When a plunger won't remove a blockage in a drain, you need to brace yourself for an unglamorous job. Clearing drains may be dirty, but it could also save you lots of money in professional service fees.
June 30, 2015
When a plunger won't remove a blockage in a drain, you need to brace yourself for an unglamorous job. Clearing drains may be dirty, but it could also save you lots of money in professional service fees.
Clear the trap
If you've tried plunging the sink and the blockage won't shift, the waste pipe is probably clogged with soap scum, hair, oil or kitchen waste. Waste-water outlet pipes are fitted with a U-shaped bend that traps water in the lower part of the "U" and so prevents smelly sewer gas from entering the building. It's here that you're likely to find the source of your blockage.
Remove a blockage further down the pipe
If the drain is only partly blocked, try a chemical unblocking agent. These caustic chemicals are toxic and can cause skin irritation, so always follow the instructions on the bottle and be sure to wear rubber gloves, cover any exposed skin and ventilate the room adequately.
Avoid caustic chemicals if the drain is completely blocked — they can damage plumbing fixtures. Instead, use a plumber's snake. This is a length of coiled wire that can be wound into the drain — even round corners and bends — to push through a blockage further down the pipe.
Keep your waste pipes flowing freely
When it comes to drains, prevention is always better than a cure.
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