Tips to solve that clogged drainage issue
Tips to solve that clogged drainage issue
What comes to mind quickly when faced with obstructed waste pipes in your bathroom? The simplest one is to use the good old plunger. Using a waste pipes plunger is relatively simple to do. 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 completely with the bell-shaped head of the plunger and push down gently, then come up quickly and forcefully creating suction. The suction created when the plunger is pulled up will hopefully dislodge the material clogging the toilet, tub or sink in your bathroom. 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 clog, for instance concentrated drains cleaner. First attempt to clear the drainpipe with a plunger, only then should you try the chemical solutions as they can be hazardous for the novice. The chemicals must sit for a while as it eats away at the blockage, then you must run hot water down the drain pipe to flush it out. During the cleaning operation, chemicals and dirt may spill over your clothes, therefore as a precaution wear old clothes. And since plunging can throw water in any direction you might want to consider eye-wear in order to protect you from any chemicals. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any unnecessary issues.
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. This will create quite a mess so be ready with a towel and pail. 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. With the trap opened, insert gloved hands to remove any debris that may be blocking the bends. If you don’t see anything, the problem might unfortunately go far deeper and may be located between the trap and the drains pipes 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. The instrument is designed in a way that it can travel deep down into your pipes. By twisting the adjustable handle to drill into the blockage, you then pull the obstruction up and out of your drain pipe. When you are sure that all the clogging material is cleared, replace the P-trap and test the drain with hot water. Make sure that all the connections are properly fitted and sealed, and also check the P-trap for leakages.
If the drainpipe is still choked after all these measures, or if the problem reoccurs chronically, employ a competent plumber or drains pipes contractor to fix it. You will need to call a professional plumber or drains service when the obstruction is in the sewer or soil track or when it is due to tree roots, or when the pipe has collapsed due to some reason.