pressed down slowly; next the handle should be pulled up fast and with good enough force to produce an effective suction. A minor clog can be pulled up and out of the sink or drain pipe through the sucking action of the plunger. Note that some tubs and sinks are fitted with overflow holes that must be closed with a sponge or wet towel before proceeding with the plunger.
Instead of using your plunger you can apply commercial products containing chemicals that can dissolve the blockage, for instance concentrated drains pipes cleaner. This is usually done after you attempt to unplug your drainpipe using your plunger. Leave the chemical for a few minutes so that it loosens the blockage, and then use hot water to rinse out the drain, taking care not to splash yourself. 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. Make sure to follow the supplier’s guide so that you won’t come across any problems.
The next thing you can attempt to use if your plunger is ineffective is to loosen the nuts holding the P-trap in place with pliers or a pipe wrench. Removing the drain trap can release a sudden rush of waste water, so keep a mop and pail handy, put a bucket underneath the p-trap before you disconnect it. 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. Once you have removed the P-trap you can inspect the trap thoroughly for any blockage. If, however you cannot find any solid materials the problem is probably harder to get to, between the trap and the soil stack deep in the drainage pipework.
A toilet auger can be used for unclogging the toilet. However a plumbers drain pipe snake is more suitable for bath tub or kitchen sink waste pipes. 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 turning the handle to dig into the blockage, you can bring the blockage up and away from the drainage. The P-trap should be reconnected once the obstruction is cleared, slowly flush the drainage with hot water to confirm that there is no obstruction and that there are no leaks. Make sure that everything is tight and sealed properly and test the P-trap for leaks.
If all the above enlisted methods fail to unclog your bathroom drainpipe, then you should call a professional waste pipes contractor. Some common problems that are beyond the capabilities of the common homeowner are obstructions in the soil stack or the sewer service by tree roots or even a collapsed pipe which could be the result of old age or deterioration of the pipes because of Mother Nature or an unforeseen Act of God.