How to address your congested sewers issue
How to address your congested sewers issue
Do you know what the best way to unblock drains is? Using a plunger is the most effective and fastest way to solve this common household problem. The whole process of unclogging a blocked drainpipe 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. The most effective procedure to adopt is to cover the drain pipe completely with the bell-shaped head of the plunger and push down gently, then come up quickly and forcefully creating suction. In theory the suction created by pulling up quickly will dislodge the material that is clogging your bathtub, toilet or sink. 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.
Chemical unblocking agents can also be used to dislodge or dissolve blocked matter. This is usually done after you attempt to unplug your drain pipe 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 pipe, taking care not to splash yourself. Wear proper clothes while dealing with chemicals, remember the strong chemicals can fall on your clothes and spoil them so be careful with that. And since plunging can throw water in any direction you might want to consider eye-wear in order to protect you from any chemicals. Also remember to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so that you do not create new issues.
If both the plunger and chemicals fail to alleviate the clogging problem you have, then you can try unscrewing the nuts on the P-trap with pliers or a pipe wrench to gain access to the pipe. Keep a bucket and towel to deal with the mess that will follow. 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 the P-trap is removed, check the trap for any solid materials obstructing the pipe opening. If you dont find anything on the P-trap, then it means that the problem lies deeper somewhere between the trap and soil stack.
A toilet auger can be used for unclogging the toilet. If the problem lies in your tub or sink, a plumbers drainage snake will come in handy. drainpipe snakes are manufactured to be able to access the far side of your pipes as narrow as they may be. 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 all the connections are properly fitted and sealed, and also check the P-trap for leakages.
If all these methods fail then you need to call in a professional plumber. There are some incidents that cannot be solved by the common householder such as clogs in the soil stack or the sewer service near tree roots or even a broken pipe caused by age or pipe corrosion brought upon by nature or some “mysterious reason”, at these times contact a good drains pipes engineer.