How to address your stopped drains pipes issue
How to address your stopped drains pipes issue
Do you know what the best way to unblock waste pipes 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. But the last thing you want to do is be too aggressive and pulse to quickly. To ensure that the plunger works effectively, wholly cover the drain pipe with its bell-shaped head, and gently push it down once, and immediately come up, so that suction is created. Hopefully the suction of the upwards movement of the drains pipes plunger will pull what ever is stuck in your drain pipe back up into the bathroom toilet, tub or sink. 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.
Chemical unblocking agents can also be used to dislodge or dissolve plugged matter. The chemicals are normally applied only after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the clog using a plunger. Let the chemicals stay in the drain for some time and then wash them out with hot water, do this slowly to ensure that the water is flowing away. Just to be careful, you must put on clothes that you wouldn’t care about if they get spoiled by dirt or harmful chemicals. 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 still doesn’t make any difference after the chemical treatment you could use pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen the P-trap nuts. Keep a bucket and towel to deal with the mess that will follow. 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. After you have removed the P-trap, clean it thoroughly to eradicate any solid material that may be blocking the pipe opening. But in case you are unable to find any blockage, chances are that the problem lies deep down between the soil stack and the trap and you will need additional tools.
A deep blockage in the toilet can be loosened by a toilet auger. With a bathtub or sink, however a drainpipe snake should be used. drainage snakes are manufactured to be able to access the far side of your pipes as narrow as they may be. By twisting the adjustable handle to drill into the blockage, you then pull the obstruction up and out of your drainpipe. After you have successfully removed the the blockage you should put the P-trap back into place and check if water can flow through freely. Make sure that everything is tight and sealed properly and test the P-trap for leaks.
If all these methods fail then you need to call in a professional plumber. Some common issues 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.
