Empty out those obstructed waste pipes speedily
Empty out those obstructed waste pipes speedily
Do you know what the best way to unblock drains is? Using a plunger is the most effective and speediest way to solve this common household problem. Using a drainage plunger is relatively simple to do. Obviously you shouldn’t move the plunger up and down forcefully as this will be ineffective and could make the blockage worse. Ideally the plunger’s bell shaped head should be used to cover the drainage fully, you can then push the plunger down and then pull it up again to create suction in a slow rhythmical manner. Hopefully the suction of the upwards movement of the drains plunger will pull what ever is stuck in your drain pipe back up into the bathroom toilet, tub or sink. You may notice small overspill openings in your bath or sink and you should always remember to block these up with a wet paper towel or sponge to create maximum suction.
Instead of using your plunger you can apply commercial products containing chemicals that can dissolve the clog, for instance concentrated drains pipes cleaner. The chemicals are normally applied only after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the clog using a plunger. Run the chemical into the drainage and allow it to work for about 30 minutes before flushing the drainpipe with hot water. During the cleaning process, chemicals and dirt may spill over your clothes, therefore as a precaution wear old clothes. 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. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any unnecessary issues.
The next thing you can attempt to use if your plunger is unproductive is to loosen the nuts holding the P-trap in place with pliers or a pipe wrench. You should have a bucket and a towel handy as this can be a really dirty job. If you dont want to destroy the chrome finish of your pipes, then wrap the jaws of the pipe wrench with the electric tape; this will also help you to get a better grip. Once you have removed the P-trap you can inspect the trap thoroughly for any blockage. If you don’t see anything, the problem might unfortunately go far deeper and may be located between the trap and the drainage soil stack.
To unclog the toilet, you should use a toilet auger to get at these deep seated stoppages. If the problem lies in your tub or sink, a plumbers drainage snake will come in handy. The flexible snake wire can be inserted deep into pipework of smaller diameter. Once the snake has reached the blockage you can twist the adjustable handle which will drill into the obstruction so you can then pull the material out. 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. Ensure that all the joints and the P-trap are firmly sealed and that there is no leakage anywhere.
If all these methods fail then you need to call in a professional plumber. Some common problems that are beyond the capabilities of the common homeowner are stoppages 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.
