Drain unclogging
From time to time, clogs can form in the drain system. They are usually caused by the accumulation of grease, lime, urine stone, hair, or foreign objects. As a result, all of this blocks the water and causes stagnation, which does not drain. Such circumstances interfere with the regular operation of the drain and threaten to break pipes, flooding and subsequent unscheduled repairs.
What to do to avoid such an emergency? Some people try to cope with unblocking drains on their own. But it does not always end with success. Not to mention that unblock clogs need to be carried out promptly! That is why it is better not to waste precious time and seek the help of experts in drain unclogging.
How to unclog a kitchen sink?
An intense odor, slow water removal and stagnation are clear signs that the kitchen plumbing is blocked. It could be caused by a buildup of grease particles, food debris contamination, a faulty pipe or trap fitting. So let’s figure out how to unblock the sink at home, learn the nuances and choose the best method.
The causes of blocked kitchen sinks can be divided into 3 groups:
Сlogs of a mechanical nature. A common cause of their occurrence is trivial contamination, formed during active use of the sink because it regularly accumulates outside objects, food residues;
Сlogging due to prolonged use. Subsequently, a precipitate may form in the pipe, which settles on the walls and thus reduces the amount of water runoff. In addition, the metal elements of the drainage structure are subject to sediment in the form of solid particles from running water, which often leaves much to be desired in homes;
Сlogs of artificial origin. This damage to the structure can not be eliminated without replacing the pipe and trap with a new one. Sometimes the cause of regular clogging sinks can be incorrectly chosen angles when installing pipes.
Tools and ways to clean a clogged sink:
You can use baking soda and salt or vinegar to clean the sink. These are the simple remedies that are most often at hand in the kitchen.
What to do with a clogged shower drain?
The leading cause of a clogged shower drain is hair. As it piles up, it builds up other clogs, forming dense, impenetrable clogs. In addition, pet hair, soap components, and sediment due to lower quality water treatment aggravate the situation. So what methods and means can be used to unblock the already formed clog in the shower stall?
Plunger
A plunger with a pneumatic blow, which is generated by the device’s movement down, allows you to dislodge the dense clog inside the drains and facilitate the flow of water.
Plumbing rope
A plumbing rope is the most effective method of clearing dense clogs. The string can be of different lengths and diameters. The optimal size for unclogging the shower is 2,5 to 3, with a maximum of 5 meters.
Special products for cleaning
You can buy them in hardware stores. Before buying, read the instructions on the packaging or on the manufacturer’s website.
Is your toilet clogged?
The blockage that prevents wastewater from flowing freely inside the pipes can be removed by cleaning the toilet. A drain conveys wastewater with various components. The following are a few of the most troublesome:
Hair. They get into the bathtub drain and accumulate in the trap;
Solids. These are small debris and sand that fall into the drains;
Pieces of cloth, tampons, and other objects. Most often, they get into the system through the toilet trap.
How to eliminate the clog in the toilet
You must establish its position. If water is leaking from all plumbing fittings, the source of the problem is somewhere between the toilet and the tee’s entry point into the riser. All of the bathroom appliances may operate well, but the water in the kitchen sink may not drain. This indicates that the issue is with the outlet fixture or the pipe connecting the sink to the next appliance.
Drain cleaning
Cleaning drain pipes may be necessary for an apartment and commercial space. Therefore, it is better to carry out timely prevention and regular drain cleaning.
A mechanical method of drain cleaning
Electromechanical drain cleaning is used to unblock dense plugs with a diameter of 300 mm. A rotating spiral wire allows you to destroy hard-to-break clogs, and special attachments remove germinated roots and hard deposits.
The hydrodynamic method of flushing
Hydrodynamic flushing is an effective way to clear internal and external pipelines with a diameter of 50 to 1000 mm. Water under pressure breaks through the clogs down and wholly cleans the walls of the pipeline drain of grease, silt, sand, rust, and other impurities.
Clogged sewer line
Clear drain pipes and traps are possible with various devices, for example, a rope. Due to it, it is possible to remove large-sized debris from the system, such as building materials, rags, and paper. Cleaning drain in a private home with a rope is carried out according to the following algorithm:
The device is carefully lowered into the drain system through the drain;
In the event of a collision with the debris, the rope begins to resist. Then you need to turn the handle 2-4 times. If it turnsing badly, then the hose is well fixed;
Pull the cable out a little and then push it forward again;
Once the line is well caught, you can start winding it in the opposite direction.
Conclusion
The choice of an effective method depends on the specific place of clogging the plumbing system, so sometimes you have to try more than one method or even a combination of several to eliminate the problem. In addition, you should think in advance about the required equipment, to get hold of a plunger, etc.
If none of the methods worked, it’s time to contact a technician. The clog was most likely developed and clogged too deeply, beyond the reach of instruments.
FAQ
How to unblock a drain fast?
The fastest and most effective options are as follows:
How do you unclog a drain with standing water?
The most popular options:
