Clear out those blocked sewers quickly
Clear out those blocked sewers quickly
What are some of the best remedies to open choked drains pipes of your bathroom? The typical plunger is easiest and speediest solution. Using a plunger is very simple if you know how. 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 drainpipe fully, you can then push the plunger down and then pull it up again to create suction in a slow rhythmical manner. In theory the suction created by pulling up quickly will dislodge the material that is clogging your bathtub, toilet or sink. Some tubs and sinks have an overspill outlet; remember to plug this outlet with the help of a wet towel or sponge before using the plunger.
You could use a drains clearance chemical that is designed to break down the material instead of the more conventional plunger. First attempt to clear the drain pipe with a plunger, only then should you try the chemical solutions as they can be hazardous for the novice. You should allow the chemicals time to take effect and then, once the material that is clogging the drain has been disintegrated you can flush it out with hot water. During the cleaning operation, chemicals and dirt may spill over your clothes, therefore as a precaution wear old clothes. Putting on eye cover will be a good idea if you intend to plunge again and prevent the splattering of left over chemicals into your eye. The chemical product comes with specific manufacturer’s directions; it is important to read and follow them carefully.
You can use a pipe wrench or pliers to unscrew the P-trap if you are unable to remove the clog with the plunger, this will give you access to the pipe. Removing the drainage 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. By covering the jaws of your wrench with electrical tape you will avoid damaging the chrome on your pipes and it will also allow you to get a better purchase of them. Once you have removed the P-trap you can inspect the trap thoroughly for any blockage. If the plunger, the chemical or trap removal does not help, then the blockage could be much deeper in the pipework.
A toilet auger can be used for unclogging the toilet. If the problem lies in your tub or sink, a plumbers drain snake will come in handy. The flexible snake wire can be inserted deep into pipework of smaller diameter. By twisting the adjustable handle to drill into the blockage, you then pull the obstruction up and out of your drainage. 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 the drain is still choked after all these measures, or if the problem reoccurs chronically, employ a competent plumber or drains contractor to fix it. 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 drainage engineer.